westiemed – Page 37

Kati

March 1, 2002January 7, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

March 2002:

Kati was a stray Westie not wearing a collar or any identification when she was hit by a car. She was taken to a veterinary hospital for emergency treatment of her fractured pelvis and badly lacerated leg.

At that point a Guardian Angel stepped into Kati’s life. A man was at the same hospital visiting his dog who was recuperating from surgery when he saw Kati being treated. When the hospital staff told him Kati was a stray, he immediately offered to adopt Kati despite knowing she would need orthopedic surgery for her injuries. During the requisite waiting period for strays, Kati’s previous owner did not claim her and the man was able to adopt her.

Kati did not appear mistreated or undernourished and is not frightened by strangers or other dogs. She seems to love people and gets along with her new owner’s dogs

After adoption, Kati’s new owner took her back to the clinic for a wellness exam, basic shots and heartworm check. The attending vet discovered that her tail was infected and it needed to be surgically “truncated.” While Kati was under anesthesia for the procedure, the vet also checked her teeth and found several badly abscessed molars. Six teeth were removed and the abscesses were treated.

Kati is recovering and healing nicely. The stitches will be removed from her leg and tail over the next two weeks. However, healing of her pelvis and hip is expected to take longer. Orthopedic surgery is anticipated in the future to repair the damage to her hip and pelvis when the wounds are healed.

Update September 2002:

Kati is doing wonderfully, thank you, and has established herself as the alpha-dog-in-waiting among our pack. She has totally subjugated our latest, a black lab puppy named Jack who now outweighs her by forty plus pounds, and is the undisputed head of the doggie fun patrol (if any dog is having fun without her, she breaks it up!). She has had no subsequent problems with the injuries that brought us together (Kismet?) and does not appear to need any additional orthopedic treatment, according to the docs at Pender Veterinary Clinic. Her amputated tail has healed completely and she has no trouble “communicating” with the stub, I can attest. She is, without a doubt, the yappiest dog I have ever heard, which is one of the reasons I like terrier breeds so much, and which drives my wife up the wall (an added benefit, from my perspective!…just kidding). She has a favorite spot at night, the pillow just above my head, from which she monitors and cows all the other dogs. She is also an avid squirrel hunter, along with our yellow lab, Sophie, and can spot one of those critters all the way across our 1-acre side yard. And, strangely, the first time I took her to the groomer she seemed to know where she was and what was going to happen…and was, from the groomer’s report, a little angel. I want to thank you again for making this “fit” possible, along with the local Westie Rescue League.

Keep up the good work…your program and related efforts are greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, Ed, Sue and Kati (and, grudgingly, Sophie (lab), Toby (lab), Jack (lab), Pogo (Cairn Terrier), Donner (Shepherd-X), Barkely (Yorkie), Millie (Beagle) and Kila (Blue Front Amazon parrot).

Update February 4, 2003:

Kati is doing quite well, thanks to you and some wonderful vets at Pender Vet Clinic, although at times she seems a bit suicidal! By that, I mean that she thinks she’s the alpha dog…even though four of the other seven dogs outweigh her by forty pounds or more, and the other three are in her weight class! She is definitely an “in your face” kinda dog. The new black lab puppy, Jack, is ten months old and now weighs about eighty pounds…and he is her personal chew toy. I can’t believe how he puts up with the abuse, but he seems to enjoy it, and it keeps her from attacking the other dogs. At night, her spot is on the pillow above my head, which is the only place where I can be assured that she won’t sneak up on the other dogs while they’re sleeping. Except for the missing tail, there is no evidence of her past physical trauma…and she wags the stub like there’s no tomorrow! Rest assured, she has definitely come to the right house/paradise, and has provided endless hours of entertainment by way of earning her keep. Now, if I could just keep her from attacking Barkley, the Yorkie, things would be just fine. We don’t have a digital camera, but I’ll “snail-mail” a couple of photos to you, she’s a wonderful-looking Westie, even with the horns! Take care, and keep up the good work!

