It's starting to feel.....

....like I only have bad news anymore. 

So, we had Reilly in the vet again yesterday.  He's got two new issues.  The short term one is that he's got one suture line from the surgery that has developed an infection from internal suture material.  That one needs hot packing and antibiotics.  It'll be good soon.

Then there's the long-term problem.

Reilly is producing crystals in his urine.  Struvite crystals.  How do we know this?  Because he had a urethral prolapse.  The tip of his penis inverted, so he basically has a doughnut shaped protrusion coming out of there.  Nice and painful.  He can still urinate without a problem, which is good.  The urinalysis showed the crystals.  They form in urine that's too alkaline.  So he needs to have the pH of his urine changed.  And how do we do that?  He goes on a prescription-only grain-based dog food that will keep the pH of his urine down so he doesn't make crystals.  So now we'll have dogs on two different diets.  And this will cost more than we spend on our own food, which is always fun.  Currently he's on major antibiotics (which will also work on the knee), anti-inflammatories, and a new diet.
To total it all up... we have growth abnormalities, some of which do not look like they are going to correct.  He will probably remain cow hocked, particularly on the right hind leg.  We have OCD, requiring major surgery.  We have this new urine pH issue.  And assorted small issues.  I also need to get his eyes checked, per the purchase contract, and will need to get a referral to another specialist for that.
I'm frustrated.  I went to great lengths to find a good puppy.  A puppy meant to help ease my life somewhat.  I found a great breeder who tested for everything possible to test for.  And it seems that Reilly is getting everything it's NOT possible to test for.  Instead of easing my life, it's added another physical drain which I can ill afford. 

Life seems to enjoy throwing me curve balls.  Sigh.

Meg, Reilly, Jake, and company.