Benny is Hospitalized

One of our caregivers found Benny straining outside the barn during heat checks. His labored breathing and straining to pee indicated he was suffering from a urinary blockage – a medical emergency.

This is an unexpected and expensive emergency. Your donation right now is critical in ensuring Benny receives the care he deserves. If you cannot donate, please share and send positive thoughts to our sweet boy.

He will need emergency surgery to remove the stones found in his bladder. 

6/17/2026 Update: $5,000/$6,500 raised ($6,500 is the current bill)
Benny is doing so much better!
🟡 All symptoms of the capture myopathy have dissipated and his bloodwork is now normal. He has been weaned from IV fluids and is doing well.
🟡 The BIG NEWS is that today (at 3 pm PST), his veterinary team will attempt to perform surgery to remove the stones still remaining in his bladder.
🟡 He is peeing but it is clear he is still straining and struggling.
🟡 His longterm prognosis is unknown. Recurrence of stones is unfortunately common. The longer term goals will be evaluated after his surgery.

6/16/2026 Morning update: $3,000/3,400 raised ($3,400 is the current bill):
Benny is improving! Here are last night’s updates (we have not spoken to his team yet this am). 🟡 The effects of the capture myopathy are improving. His urine color is more normal, his kidney values are coming down, and his muscle enzymes have reduced. He is not out of the woods but getting close.
🟡 His catheter did come out but thankfully he is able to urinate without it. He is still straining and is uncomfortable.
🟡 He remained on IV fluids overnight.
🟡 He will be getting x-rays this morning to see what crystals remain.

6/15/2026 Morning Update: $425/$3,000 raised
Last night, Benny underwent emergency surgery for an obstructed urethra and bladder. Here are the updates we have for you:
🟡 Benny had surgery to remove crystals blocking the tip of his urethra.
🟡 Benny still has crystals at the entrance to his bladder, which we will need to discuss with his care team on how to handle.
🟡 Due to the stress of straining, handle, and transport, Benny is suffering from capture myopathy, a non-infectious and extreme reaction to stress. It can cause acid imbalances and significant muscle damage, including to his heart and kidneys.
🟡 Benny is on IV fluids, pain management, and other medications to help support him.

We will need to discuss with his care team the next steps and will keep you posted. For now, he remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Animal lovers like you have raised $5,000 of the $6,500 bill. Join them with a donation toward Benny’s care – your gift of $10, $25, or $50 makes a difference for individuals like Benny!

Benny is only 3.5 years old, having spent 3 of those years in sanctuary. With you by our side, he has a fighting chance! 

What causes or worsens urinary stones? 

🟤Early-neutering can increase the risk of crystals becoming blocked in the urethra of male sheep and goats. Benny was neutered quite young and so his urethra never had time to expand to its fullest.

🟤High-grain and alfalfa-based diets can cause crystals to form in the bladder and urethra. We do not feed  a high-grain diet or alfalfa. The sheep are on pasture, but we suspect Benny consumed more hot spring grasses than his flockmates. 

PS: We are doing all we can to give Benny a fighting chance, and Benny is doing all he can to survive this. Your donation of $10, $25, or $50 will give his veterinary team everything they need to help Benny!