Ed & Sue Duclos (and, of course, Sophie, Toby, Jack, Pogo, Millie, Donner, Barkely…and Kati…oops, and Kila, the parrot, too)

Update February 2003:

As promised, here is a photo of “Kati” in all her glory. At the top of her list of “loves” are: the beach, Jack (the 80# black lab puppy(?)), visits to the groomer, snapping at the other dogs, and snoozing on the pillow above my head…and the list goes on and on. She combines the scrappiness of my sorely missed Schnauzers, the protectiveness of my chocolate lab, and the no-holds-barred “rub my belly and I’m yours” affection of my beagle. In short, a great dog and very welcome addition to our “pack”. Thanks to all the folks at WestieMed, the local Westie Rescue folks, and even the idiot prior owners of Kati for NOT coming to look for her after her accident. Take care and keep up the good work.

Ed and Sue and all the mutts and parrot

Dudley

March 1, 2002January 7, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

April 2002:

Dudley was found in an alley. He was deaf and blind and obviously in pain. Despite his condition, he was completely docile and was taken directly to the Emergency Vet.

Dudley’s eyes were covered with blackened, stiff, infection-caked fur. At first, we thought his eyes had been gouged out. His ears were entirely filled with something that had hardened; it felt as if he had a big thick cigar in each ear. The emergency vet said that apparently, he had been standing in his urine in a cage for some time because his paws were stained yellow. His coat and skin smelled awful and his skin was full of scabs. After about two hours at the vet, they washed him and shaved and cleaned his face and ears, and dispensed one mg of Azium and 100 mg Polyflux, Clavamox 125 mg. for fourteen days, Panalog ointment fifteen ml, Triple antibiotic OO. We were told that one of the technicians was so disheartened at seeing his condition, she cried.

A couple of days later, we took him to our vet where they kept him for observation for the day. He has cataracts and his eyes still discharge gunk. Our vet told us he has a heart murmur and that we need to take him to a cardiologist. She said he also needs an ophthalmologic workup and a dermatological consult. A few days later, we brought him in for a follow-up check-up and he seemed to be progressing. A few days following that, he started limping, refusing to step on his left front paw. The vet dispensed Synotic w/Linc/Banamin and Baytril 68 mg. He’s now walking better, but his paw is still swollen.

Dudley’s recommended course of treatment is a cardiac workup due to heart murmur; ophthalmic workup due to eye discharge, cornea problems, and blindness; and dermatology consult due to pododermatitis, seborrheaoleosa, alopecia. allergies.

Update – May 2002:

Please accept and extend to the board of WestieMed, our heartfelt gratitude for the financial aid that made Dudley’s medical rehabilitation possible. I honestly don’t know what we would have done with this little stray Westie, had you not been there for him and us.

Each day Dudley gets better and better… and feistier. This past Sunday, he made his debut at a neighborhood sixty-family garage sale. He was quite the celebrity as he amazed neighbors who had seen him on that fateful day when he landed in our alley. They were astounded at how much healthier he appeared. When garage sale customers inquired if Dudley was available, they were told in no uncertain terms that they could take husband Tom, but never Dudley!

While Dudley continues to need work on his ears, eyes, paws, allergies, and teeth, we’re thrilled with the progress he has made. His Westie spirit and determination are inspirational.

We cannot thank you enough for your generosity and compassion.

Gratefully, Dudley, Tom and Linda Leahy

Update – June 2002:

Just wanted to send a new “after” picture of Dudley to show the improvement from his “before” picture taken in March. Again, thank you and WestieMed for all your amazing help.

Linda

Update – October 2002:

Dudley has definitely settled in with us and has managed to successfully train both Tom and me.

We cannot thank all of you enough at WestieMed for your financial and emotional support in helping Dudley move forward. I don’t know what we would have done had you not been there for him.

On the health front, Dudley’s eyes are coming along. We administer three meds three times a day. His ears are not faring as well in that the cartilage continues to harden. We’re hoping that he won’t need to undergo surgery, but it looks likely. We’ll learn the verdict this Saturday from his dermatologist Dr. Karen Kuhl.

