08/31/2026
Alarming story.
Sometimes our dogs are trying to tell us something… and it may surprise us what happens when we stop and listen.
My nephew came over recently and shared a story about his beautiful dog, Kona, the gentle giant.
Kona is a Cane Corso mix with the sweetest, most easygoing personality. She gets along with everyone, is incredibly chill, and generally just goes with the flow. ❤️
For years, however, Kona had struggled with bladder issues. She had been on and off medication, and despite treatment, the problem kept returning.
While on a visit to his hometown, my nephew decided it was time to get another opinion. The new vet suspected bladder stones and recommended an X-ray to see what was going on.
And that is when everyone got the surprise of a lifetime.
There were no bladder stones.
There was a pair of hemostat clamps inside Kona.
Yes. Actually. ✂️
The clamps had apparently been left inside her during her spay surgery three years earlier.
My nephew returned to the original veterinary clinic with the X-ray in hand. They did remove the hemostat clamp at no charge ,which was certainly appropriate ,but sadly, there was very little apology, concern, or compassion shown for what Kona and her family had been through.
Poor Kona.
She couldn’t tell anyone, “Something doesn’t feel right.” She couldn’t explain her discomfort. She simply carried on being her gentle, happy self with an incredibly high pain tolerance and a determination to enjoy life.
But her behaviour was telling a story.
Her ongoing bladder issues were telling a story.
And thankfully, my nephew finally said, “Something isn’t adding up. Let’s find out why.”
The X-ray revealed everything.
And the best news? Kona is now recovering and apparently peeing like an absolute champion! 💦
As someone who works with dogs every day, this story really stuck with me and something we can all learn from.
Our dogs may not be able to use words, but they are constantly communicating with us through their behaviour, habits, energy, movement, and changes in their normal routines.
Sometimes we need to look a little closer.
Sometimes we need to ask another question.
Sometimes we need a second opinion.
And sometimes, when we truly listen by observing, what our dogs are trying to tell us may just surprise us.
Good on you, nephew, for trusting your gut and advocating for Kona. She was lucky to have someone willing to keep listening, even when she couldn’t speak.
