Buoy's been through a lot in a short time. Before he was six months old, he was returned by four different families. One had never had a puppy, and underestimated the time and energy required, especially for a husky. One already had a dog he didn't get along with. Another was going through a divorce. And yet another rejected him after less than 24 hours, putting him outside alone in an exercise pen.
After so many failed homes, I had to entertain the possibility Buoy could come with difficulties. Within a few days, it was obvious to me Buoy's temperament wasn't the problem (in fact, if he and his brother switched places, his brother probably would've shown these families what a typical husky is really like). He's friendly with people and other dogs, remarkably calm for his age and breed, unbothered by new places and situations, and immediately fit right in with his brother Kuzco and older "sister" Korra.
Once I realized "I'm going to find Buoy a good forever home" = "I'm going to be known as the crazy lady with three huskies" and noticed Buoy wasn't growing out of some intermittent incontinence, it was time to find out what was causing the occasional urine drip. Results from bloodwork and a urinalysis all came back normal. However, an ultrasound revealed some unusual findings. Buoy has an ectopic ureter - a congenital, anatomical defect where urine bypasses the bladder (https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/ectopic-ureter/). There's currently no genetic testing available for this condition, and no way to have prevented it from happening.
The good news - with corrective surgery, it's highly likely Buoy will lead a normal life! The average success rate is around 80%, and we've found caring, knowledgeable, and experienced veterinarians at both East Rockaway Veterinary Hospital and Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island who feel as though Buoy's care following surgery could be managed with extra monitoring through bloodwork and//or medication. Overall, the prognosis is strongly optimistic Buoy could spend the next 12-14 years without pain, discomfort, or a diminished quality of life due to this condition.
The caveat - Buoy's ultrasound also revealed an even more unusual find: hIs right kidney is missing. The left one has compensated for this absentee and appears to be fully functional. While there's always potential for complications with any surgery, the presence of only one kidney does present the need for some additional precautionary measures during anesthesia. It also means that without corrective surgery for the ectopic ureter, Buoy will be at an even higher risk of chronic UTIs, skin infections, kidney damage, or even kidney failure. While he should expect a normal life despite one kidney, any damage to the one he has would be irreversible, damaging, costly to manage, and likely fatal.
For an 11 month old puppy who isn't currently experiencing any pain or discomfort, has the sweetest temperament, actually seems excited about his vet appointments thanks to the attention and treats, and is otherwise in good health - I can't justify not proceeding with surgery. Given a less optimistic prognosis or any negative impact to Buoy's quality of life, what's in his best interest might unfortunately be a different option. Thankfully, though, the odds are in his favor.
Surgery is currently scheduled for April 21st. Please consider helping Buoy if you are able. Surgery was quoted at between $6,500-$7,500, and diagnostics to this point have already cost over $1,500. Our overall goal is $8,500, but every dollar helps. All funds will go directly to his care (diagnostics, cost of surgery, recovery from surgery, medication, follow-up, etc). We are eternally grateful, and appreciate you taking the time to read Buoy's story.