Dixon

by westiemed in Stories

Just about a year ago, I adopted Dixon. He came to me as a rescue.

Dixon started life in an abusive puppy farm and was used as a stud for about three years. He was kept in a cage in unsanitary conditions to put it mildly.

He was finally adopted by a family that treated him like a stuffed animal by keeping him in the basement and not socializing him. Dixon had very little contact with people. His teeth were rotten and mouth filled with periodontal disease. He started getting aggressive so they gave him up for adoption.

I had recently lost my Westie and had reached out to North Atlantic Westie Rescue. Soon after, Dixon was turned in. Since I’ve had Westies since 1990; and have adopted 2 times before, the rescue was comfortable having him come to me. So, I welcomed the opportunity to bring Dixon into my life.

The rescue coordinated Dixon’s move with great precision. He was picked up in New Jersey, traveled through New York with a few hand offs and connected with me in Connecticut. It was love at first sight…well, for me at least! The first few months were tentative, Dixon had a hard time adjusting and aggressively lashed out at me several times. He was so scared and confused and his trust in people was gone. He didn’t want to be picked up or held, or even patted at first – just wanted to be left alone. I played according to his rules and started earning his trust.

The periodontal disease was so severe that it was necessary to extract all but 4 canine teeth. He must have been in severe pain, poor little guy. I made adjustments to his food and it took a few months to settle in.

We became best friends. But, he didn’t know how to play. The other dogs would try and he would just pop at them like he was egging them on, but that was it. Throw him a ball…? He had no idea what to do with it. He doesn’t go up or down stairs on his own – likely because he was taught to stay within the confines of his area, not sure. No zoomies or running around like Westies love to do. He never barked! Seriously, I found a Westie that didn’t bark!

Over a few months, Dixon grew into being a loving, lap dog, making surprise visits to family members and blessing us with his presence. Oh, and he did start barking.

Unfortunately the gum disease has taken its toll and he’s developed congestive heart failure and a mild tracheal collapse. He’s a very sick boy. It seems so unfair this little man has suffered so much in his lifetime and finally has a loving home with a family that adores him – then this happens.

I am praying to have him a lot longer and thank you to WestieMed for assisting me with the cost of his care. You are a God send!

Say a little prayer for my guy please.

Lynne

Eva and ZsaZsa

by westiemed in Stories

Our two new shelter girls had their first vet appointment and we received some good news and not so good news. The good news is that they are generally healthy and with very good bloodwork results. The bad news is that both girls have mammary tumors, one with no tear production and the other with very minimal tear production, bacterial ear infections and eye infections. Because of the mammary tumors, we did chest X-rays and they are clear! The tumors were not a surprise because I could feel them while bathing the girls. Poor little Zsa Zsa came in with debris stuck to both corneas that was hardened and resembled what dry cracked desert landscape looks like. How painful!!!! She let me irrigate the heck out of her eyes, lots and lots of flushing until it broke away on its own. Her corneas are ulcerated so we are treating both girls aggressively to bring them much needed relief.   We gave the girls a week to settle in and they had their surgeries and dentals yesterday.  Eva had a few minor complications. We discovered a hernia but left it alone because it would have been too much for her with the mammary tumors and dental. We will keep an eye on it and address at a later time. She lost 8 teeth and had root tips that could be seen on X-ray but we had to leave it alone also because they didn’t want to budge and that would risk injury. We sent out mammary removal for biopsy and are hopeful they come back clear. We will retest their tear production in two weeks and if there is no improvement, we will visit the ophthalmologist.

People often ask us why we spend so much on these dogs. It’s simple. They’ve spent a lifetime of neglect. By the time they make their way to us, we are their last chance, so we will make it their best chance.

It takes a village to rescue these dogs and it takes a lot of funding.   We are so grateful to WestieMed for providing much needed funding!

Karen Simondet

Westie Rescue of Orange County (WROC)

Gideon

by westiemed in Stories

I rescued Gideon when we lost my Mom to cancer. He is 12 years young and still very energetic and full of spunk. He has Westie-tude to spare. 
His little body doesn’t process calcium properly resulting in calcium oxalate crystals or bladder stones. He has been on a special diet but the bladder stones come back. Unfortunately, he will soon be having his third procedure to remove the stones.
I cannot thank WestieMed enough for helping us with this. This pup is my entire world and I would be lost without him. Thank you all so much!
Rikki

 

Ivy

by westiemed in Stories

Ivy came to us possibly bred from a commercial breeder.  The initial exam and ultrasound did not detect any fetus so a spay surgery was scheduled.  During that spay surgery two fetus were discovered so the procedure was stopped.  When she gave birth to the puppies, one male and one female, the female developed an infection around the umbilical cord and despite being treated as soon as the problem was discovered by the foster mom, the female puppy died at the vet clinic.

