Molly was surrendered to WSRH a year ago, after she was diagnosed with diabetes at eight years old. Her owner had trouble keeping up with her food and insulin schedule, and poor Molly was suffering the side effects. Her experienced foster was able to get her on a schedule and on the road to feeling better. A grant from WestieMed helped Molly get the testing she needed to establish her insulin dose and stabilize her blood sugar levels.
Molly is almost completely blind from cataracts, and the eye dogtor said she would be a suitable candidate for surgery once her blood sugar was stabilized. We booked her for a much-needed dental with her primary vet, who was concerned by some of her bloodwork and requested an abdominal ultrasound. Molly has shown symptoms of Cushing’s, but so far testing has been normal. The ultrasound showed no irregularities.
Molly continues to do well in her foster home, receiving her food and medications on a fixed schedule, and getting her blood sugar under control. WSRH is grateful for WestieMed’s assistance in helping this beautiful Westie feel better.
Kind regards,
Maggie Escriva
Volunteer, Intake Coordinator Westie and Scottie Rescue Houston
Jessie was surrendered to WSRH by a breeder who said they were retiring and wanted us to find homes for the remaining eight Westies on their property. We immediately sent volunteers to get the Westies so we could start evaluating and taking care of them. Happily, we did not waste any time in getting them because they were very sweet dogs living in deplorable conditions.
We run heartworm tests on all new dogs as part of their intake medical assessment and two year old Jessie tested heartworm positive. We started her preparatory treatment as recommended by the American Heartworm Society and took care of her spay and dental. Jessie has been a delight to all who meet her and has selected her furever home so they will foster her through treatment.
The grant from WestieMed will cover the costs of the split Heartworm treatment so Jessie can live a happy and healthy life with a furever family that loves her.
Kind regards,
Maggie Escriva
Volunteer, Intake Coordinator Westie and Scottie Rescue Houston
Update June 23, 2024:
Jessie (now named Maggie) has completed her heartworm treatment and finalized her adoption. Here is an update from her new family:
“Maggie is doing well. Since we are retired she gets to enjoy a morning walk around our neighborhood every morning. We go very early since summer began. She has met several dogs in the neighborhood on her walks but does not show much interest in them.
“She is an indoor dog but she likes to lay in the sun on the hot sidewalk for a few minutes in the afternoon. She comes indoors after about 10 minutes. We have large oak trees with many squirrels and Maggie likes to sit under a tree and stare at the squirrels. She chases them once in a while and she is developing hunting strategies even though she never gets close. She runs after the egrets that we see after a lot of rain but they fly away of course.
“Maggie is very affectionate and the staff at our veterinary clinic all love her. She is lying on the couch next to me as I write this.
Thank you, WestieMed, for making it possible for Maggie/Jessie to have a rich, full life.
Kind regards,
Maggie
Volunteer, Intake Coordinator
Westie Rescue Houston, also known as Westie & Scottie Rescue Houston
Emma is a delightful 7 year old Westie who came to WSRH because her previous owners could not manage her diabetes. She was incontinent and underweight when we received her, and we immediately placed her with a foster who is experienced with diabetic dogs.
Since she came to us, Emma has been placed on a set feeding and insulin schedule, and has had several checks at the vet. Each glucose curve or fructosamine test has indicated additional insulin needed, so her medication has been adjusted accordingly. While Emma’s blood sugar is still in the process of being stabilized, she has returned to a normal weight and no longer has issues of incontinence. We are grateful to WestieMed for helping us get her ready for her furever home.
Kind regards,
Maggie Escriva
Volunteer, Intake Coordinator Westie and Scottie Rescue Houston
Update June 23, 2024:
As we started looking for a furever home for sweet Emma, we received an inquiry that caught our attention:
“My family previously adopted a Westie that I cared for 14 years before she passed. My 12 year old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes a few years ago. It’s a challenging lifestyle but we understand it very well and the importance of a good schedule… I would really love to be able to care for her and it would be very special for my daughter as well.”
We encouraged this mom to fill out an application, which she did, and the family completed our application process with flying colors. Next, the family made a road trip to come meet Emma. Here is an update from them:
“Our family feels so lucky to have been able to adopt Emma. We are grateful for the good care she received while waiting for a forever home and that she had access to the supplies and medicine she needed while we transitioned her to our vet and got to know her better.