On the behavioral front, we went through a period when if Dudley was sitting on the bed or sofa with Linda, and Tom would enter the room he would snarl and lunge at Tom. This protective (or so we guessed) behavior made us think he might have spent time in bed with a sick or dying person prior to his abandonment. When we realize how little he can see and hear, it’s amazing he doesn’t snarl more to changes in his environment. The good news is that he no longer snarls at Tom.

Our only challenge is his bladder control. He can’t seem to go for any length of time without urinating. During the day, we manage to get him out frequently. At night it’s a different story. We would really appreciate any advice you might be able too offer. We take him out between 11.00 and 11:30 p.m. and then he happily saunters into his crate next to our bed. He awakens at 4:00 a.m. and howls non-stop to go out. This incites our other dog Baka who is crated on the other side of our bed. They then make it a ceaseless doggy duet. If we don’t crate Dudley at night, we have several accidents. Any suggestions?

Please know how much we treasure all that you’ve done to help us.

Gratefully, Tom and Linda Leahy Dudley’s Devoted Humans

Update – March 2003:

It is approaching a year since Dudley came into our lives. We will celebrate his arrival–aka birthday–on March 17. Thanks to WestieMed, he is healthy and thriving.

Although his eyes and ears still operate at about 50%, he has learned to sit and stay. His vocabulary includes “dinner,” “go get Daddy,” “let’s go out,” “it’s time for bed,” and “do you want to go for a walk?”

Once again, we can’t thank you enough at WestieMed for helping Dudley and us.

All our best, Linda and Tom Leahy Dudley and Baka

Winston

February 1, 2002January 9, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

February 2002:

Winston came from a shelter in South Carolina in November 2001. Soon after arriving in rescue, he was treated for internal parasites and vaccinated, and he tested positive for heartworm. It was also determined that he was in a very weakened condition. His x-rays showed that he had an enlarged heart and a lot of fluid around the heart. Due to his weakened condition, the heartworm treatments would need to be spaced one month apart. His second heartworm treatment was received in December 2001. On January 15,2002, he was back in for a recheck and cough that had developed. Blood work revealed a secondary infection, and x-rays revealed his heart was still enlarged; however – he was clear of heartworms! Because of the continued heart enlargement, an echocardiogram was suggested for further diagnosis. This was performed on January 29, 2002. The echocardiogram showed that the right ventricular was thickened and there is a small amount of leaking. Additional x-rays are recommended in one month prior to anesthetic procedure for neutering. Winston will also need to take a baby aspirin every three days for the rest of his life, after the antibiotics are completed. Another echocardiogram is recommended again in six months. Since arriving, Winston has been kept confined with little to no activity as required for his care. Any exuberant exercise or activity could cause him to have an aneurysm. Winston should be able to lead a normal life once he has recovered, but he could be susceptible to congestive heart failure at a earlier age.

Update – August 2002:

Thanks for inquiring about Winston, my favorite subject! He is doing well. He was adopted on May 1, 2002, and now resides in West Virginia. His health has greatly improved. If you are planning to attend Montgomery County weekend this year (in October) you may have an opportunity to meet him at the parade of rescues. Thanks for caring about Winston.

Karen Spalding – President Westie Rescue, Inc.

Peter

January 1, 2002January 9, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

March 2002:

Peter is expected to make a full recovery…but it will take a long, long time. It is possible that he will need a number of skin grafts. His wonderful foster mom, Barb Ott, and her wonderful vet’s office are tending to Peter’s wounds, ensuring that his dressings are changed regularly, and keeping him as comfortable as possible. Peter has that Westie spirit…he hasn’t given up. Please keep him in your thoughts in these crucial healing days ahead.

Willie- Peter - WestieMed Recipient — Willie- Peter – WestieMed Recipient

Mikkie & Maude

January 1, 2002January 9, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

January 2002:

Mikki and Maude were picked up as strays and taken to the St. Tammany Parish Shelter in Abita Springs, Louisiana. Both were heartworm positive and would have been euthanized had they not have been taken in by Dawn Rescue. When found, they had no tags or other identification, they were in very poor condition, and there were signs of having been bred. Mikki and Maude have begun their heartworm treatment, and have experienced some side effects from it. We anticipate they will make a full recovery.

