Dr. Herriot's Confidence about Tricky's Hospitalization

Dr. Herriot was confident that Tricky would be in the hospital soon because of the following reasons:

1. Tricky's Condition: Dr. Herriot observed that Tricky had a severe case of bladder stones, which could be life-threatening if not treated promptly. He noticed that Tricky's bladder was distended and his urine was dark and bloody. These symptoms indicated that Tricky needed urgent medical attention.

2. Tricky's Owner: Dr. Herriot knew Tricky's owner, Mr. Pickersgill, and his tendency to avoid spending money on veterinary care. He was aware that Mr. Pickersgill would only bring Tricky to the hospital when his condition became critical.

3. Dr. Herriot's Experience: As a veterinarian with years of experience, Dr. Herriot had encountered many pet owners like Mr. Pickersgill. He knew that some owners tended to ignore their pet's health problems until it was too late.

4. Tricky's Past Medical History: Dr. Herriot was familiar with Tricky's medical history and knew that he had a history of urinary tract infections and bladder problems. He also knew that Tricky's diet was not appropriate for his condition, which could aggravate his symptoms.

All these factors contributed to Dr. Herriot's confidence that Tricky would end up in the hospital soon. He was aware of the seriousness of Tricky's condition and the owner's reluctance to seek medical help. He also knew that early intervention was crucial in treating bladder stones, which could lead to further complications if left untreated.