“Emma knows her routine well and loves exploring the backyard, she enjoys neighborhood walks and going to our daughter’s soccer games. She has also motivated and comforted our oldest daughter who also has type 1 diabetes.
“Emma had a good bill of health at her last vet appointment and she just got a puppy cut at the doggy spa to get her through this hot summer! She loves adventures and also stretching out in a comfy spot. We can’t remember what life was like before her. She is very settled in and is very much a part of our family.”
Kind regards,
Maggie
Volunteer, Intake Coordinator
Westie Rescue Houston, also known as Westie & Scottie Rescue Houston
Westie Rescue Southeast (WRSE) has contacted many commercial/puppy mill Westie breeders offering a safe haven for any Westies in need. An Amish breeder contacted us about Ivy.
She had been kept in a pen inside of a barn with many other dogs. Her legs were atrophied from lack of the ability to move around, she had countless amounts of puppies in her four young years and her vocal chords had been cut. The rescues in her area were contacted but they were unable to take her, so we flew to Ohio to pick her up and drove eight hours back to her foster home.
When Ivy was having her spay surgery, it was discovered that she had pyometra. Unfortunately, this is common for females out of commercial breeding facilities as they are kept in filthy pens or cages so they have a much higher chance of getting these infections. This make the spay surgery more complicated and higher risk. The infection was so severe that the inside of her uterus had turned green. The vet was very concerned about the possibility that the infection could have spread . She is on multiple antibiotics to hopefully prevent any further infection issues. The vet also confirmed her vocal cords have been cut. This is a cruel practice done by these mills to keep the dogs quiet.
After a week or so after her spay surgery, she became little lethargic and had a very high respiratory rate. Her X-rays show spots in her right lung and an enlarged heart on the right side. She ultimately saw a cardiologist and Internal Medicine Specialist. The echocardiogram confirmed the enlarged right side of her heart but all of the valves and function are completely normal. She had broken out in skin lesions which they believe was an allergy reaction to the antibiotics she was on after her surgery. When they did the cytology of them there was bacteria present so she will be on a antibiotic for skin (Simplicef). However, because she has some cloudiness in her lungs along with these skin eruptions she was tested for blastomycosis fungal infection as a precaution. It is very prevalent in the area where she came from. The internal medicine doctor along with the radiologist didn’t think her lung issue is bacterial, but possibly lung worm. She will be on panacur dewormer for 10 days. This can cause the inflammation, cloudiness and spots seen on her X-rays. She is on medication to help get the inflammation down in her lungs so she can breathe easier. Lastly, she tested positive for Lyme disease. They sent out her blood sample to test the antibody level. Some dogs immune system will fight it off and still test positive. A 30 day treatment of doxycycline will be given if the immune system was not able to fight it off.
She has done extremely well. Her westietude is starting to emerge. Her foster family is so in love with her and will most likely foster fail.
Thank you to WestieMed for helping us so that other dogs may receive the help they need.
Susie Massey
Westie Rescue SouthEast
Update March 12, 2024:
Ivy is doing well! As you know, last fall she battled pyometra, lung worms, hook worms, and Lyme disease. She is still having some issues with her gut biome (overgrowth of clostridium bacteria in her gut, we are working on it with her vet and Kym!). Behaviorally, she has made huge progress with her potty training although she is still not at 100%, but she is probably at 90%! She is very happy and comfortable at home with us but she is still fearful of visitors who come into our home, but getting more brave every day! Her personality has really started to shine through and she has become “mildly mischievous” and will sometimes steal a sock etc We have taken her on 4 trips to Deep Gap, Cashiers, Charleston and Asheville. She got to visit on the beach for the first time last weekend at Folly Beach! We are working on her tricks. She knows sit, lay, shake paw and kind of knows twirl. She is very sweet and very loving. She does still struggle with her luxating patellas on both back knees as well as some quirky behavior on walks so we are working on leash walks in the neighborhood.