July 2002 Update:

You will be happy to know that both Mikki and Maude have been adopted. Maude came through the heartworm treatment and spaying with flying colors and was adopted by some nice folks in northern Mississippi, who already had a Westie girlie. BTW her new name is Gracie.

Mikki was a whole ‘another story. She did not respond well, and we almost lost her during the treatment (that is the last time we will use the immiticide treatment). When the treatment was complete, she was coughing a lot and x-rays showed an enlarged heart. After much medication and a follow-up ultrasound, she was found to have had a build-up of heartworm detritus in her lungs. She will have chronic emphysema for the rest of her life. Fortunately, she was not an active little girl, so it will not change her lifestyle. One of our neighbors fell in love with her and adopted her about a month ago. We were really happy since we can keep an eye on her as well. Her new name is Gidget. Unfortunately, I don’t have an email for them but can get you one if you wish.

We wish to thank Westie med for coming through for us and the girlies. Both the girlies were expensive to treat, but I’m sure their new families would say it was worth it.

The Shipmans

Angus

November 1, 2001February 7, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Angus was brought to a vets office by his owner to be put to sleep. Angus’s “crime” was that he had lost most of his hair, and the owner didn’t want to deal with it anymore.

Angus came from an owner that was using him strictly for breeding. He was not current on his vaccinations, on no heartworm prevention, unneutered (of course), no flea/tick control, and no veterinary history whatsoever.

Despite his grim background, Angus is truly a wonderful little guy with a great temperament!

Unfortunately for Angus, he did test positive for heartworms. WestieMed is helping with the costs to get Angus through his heartworm treatments and to bring this sweet boy up to an adoptable condition. Please keep Angus in your thoughts as he continues to recover.

See Update September 2002

Angus

November 1, 2001December 29, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

November 2001:

Angus was brought to a vets office by his owner to be put to sleep. Angus’s “crime” was that he had lost most of his hair, and the owner didn’t want to deal with it anymore.

Despite his grim background, Angus is truly a wonderful little guy with a great temperament!

See Update September 2002

Brodie Formally Sebastian

August 1, 2001December 29, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

August 2001:

Sebastian is a beautiful, sweet, funny, little five-year-old Westie who was turned over to rescue by his previous owners who divorced and neither one wanted him. He had not been kept current on his shots, heartworm medication, nor was he neutered. Westie Rescue promptly took care of those matters.

On the evening of July 18, 2001, while in foster care, Sebastian went out in the yard to potty, came back ten minutes later, and collapsed. He was vomiting, defecating, and was unresponsive. He was immediately taken to the Emergency Room. It was thought that he had been poisoned and was in shock. The ER vet sent me home with instructions to call back for bloodwork. I called later that night and was told he had high levels of calcium in his blood which could only be caused by two things. Rat poison or cancer. The ER vet was not sure he would make it through the night, I was devastated. But he did, and I picked him up at seven a.m. the next morning and went straight to my vet. With tests, they were able to rule out the rat poisoning (which was a huge relief in itself, I thought someone had intentionally poisoned him, we do not have poisons in our home). X-rays showed a mass in the liver area but because Sebastian had another episode that afternoon, surgery had to be delayed. Again the vet did not think he would pull through, but he did! On July 24, 2001, he had a transfusion and exploratory surgery. No cancer was found, what appeared to be a mass was actually scar tissue – the colon adhered to the abdominal wall. My vet feels like Sebastian suffered some kind of traumatic injury during his life. (I have since contacted one of the previous owners and, of course, they deny this…) Sebastian was able to come home a few days later and has had no further incidents. My vet feels like we may never know what caused Sebastian to go into shock as he did.

Sebastian has since been adopted and has a wonderful new Mom and Westie sister!

Thank you WestieMed! Without your help with this major expense, my ability to help other rescue Westies would have been much more difficult.

Laura Ardoin Louisiana Westie Rescue

Update July 2002:

Well it has almost been a year since my adoption of Brodie (Sebastian). We have moved into our house and finally, Brodie and Celtie have a backyard. Many times I have thought how lucky I am to have adopted a dog with such a wonderful temperament. He is a wonderful dog and I can’t thank you (WHWTCC Westie Rescue) enough for giving us this opportunity.

