Where do we even begin? Our little Diago’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. What started as a routine desexing procedure took a devastating turn when a rare complication occurred at our regular vet. Because Diago had an undescended testicle that needed to be removed to prevent future cancer, we took him in for what should have been a simple surgery. But in a heartbreaking mistake, his prostate was removed instead.
At just 2kg and only 11 months old, Diago suddenly found himself in the fight of his life. His bowel and urethras had been separated, and we were told to prepare for the worst. Hearing that your tiny, fearless fur baby might not survive is something no pet parent is ever prepared for. But Diago is no ordinary dog, and what happened next proved just how powerful courage, compassion, and expert care can be.
When we rushed him to SASH 27/4 Emergency in Tuggerah, we found ourselves surrounded by a team who met us with calm, hope, and unwavering dedication. Dr Stephen Fearnside, the surgeon, walked us through every option with clarity and kindness, giving us something we desperately needed: the belief that Diago still had a chance.
And he did. Against the odds, Diago survived his first surgery, a highly complex procedure where the surgical team had to reconnect his urethras to his bowel, despite them being no wider than tiny needles. It required extreme precision, and the team at SASH delivered it with extraordinary skill.
Diago spent two weeks in the SASH ICU, quickly becoming known as the feisty, spirited little fighter who refused to let his size define his strength. His sass kept the nurses laughing, and his resilience inspired everyone around him.
Even after the surgery was complete, we were still terrified about what recovery would look like. We were warned there was a high chance a second surgery would be needed, as the first procedure wasn’t guaranteed to restore his ability to urinate. With his prostate accidentally removed, his entire urinary tract system had been disrupted. And without proper urination, Diago would have no quality of life.
Against all odds, through miracles, world class expertise, and Diago’s own determination, the surgery worked! Today, even with only 1½ functioning kidneys, he is alive, thriving, and so very happy.
The challenges didn’t end there. Not long after surgery, Diago developed a nasty UTI resistant to multiple antibiotics. But thanks to the persistence and expertise of the SASH team, we finally found a treatment that cleared the infection.
Over the next month, Diago continued to fight bravely, returning to SASH several times as inflammation caused blockages that put pressure on his kidneys. Each visit tested our strength, but every day Diago showed us what real determination looks like. Step by step, with the incredible support of the SASH team, he healed.
Due to his prostate being removed and his urinary tract disrupted, Diago now constantly drips urine. We keep him in nappies, and he is still the happiest little dog you could imagine. Having an incontinent dog, especially one so young, can be challenging, but doing it for Diago is worth every moment. His joy, his spirit, and his love remind us daily why we fight so hard for him.
Today, Diago is thriving. Although he will live with incontinence for the rest of his life, this groundbreaking surgery gave him something far more precious: the chance for a long, healthy, joy filled future. When he arrived at SASH, he was given only a 10% chance of survival. But here he is, one year old, full of life, energy, and his signature attitude.
His journey isn’t over. Diago will continue seeing a specialist twice a year to ensure his health stays on track. But he faces every challenge the same way he always has: with courage, resilience, and a whole lot of personality.
We are endlessly grateful to the extraordinary surgeons and compassionate nurses at SASH who treated Diago as if he were their own. Their expertise didn’t just save his life, they gave him a future.
Diago’s story is one of resilience, teamwork, and the incredible things that happen when hope refuses to fade. He is our little miracle, living proof that even the smallest fighters can overcome the greatest odds. We couldn’t been more thankful for the entire team at SASH. From the receptionists, to the nurses, to the surgeons, to all of the people behind the scenes.
-SASH Central Coast NSW