Susan D. Massey
Update September 2, 2024:
Ivy has continued to enjoy her life here with us, acting as a resident dog host to two different fosters this summer through Westie Rescue Southeast. Ivy thrived hosting each foster and was happy to share her home, her beds, her toys and her humans with the Westies in need. She knows a few tricks now including sit, shake paw, lay down and twirl (spin). She accidentally got a little too spoiled and hit too high of a weight, so I’ve gotten her close to her goal weight (she’s lost 2.5 pounds but needs to lose 1 more pound, however we are doing it slowly). Keeping her at a lower weight is important due to her leg problems (luxating patella on both back legs and bad joints due to having Lyme disease). Ivy had struggled with diarrhea from an unbalanced gut biome which has greatly improved. We have her on Animal Biome fecal transplant protocol along with a couple other gut supplements from Animal Biome which has improved her harmful gut bacteria counts and helped control her diarrhea. She still occasionally has pee or poo accidents in the house but she is doing much better with this now. She unfortunately does have some lung problems going on. We are in the process of figuring out the next steps for her lung problems and have been very worried about that. She either has chronic bronchitis or a lung infection or lung worms (again?) or possibly the early stages of fibrosis which could be Westie lung disease. Not sure yet. We are considering doing a transtracheal lung wash however have received conflicting information as to whether or not this is the right next step for Ivy. Ivy has also developed a strange squeal occasionally which we are trying to determine if it is behavioral or if she is having some kind of pain. It has been a rough month trying to figure out her mysterious issues. That said, she is content and enjoys her life here sunbathing on the back deck, sleeping in her beds or on the couch, getting treats, etc. We hope to start traveling with her again this fall and work on her separation anxiety issue (we haven’t taken her on any trips since May as she struggles with some separation anxiety issues when she is in new places like a relative’s home or an Airbnb)
I hope to figure out her medical issues and treat them accordingly in the coming months, and I do hope to try to find her a long term companion (or us to get a 2nd dog so she has a buddy) maybe next year. She loves other dogs and she is much happier with a furry friend around.
Angel came from an older couple as an owner surrender. She was a daddy’s girl. He unfortunately passed and her mom had major health issues and could no longer care for Angel. She asked her vet for help in finding a safe place for Angel and we were contacted.
This poor little girl has been suffering with long term skin issues. After a couple weeks in rescue, She was having respiratory issues and coughing. She was taken to the Emergency Vet. The X-rays showed many spots with cloudiness on her lungs and an enlarged heart.
She was kept in the oxygen tent overnight to help her breathe easier. She had an echocardiogram to find the cause. The echocardiogram ruled out a few things. She doesn’t have heartworm or heart disease. There are some changes indicating potential pulmonary hypertension but not enough to need medication at this point. This information leads the specialist to believe that it is pneumonia, but not ruling out Westie Lung Disease.
She responded well to the intravenous antibiotics which is why she was moved out of oxygen tent and her respiratory rate improved. We continued the antibiotic treatment at home. She will also follow up with the cardiologist in a few months.
Her skin is showing improvement, but she does have a bad infection in both ears. This poor little girl has a lot going on, but we are doing everything we can to make her feel better.
Thank you for the well wishes. Thank you to WestieMed for helping us help Angel and other Westies in need.
Susie Massey
Westie Rescue SouthEast
Update March 12, 2024:
She has been officially diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis (Westie Lung Disease) and is now on medication for pulmonary hypertension. Luckily the pneumonia cleared up. Her skin issues are well on their way to being healed. Still battling a few small spots of yeast but overall doing remarkably well. We can tell she is feeling better as her personality is shining through, she keeps her foster brothers in line. She is still in foster care and is being tested for Addison’s Disease this week. If diagnosis is confirmed, a treatment plan will be discussed.
Susan D. Massey
Update September 4, 2024:
Angel is doing okay at times – meaning Angel needs her inhaler quite often, depending on the weather which is a factor. Angel is undergoing acupuncture every Tuesday for her respiratory issues. Our opinion is she is improving in her well-being as she seems more active. Her appetite on her steroid Prednisolone has leveled off since changing from prednisone.
We purchased a Pawprint Oxygen Kit in case of an emergency that will allow us to get her to the ER. Angel has her moments with breathing difficulty. Currently, overall, I believe she is improving the best she can. She seems happier and well-adjusted. She still is very food aggressive, which doesn’t necessarily pertain to her health issues.