Hope things are going well with you, Amanda H. Celtie and Brodie too.

Simon

July 1, 2001December 28, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

I guess Simon started his life like many puppies. From what I can determine he made the treck from a puppy mill in Kentucky to a pet store in Massachusetts. He was bought as a gift for someone who thought they were doing their friend a favor by giving them this cute little ball of fluff. He was four months old at the time. Simon’s new owner was ill and having personal problems and was unable to care for him, he spent much of his time alone in his crate longing for someone to love him. SOS dog rescue was contacted to see if a home could be found. He was put on the petfinder.com bulletin board and he was adopted out to a woman who had a small Cairn terrier at home already. The woman met Simon’s original owner at a rest stop where the transfer was made, apparently, the rescue felt this would be less traumatic for Simon than putting him in a foster home first. I’m not sure exactly how long he spent in his second home but he wound up back on petfinders.com again. The second owner said this eight-month-old pup was too rough on her Cairn who was getting upset and that he was somewhat of a wild child and she was not prepared for this. I applied to adopt Simon and after my application was accepted I made the two and a half hour trip to pick him up with my little boy Cairn in tow to meet his new brother. It was quite the trip I must say, we got into a hit and run accident on the way, had to go to the police station, etc. so our trip wound up being over four hours but we were determined (at least I was I can’t speak for my Cairn).

We arrived at Simon’s second home and were introduced to him. He seemed like a happy fellow but the first thing I noticed was a strong smell of urine. I wasn’t sure if it was his hygiene or what, but I packed him up and took him with me. I brought him to the vet the next day and found out he had a very bad urinary tract infection and had blood in his urine. He must have had it for a while for it to be this bad. The poor fellow couldn’t hold his urine in due to the frequency and discomfort, urine would just dribble out of him and he was constantly squatting. No wonder he was wild, he was sick and in pain. He was placed on antibiotics and was followed closely. It was also thought that he had stones because his urine had crystals in it but that eventually cleared and his x-ray came out ok in the end. Simon also had Giardia in his stool which is a bacterial infection that is highly contagious to humans and animals. He needed treatment for several weeks for this and my Cairn needed to be treated as well as the humans in the house!!!!!

It was over a month of treatment (which unfortunately included two catheterizations), and many hundreds of dollars later, that Simon was given a clean bill of health. He is now a happy go lucky Westie and has adjusted well to his new forever home and gets along well with his Cairn brother Fred. Just one look into those eyes of his and I know I did the right thing by bringing him home. All he needed was someone to love him and to get him healthy so he could grow up to be the beautiful boy he is. He will be 1 year old on August 20th, and as long as I have anything to do with it will spend all of his birthdays happy and healthy and basking in the love he deserves.

Thank you WestieMed for helping me with Simon’s medical bills!!!

Lisa McClafferty

Update August 2002

Simon is doing fine. He lives with us in Vermont now, we just moved and are running a B&B and he is an assistant innkeeper, in charge of entertainment!!! We love him dearly and are so happy you asked about him. I have attached a photo for you.

Lisa

Goober

July 1, 2001December 29, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

In Memory of GOOBER 6/21/00 – 7/19/01

December 2000:

Goober was born on June 21, 2000, was brought to a vet’s office on August 4th, and stayed there until being released to me (his foster Mom) on November 15th, where he is in long-term foster care and being given lots of love and proper medical care.

Goober was born to a breeder in New Jersey who realized he had a medical problem at six weeks of age. The breeder asked his friend, a vet, to do a complete physical. At first it was thought that he had bloat, irritable bowel syndrome, and/or hypoglycemia. From the middle of August until the beginning of November, Goober was treated for irritable bowels (not knowing his problems had nothing to do with his bowels). Frustrated because Goober’s condition was not improving, the breeder turned Goober over to the vet’s office as he could no longer phyically care – or afford to care – for Goober. The staff at the vet’s office convinced the vet not to put Goober down, but rather to continue to treat him in an effort to save his life.