Once the male puppy was weaned, Ivy was once again scheduled for her spay surgery which at that time, it was discovered that her abdomen was filled with blood from a ruptured spleen.  Our vet is not sure how or when this injury occurred but performed a splenectomy.

Ivy was kept overnight for fluids and observation and is now comfortably recovering in her foster home.

Respectfully,

Janeal Dominico, President

Wendy Tremaine, Secretary

Wag N Train Terrier Rescue  “Tender Loving Care for Terriers in Need”

Buddy

by westiemed in Stories

I lost the last of my Westies in July. I swore I would not get another dog but my house was so empty with no pets. Then I saw a picture of some Westies that were up for adoption. One in particular looked just like my previous Westies.

Buddy and seven other Westies were relinquished by a breeder who was supposedly retiring. The dogs were being kept in deplorable conditions, living in a shed behind the house. I contacted the rescue group and said I was interested in adopting one in particular. They normally do not adopt out of state but if they could make arrangements, I could adopt him. A rescue transport group was found and the adoption could go forward.

Initially, Buddy tested negative for heart worms. I was told I should have him retested in six months as the first test might have been done too early.

At the six-month juncture he was tested again. This time he was positive for heart worms.

Buddy will be finishing the first segment of his treatment then he will go to the next phase of three injections of Diroban to kill the adult worms. He will need to be confined for an extended period of time. No easy task for a Westie.

Update June 25, 2024:

My Buddy, who WestieMed funded for heart worm treatment, got his all clear report today. He came through it with no ill effects. It was a tough 3 months keeping him quiet, but we survived.
Update September 4, 2024:
Buddy has completed his heart worm treatment and has tested negative. All restrictions have been lifted and he is back to being a happy, healthy Westie, thanks to WestieMed for funding his treatment.

Jenny

by westiemed in Stories

Jenny came to WRSE (Westie Rescue Southeast) as the owner was asking to have her euthanized. As an 8 year old dog, the vet would not do so. One of our volunteers, (Also Jenny) picked her up, made a vet appointment for her and agreed to foster her. The vet visit resulted in finding she was in Ketoacidosis due to untreated Diabetes. She was immediately hospitalized to try and get her blood sugar normalized.

During the time she was in the hospital, WRSE was able to place her in a Westie-wise home with people who had experience with a diabetic dog. They lovingly took her in when she was stable enough to go home. She enjoyed her time with the family, but her illness returned and she had several visits to the ER in a short period of time. She needed an ultra-sound and was moved to a facility where they could accomplish this and care for her other needs. She had 2 nodules on her bladder. They were sent for tests and are yet to be determined.

Over the course of a few days she wasn’t eating, and had serious gastro-intestinal issues, along with complications of Diabetes and possible Cushing’s Syndrome. The hospital stayed in contact with us and kept us looped in at all times. On Friday, February 23, she took a turn for the worse. The Vets feared there really wasn’t much more that they could do for her. Her body was tired and worn out, which made recovery very difficult. She had been left untreated too long.

Despite the efforts of WRSE, many volunteers and supporters, we had to say goodbye and she is now healthy again at Rainbow Bridge. She knew she was loved, even if only for 6 days with her foster family.

Run free, sweet Jenny!

Penny

by westiemed in Stories

Penny is a 5 year old West Highland Terrier who was surrendered to our rescue, The Original Westies Rescued UK (TOWRUK) by her owner of 1 year, in September 2023. The reason he gave us was that Penny was too strong for him on walks and ‘pulled’ him over several times! Our transporter collected Penny and transported her to our lovely fosters, Kevin and Susan situated in North East England, who had not long ago lost their Westie Daisy.

Penny quickly settled in with Kevin and Susan and after a few days in foster care they noticed Penny was limping from her rear right knee so we booked her into our vets for a full health check. The vet on duty suggested Penny has x-rays to determine the cause of her limping and advised us, after her health check, that Penny was also suffering from Grade 4 dental disease and would require some tooth extractions. Penny’s previous owners vet confirmed that Penny’s leg and tooth conditions were previously diagnosed and recorded but not acted upon. To date Penny has settled in really well with our fosters and during our visits to see Penny she seems really happy. She has been spayed, had 9 teeth extracted plus a diseased bone removed as part of her dental procedure.

Penny’s completed x-rays have shown that Penny requires cruciate ligament surgery to her right back leg and possibly her left back leg in the future and was diagnosed with chronic arthritis in both of her back legs for which she will be put on recommended medication ‘Librela’ permanently.