So Jack’s sad story begins with my husband, as always for the past 10 years, looking for a Westie for me to love. We lost our beloved “Gage” after 13 years and it took 10 years to find an ad on Craigslist to rehome a 4-5 year old male.
I was a little reluctant because it was a Philadelphia ad and I’m not a traveler and my husband isn’t always feeling well. After a few days of back and forth we were informed the breeder was actually in New Jersey. We spoke a few times. My husband asked many questions, I spoke with the breeder again a day or two later and I asked many questions. She even agreed to meet us halfway in Edison New Jersey.
So on July 20th 2023, we set out for the 100 mile trip. I brought a leash, a cage, water and a pillow. We met the breeder in a parking lot. I handed her the $350 and she handed over “Remses”. I put him on the ground. She informed me he never learned his name and this was probably his first time on pavement. He’d never been on a leash either. He was shaking.
The breeder scribbled a note on his “shot record” that was a receipt of sorts. I asked her a few more questions and we set off for the trip home. He stayed so quiet in the cage. I talked to him in a sing-song voice convincing him he was going to a place where he’d be loved and well taken care of and that I hoped he wouldn’t miss his old life too much. It was a quiet ride back home.
Over the following days as we waited for an appointment with our vet, we tried to decide what to call him since he never knew his name. A popular Scottish name was Jack, so that was it. I researched pet insurance also. Never knowing what laid in store. Pet insurance requires a visit to a vet in the prior 12 months with no pre-existing conditions.
At the vet’s office, I explained his story and he was given a thorough going over. I was informed his shot record wasn’t really accurate. Certain immunizations are accompanied by certificates and stickers. I had only check marks in a booklet attesting to his history. I told the vet, I wanted to call the breeder for an explanation about the check marks and if she had his rabies certificate or his Bordetella proof. He was given several tests and other shots and I was informed that he had several missing and broken teeth and that he only had one testicle. If I were to decide to neuter him, it would be a two-step procedure (for which there would be a two time charge). He would have to undergo a “spaying” as a female would to remove his testicle from his belly, and then a neuter as a male dog would to remove the other testicle. He would need dental attention too. Now we understood why he wasn’t much of an eater and turned his nose up at milk bone snacks.
A day or two later the Dr. called to inform us that Jack had heartworm. I was not only devastated for him as my mind went vividly wild as I googled what it meant. He could die. My terror turned to anger. The Dr. wants him back for another blood test to be certain. The poor dog, sticking tiny needles in his forearm to draw blood. He took it all so camly, except the yelp when he got stuck. I guess I was already attached to Jack because at eight days in, I wanted to cry.
I called the breeder (yes, she’s a Westie breeder and has been for years). I asked her which vet the dog had seen (she had told my husband he was vet checked, bathed and groomed and ready to go). She stumbled over her answer and said the vet just checks his eyes and ears. I said really? My vet checked him inside and out and upside down! Why didn’t you tell us he had missing and broken teeth? Oh, yeah they get that from chewing wires was her answer. Why didn’t you tell us he had only 1 testicle, “Oh, yeah I knew he only had one testicle”. And did you know he has heartworm? How long had this poor guy been suffering? “Oh, I didn’t know he had heartworm.” I said, well you had him checked by a vet didn’t the vet test him? You told my husband he was “ready to go”!! Every picture you texted us he’s outdoors, wasn’t he protected? Obviously not! I need the vet’s name and I think you should not only give me back my rehoming fee, but pay for half his treatment costs. Her answer was that she was struggling and couldn’t possibly pay, but she’d “talk to the girls”, whoever they were and get back to me. She also informed me I could take him to Pennsylvania where they treat the heartworm for $450. On August 3rd she posted a new litter of six puppies for sale. Of course she never got back to me. I was willing to take her to small claims court but I didn’t know her address. I can’t read her scribbled last name, I only know she has a Breeders.net profile where she sells her puppies. After a week or so of no response I sent her a stinging text warning of the effects of Karma.
The next day the vet called and Jack tested negative. I had to bring him back in to be stuck for a third time to be certain before any treatment could begin. He also got his Leptospirosis and Bordetella shots just to be sure because obviously this breeder is a storyteller.