When he was four months old, the vet decided to have a small animal surgeon take a look at him, and it was determined that he has hemivertebrae, a condition which results from failure of a vertebral body to develop fully. Some dogs with this condition become totally paralyzed and is usually accompanied by compensatory changes in the shape of adjacent vertebrae. Disc spaces are preserved, although they may be misshapen and some ribs often appear crowded. If it is severe enough to cause clinical neurologic signs, surgery may be necessary.

Ultimately, the folks at WestieMed learned of Goober medical needs and his need for a “special” foster home to tend to his needs. WestieMed has kindly agreed to sponsor Goober and has made it possible for him to receive the best medical care for his condition. In order to determine the severity of his disorder, a myelogram or MRI must be performed, but the current specialist doesn’t want to perform the tests until Goober reaches at least ten months of age; it’s just too much of a risk at his young age.

Goober is now five months old and since being removed from the cage at the vet’s office, he has thrived in a loving home with two westie sisters and one brother (Maggie, Phoebe and Finnegan). Goober is not able to fully enjoy all fun puppy antics, but he does manage to fill his life with toys, shoelaces, and lots of TLC. Goober’s rear section doesn’t seem to work too well, but he doesn’t really know that. He is taking prednisone to help alleviate the pain associated with his condition.

When I picked up Goober, I was told he might have one day, one week or one month to live, no one could tell. I was told his condition is inoperable and nothing can be done for him, just bring him home and give him lots of love until it’s time for him to cross the Bridge.

Now we believe that Goober has a good chance of making it without a life of severe pain and total paralysis. We believe he will be one of the lucky ones to live with this condition and have a long and happy life. One look in his smiling eyes and we know we’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe and happy.

Kathy McNulty, Easton, Pennsylvania

UPDATE: February 15, 2001:

Goober had an emergency myelogram and surgery today due to his condition worsening in the past several days. The compression in his spine turned out to be much worse than originally thought; however, it was operable! Goober’s prognosis is not known at this point, but it may be at least six months before he regains the use of his rear legs. In the meantime, he will need physical therapy and lots of medical care and attention.

DON’T CRY, MOMMY Don’t cry, Mommy, I’m okay! The Angels came, I couldn’t stay. God brought me home, He loves me, too! He said that I can Watch over you. I know you love me, I love you, too. That’s why I’ll do My best for you. That’s my new job, To wait for you Until you come, Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll run and romp, And play with glee! (I’ll lift my leg, When I have to pee!) But most of all, I’ll guard you well. I’m up here watching, Can’t you tell? Think of me, I’ll hear your voice. And know you made a perfect choice. You saved me once, I’ll not forget! You took care of me, But better yet: You loved me.
Jill P. Schlarb July 19, 2001

UPDATE: Tuesday, July 17, 2001:

To let you know Goober made it thru another surgery fine. His knee cap is now located on his knee and held in place with two pins. He is now also neutered. I’ll call in the morning to see how he’s doing and might be able to bring him home tomorrow afternoon. Goober’s never been able to lift his head to look up while standing, lift a leg to “wet a bush” or even go up or down steps or stairs. One of these days I envision him looking up at me and running out and in the door with his brother and sisters and not have to wait to be picked up and placed in the yard. One day he’ll run with the “big guys” and love every second of it. And, if wishes come true – one day he’ll even be able to wet that bush, too!

UPDATE: Thursday, July 19, 2001:

It is with deep sadness that I write that Goober went to the Rainbow Bridge early this morning. He took a turn for the worse yesterday and had to go to the Emergency Room. It seems he developed a quick infection and it got the best of him. His little body just couldn’t take it anymore.

Deepest thanks go out to everyone who gave Goober a second chance at life. He had a great 13 months, considering all of his problems. He touched and inspired so many people with his courage and will to live. He will live forever within our hearts.

On August 3, 2001, WestieMed established the Goober Memorial Fund. This Fund was established for the purpose of helping other rescued Westies with congenital orthopedic conditions. Donations in Goober’s memory can be directed to the Goober Memorial Fund.