We would like to very sincerely thank WestieMed for very kindly approving a grant to help with the costs of her veterinary surgery/treatment which she so desperately requires to help her to improve her quality of life. Her surgical procedure is planned for later this month.

Carol and Terry Riches

The Original Westies Rescued UK

Update March 3, 2024:

Penny has had her cruciate surgery to her back right leg and is recovering well, on the long road to full recovery. We will keep you updated on her progress. Her veterinary consultant is unfortunately confident her other back leg will require the same/similar surgery and will confirm after next x-rays after her recovery.

Kind regards,

Terry and Carol Riches, TOWRUK Officials

Update March 23, 2024:

Penny is recovering well from her cruciate surgery. The vets are very pleased with her healing. We will advise you when the consultant feels she is ready for the next x-rays to check internal healing and if her other leg requires any treatment/surgery.

Kind regards,

Terry Riches, TOWRUK Official

Update April 23, 2024:

Penny’s rear right leg cruciate ligament surgery went very well and following reviews of her recovery at her Vet Practice (Vets4Pets) and post op x-rays of both of her back legs the Orthopaedic Surgeon reports that the surgery was successful but unfortunately Penny will require Cruciate Ligament Surgery of her back left leg also. Penny seems happy in herself with improved mobility. There was evidence of wound infection so Penny was prescribed antibiotics and we agreed for the vet to take and send culture samples away for investigation. We have booked Penny in for surgery on the 7th May and will provide regular updates on her progress.

Very kind regards,

Terry and Carol Riches

Officials, The Original Westies Rescued UK (TOWRUK)

Update May 24, 2024:

Penny’s cruciate surgery went well and she is recovering well and her vets are happy with her progress to date.

Her mobility is improving and after the all clear from her consultant, we are planning treadmill/hydrotherapy to rebuild strength/muscle in her hind legs and will continue to update you on her progress.

Kind regards,

Terry Riches, Official TOWRUK

Update July 19, 2024:

Penny’s consultant is very pleased with Penny’s recovery. Recent x-rays have indicated surgery had a successful outcome and the next stage is for Penny to have rehabilitation therapy to strengthen muscle of both her rear legs via treadmill and hydrotherapy. Many thanks once again from us all at the Original Westies Rescued UK for your generous donation to help improve Penny’s health and well being.

Terry Riches, Official TOWRUK

Update September 3, 2024:

Penny’s mobility has improved immensely since her TPL surgery and rehabilitation.

Carol and I and our admin team at the Original Westies Rescued UK cannot thank you all at WestieMed for your very kind help and support towards giving Penny a much better quality of life than she would have had.

Very kind regards,

Terry and Carol Riches, Founders

The Original Westies Rescued UK

 

Kenzie

by westiemed in Stories

Kenzie was brought to the vet because she had not eaten in 5 days and she was vomiting and had diarrhea.  By the time she reached the animal hospital, she was in critical condition.  She was severely dehydrated, lifeless, and not knowing what was wrong, the initial estimate to treat Kenzie was much more than her owner was able to handle, therefore Kenzi’s owner was faced with euthanasia.  It was either luck or divine intervention, but the vet Kenzie was taken to happened to be my vet and she had never been treated there before.

On Monday, January 15, 2024 I received a phone call from my veterinarian asking if we could take Kenzie into rescue.   Kenzie was started on IV fluids, calcium, B12, antibiotics and a host of other medications.  Bloodwork indicated she had an infection, but within 24 hours, her numbers spiked dramatically and her electrolytes were dangerously low.

X-rays did not show anything unusual so my vet brought in an outside internist to perform an ultrasound which revealed many issues.  She has an infection of the gallbladder and evidence of acute pancreatitis.  The gallbladder is very thickened and there was a small amount of free fluid.  She showed evidence of vasculitis which is a reaction pattern characterized by an immune response directed toward the blood vessels.  Her GI track was thickened with inflammation which is evidence of acute pancreatitis and her liver is moderately enlarged.  We broadened the antibiotics and continued with supportive care and by day 5, her numbers started to improve.

We brought her home on Friday and we will continue oral medications.  She will need to be on antibiotics for 6 to 8 weeks.  Now that she is home, she is showing evidence of diabetes insipidus which we will address at her follow up appointment this week.  Her prognosis was “guarded” upon discharge from the hospital, but within just a few days she is acting like a normal Westie!  She is always first in line for meals and has taken up an interest in all things Westie.

Karen Simondet

WROC

Update August 14, 2024:

Kenzie passed away a month after she was adopted. Her eye started drooping and it was discovered that she had round cell sarcoma.

Karen

 

Molly

by westiemed in Stories

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 (now Maggie)

by westiemed in Stories

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