Jack was to begin his treatments after a month of antibiotics. I had to find a vet compound pharmacy to make him a liquid because I wasn’t sure he could chew a tablet.
He came to us very skittish. He jumps at loud noise and pushes himself to the very back of the cage to sleep. I leave the door open for him, but while trying to teach him and coax him out, he touches the floor like it’s made of lava, nails clenched like he’s gonna fall. He needs to be carried most of the time.
He’s starting to come around. He loves me to pet him, he gets so excited when I come from the upstairs or home from the store. He eagerly looks forward to dinnertime and he especially likes his outings in the backyard to do what he needs to do, then back inside.
The treatments lasted for months. He had to lay quietly in the cage most of the time so as to not stir up the heartworm bacteria. His third heartworm test came back positive. I took him to the groomer to give him a summer cut and not have to worry about deep brushing and grooming while he’s convalescing. He had to stay very still for the seven weeks or so of rounds of shots.
I was on Facebook one day and brought up some of the groups I had joined when Gage was here. I put a short story on Westie Nation about Jack. The response was just overwhelming! I don’t like to post things because people are so negative and nasty, but there’s a special kind of heaven in the Westie Lover. There were more than 300 people thanking and encouraging me for helping Jack. One person suggested I contact WestieMed. She said they may be able to help with the cost of his treatment. I carefully read everything on the website and decided to submit an application. There are so many stories of assistance! I am so grateful and happy that it was approved. I can’t describe my joy. This will help so much. Once he’s better I can then decide about his spay/neuter and dental issues.
I have always been a believer that everything happens for a reason. Although we’re never always sure why or how. Jack was placed in my path for a reason. I believe it. I’m 100% attached to him and we’re making progress every day.
Thank you WestieMed for the great assistance to get him on a healthy path. I hope my story isn’t too long, I could talk about Jack all day.
Arlene
Update February 8, 2024:
Jack is doing fine. He got through all the treatments and sadly tested positive again.
The vet says this isn’t unusual and he can’t be tested again for a year. Meanwhile, he shows no signs of any ailments at all.
We’re so happy to have him with us.
Again, I can’t thank you enough for the assistance with his care. A true blessing.
Arlene
Update July 11, 2024:
Jack is doing well! He still has some issues he’s working through, but he now feels loved and safe and comfortable. Almost 100%.
Today he has another grooming appointment and in a couple of months his yearly heartworm test. He seems happy to be a part of the family and has a pretty set routine.
I lost my Westie, Spice, to kidney disease in July 2022. I have had Westies most of my adult life. After Spice passed I was hesitant to get another dog and was worried about getting a dog with health problems as that was quite the journey. However, after seven months of not having a fur baby I realized that I had to get another because my fur babies have always been what brings me the most joy in life.
I was having coffee on a January Sunday morning and one of the sweet vet techs at my vet’s office sent me a pic of Stella Mae. She was at the shelter in New Braunfels. I didn’t know anything about her and the shelter had absolutely no background information or history on her. I knew I had to go rescue her but without knowing if she would be a good fit I reached out to Lone Star Westie Rescue to see if we could bring her into rescue to adopt her. They thankfully said yes without hesitation and told me to go rescue that baby.
I called the shelter Monday to inquire about her. They said they had MANY applicants and didn’t know where I stood in line. The next morning I received a call that I was the first applicant! I knew this was a sign she needed to be with me. I went to the shelter and she gave me a sweet kiss and we instantly bonded.
We got home and she seemed to feel right at home and adjusted to the house perfectly. I did notice she wasn’t drinking much water. She was absolutely filthy but couldn’t have a bath because she had just been spayed. She went to the vet that Monday and all her bloodwork looked good.
Fast forward a week. My dad had a stroke and had to stay with me for three months. It was quite a trying time. When he came to my house Stella Mae was extremely fearful (and still is of any strangers that come to the house). I was not able to care for her and my dad at the same time. So, three lovely human beings in rescue offered to help me and take her in and foster her until I could get her back home.
She had 15 teeth pulled and was spayed. She then started having recurrent UTIs and was treated. After three months of recurrent Urinary tract infections, multiple vet and emergency vet visits she had one ultrasound done that didn’t show any masses or anything of concern. She then had a CT done that also didn’t show anything of concern. Her vet did a vaginal exam and said she had some scar tissue that he thought might be causing the issue with emptying her bladder. He did surgery in May to fix that issue. She recovered from surgery but was still squatting frequently.
He did another ultrasound a week later and saw something small along her bladder wall. He did a urine test to test for bladder cancer. It came back negative. He went in to do surgery again in June and found a bladder tumor that came back as Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC), an aggressive form of bladder cancer. He removed as much as he could but could not get all of it. I was absolutely heartbroken as I just started my journey in getting to know this sweet angel that I believe was sent to me for a reason. She recovered well from surgery but was still squatting frequently. She started on a drug called Peroxicam to help with inflammation and hopefully keep the tumor from growing. The drug can cause some digestive issues and the kidneys have to be watched closely. She will also be under the care of an oncologist to do everything we can to keep her around as happy and comfortable as possible for as long as possible.
We do not know her history, but it is evident this baby has not been loved and was treated badly. The vet said her tail had literally been chopped off. She has major separation anxiety and has extreme stranger danger but is getting better.
In spite of all she has been through she is the most loving, grateful, sweet and adorable baby! I am completely in love and obsessed with her. She is my best friend and has the most hilarious antics and makes me laugh daily. I am so grateful that right now she is feeling good, has great energy chasing lizards, birds, squirrels and geckos in the sunshine every day.
I had become overwhelmed with vet bills and reached out to WestieMed. I am so incredibly grateful that they offered to help which allows me to continue the care she needs. I am researching daily and working closely with her medical team to provide the care plan we possibly can for her. I am so saddened with her diagnosis but am trying to stay present and be in the moment with her and cherish my time with her each and every day!
Thank you to WestieMed and all the amazing human beings I have met through rescue! Thank you for all you do for these amazing fur babies and families taking care of them!
Sheila
Update August 14, 2024:
I am sad to say I had to let sweet Stella Mae go to the rainbow bridge on July 6th. She fought for 14 months and was doing pretty good until the last two weeks. I am trying to find a new normal but I am heartbroken and my house is not the same.
Penned by Alexis, one of our groomers and one of Belles caretakers at Bubbles & Bows Pet Spa. An account of Belle the first day we met our new mighty senior.
“I’ve done rescue for a long time. This is the worst case of neglect I have ever seen. I’ve groomed matted dogs, dogs with fish hooks in them…you name it, I’ve seen it. But this, this was way worse than I ever imagined. She was brought in for grooming. I expected a matted dog, possible fox tails, but what we got was far worse. She was a broken little soul.”
“Today, she felt her feet on the ground for the first time in who knows how long. Today, she felt her tail wag. Today, she was able to walk without the tightness of the mats pulling with every step she took. Today, she was able to potty without getting it on herself. Today, she felt loved and wanted. Today… we saved her.”
“She is going to need a lot of help. No way were we going to let this little girl go back to the shelter. Now named Belle, she needed our help. She’s become part of our family. She needs all the love and support she can get. Who knows her story or why she ended up like this, but all we can do is help her now.” ❤ Alexis
Tiny Paws Rescue and Sanctuary had to think fast. Belle was in need of immediate veterinary care. Her wounds were deep, and the smell of infection was taking over her little body. Without any hesitation, the plan was put into place, and Belle was pulled from the Oakdale Animal Shelter. The shelter helped make the process a success and Belle was on her way to the veterinarian the next morning . The team at River Oak Veterinary Hospital in Riverbank, California wasted no time getting this little lady on the road to recovery. Now, with her medication regimen in place, and a game plan, Belle started doing well. This is where Westiemed became part of our village. Belles’s teeth needed to be addressed. The cost for this procedure was one that can run into the thousands. With the generous help from WestieMed, her future is looking bright. As soon as she finished her antibiotics, Belle had the dental procedure to remove the last piece of her broken past. She’s onto a new life. One filled with love, patience, and compassion. Welcome to our village!
With gratitude, Stephanie❤ and Little Miss Belle Grace Tiny Paws Rescue and Sanctuary ❤
Update July 11, 2024:
I just got an update from the adopter & unfortunately, they ended up having to put Belle Grace down because she was having blood in her stool & declining health.
Per Vet: She was between 14-16 yrs. old & agreed it was time to let her go as she was suffering.
She was shown so much love & attention till the end of her life.
Thank you for everything your organization did to help us.
Around her second birthday Maxi lady escaped from her home. We don’t know the reason, but after meeting her we realized that maybe this happened for the better. Unfortunately she was hit by a car and found on the street by dog loving, kind people. They rushed to a veterinarian clinic with the bleeding, shaking dog who was in a shock from her injuries. They found out that she has a microchip and her owners were called to tell them what happened. Due to the fact that Maxi was in a horrible shape and her treatment would have cost a lot of money, they decided to give up on her.
This was the point when Westie Rescue Hungary came in to the story. We were informed by another organization about Maxi and we were requested to help her. She was already hospitalized and had good care and treatment, but her condition was still unstable. She needed more examinations which were not possible to make there, so we took her to Budapest, to the Veterinarian University where they have more expertise for such cases. MRI, CT, several other tests were done. Maxi had fractures on the skull and jaw, a huge hematoma, and she was not able to see at all at that stage. She was in a lot of pain constantly.
She was hospitalized for a week, we did not know if she would survive at all, able to recover, to regain her vision or if she will remain disabled in any way. We only had hope and faith that she was strong enough to stay with us. We had to be very patient. And I can tell now, that Maxi made it. Day by day, week by week she is got better and better. We need to wait a little bit more and then we can find her a forever home where she will be happier and will never think of running away again.
The shelter’s rescue liaison sent us a plea for a ten year old white mix breed that was in need of major medical attention. Apparently, someone found him on the side of the road so they took him to the shelter. His intake photo resembled a schnauzer, but taking no chances, we high tailed it to South Los Angeles. Out comes this BIG, BEAUTIFUL senior Westie boy that in reality is 14 or more years old. The obvious issues were that he is overweight, pot-bellied, severe dental disease, missing most teeth, constantly licks the roof of his mouth and shakes his head, opacities in both eyes and a very stiff gait. He appeared very 9uncomfortable.
So we started at the top. We ran bloodwork, urinalysis, and x-rays. His bloodwork indicated that he could have Addison’s so we added a resting cortisol test. When that came back negative, we tested him for Cushing’s. We needed to address these issues before addressing his mouth and also had an ultrasound performed as there was some concern about possible prostate cancer due to his prostate being abnormally large. Thankfully, that was ruled out and believed to be due to late life neutering. The ultrasound indicated sludge in his gallbladder but the good news is that no mucus seal has formed. We have started him on Ursodiol as a preventative measure. Chase’s test came back positive for Cushing’s, which was really no surprise given his symptoms. Cortisol is produced and stored by the adrenals, two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys and is one of the body’s natural steroids and that a normal amount of cortisol helps the body adapt in times of stress. Cortisol also helps regulate proper body weight, tissue structure, skin condition, and other features of good health but too much cortisol weakens the immune system leaving the body vulnerable to other diseases and infections. There are two common types of Cushing’s disease, either pituitary-dependent or adrenal-dependent. About 80-85 percent of Cushing’s is pituitary-dependent, meaning it’s triggered by a tumor on the pituitary, a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain. Because we did an ultrasound, we know his Cushing’s is pituitary-dependent.
Considered a lifelong condition, the disease usually can be managed with medications. Chase will retest after he’s been on medication for two full weeks and continue to have regular blood tests to monitor his response to treatment and help determine the right dose which may need to be adjusted periodically. Treating Cushing’s is a balancing act, but dogs with the disease can live a good quality life as long as they are monitored closely by a veterinarian.
He received the long awaited dental. Chase is 100% sweetness and is a happy and content senior gentleman. He follows us wherever we go. He is fondly referred to as “our little big shadow”. He is such a good save! His diagnostics and treatment has been very costly,but thanks to WestieMed, Chase is getting all of his needs met.
Karen Simondet Westie Rescue of Orange County (WROC)
Update August 31, 2023:
WestieMed has been informed that Chase is now at Rainbow Bridge.
