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.
In mid-February, we were contacted by a kind Samaritan in a very rural part of Middle Tennessee. An elderly co-worker of hers (and nearby resident) had found two little dogs who were either lost or had been turned out. She found a rescue to take the other little dog, and we agreed to take in Piper after this gal exhausted all efforts to find Piper’s home. She kept her for several weeks, bathing her almost daily to try to get her clean and cared for; this while working full-time, taking care of a toddler and another young child and her own animals!
Piper was in a TERRIBLE mess, but the sweet gal had given her yet another bath the morning before she brought her to us at the vet clinic. She came to us with a severe ear infection…for starters. One ear has so badly affected that the ear could no longer stand up. The infection in both ears was so bad that the vet opted to just clean them as thoroughly as she could without hurting her further, then thoroughly clean while she was under sedation for another severe issue…her mouth, gums and teeth. We lucked out as she only had to have four teeth pulled, and her mouth must have felt so much better after the dental surgery!
The ears continued to improve slowly, but little Piper was soon diagnosed with an even worse situation…a severe bladder infection that didn’t seem to resolve with numerous trips to the vet and various antibiotics. She was also producing blood in her urine. We were afraid of what might be going on with this precious girl! The vet wanted to send in and grow a culture to see if Piper was resistant to a certain (or numerous) antibiotics. While we were waiting for the culture results to come back, we agreed to have the vet run an ultrasound and radiographs to rule out any masses or other problems. At this point, it was determined she had a number of EXTREMELY large bladder stones. This poor girl had been through the ringer with obviously NO CARE from the previous owner then just turned out to fend for herself. There was no idea how long she had these stones and if they had done permanent damage to the bladder wall, so time was of the essence to get her scheduled for surgery right away. She was obviously in pain and felt the need to urinate constantly. We also were not able to identify a spay scar, but the decision was made that if she still had a uterus when the Cystotomy surgery was performed, that the vet would spay her at the same time (which ended up being the case).
The surgery went very well, and the vet communicated with us several times throughout the day with updates. EIGHT stones were removed (of which FIVE were very large) from this petite Westie girl, which were taking up 90% of her little bladder!!! Thankfully, the bladder wall did not appear “angry,” and we were SO thankful for that. The other good news was that her ears were doing better on the antibiotic pack treatments.
Piper stayed in ICU care overnight, with fluids and pain meds. She started urinating properly almost immediately and got to return to her foster home the next day. This has been the most precious little angel of a dog. Even with all of the horrible things wrong with her and all of the severe pain she has endured for God knows how long, she has been the sweetest girl and as compliant as can be! The vet staff were all instantly smitten with her!
She promptly went home with her new prescription urinary health food and ate dinner like a champ, followed by a really good potty break! She is being well-loved by one of our former adopters and her other rescue Westie pup, Avery. We were just alerted officially yesterday that Piper has found her furever home with her foster mom, Elizabeth. We couldn’t be MORE thrilled as she will have a nice quiet home with a lovely Terrier-enriched backyard with a mom and sister home with her most all the time.
We really don’t have any idea how old this little gal is, but the vet seems to think between seven and eight years old.
We cannot express our gratitude to WestieMed enough for helping us with funding the final large invoice for her abdominal surgeries! Even though she was a VERY expensive LWD (little white dog), she is worth every penny of it! Happy Trails to Piper in her new life going forward!
~The Officers of Westie Rescue of TN/AL
Update March 12, 2024:
Again, we can’t thank you enough for your generous support with Piper’s medical bills. She is doing great, and I hear from her mom on a regular basis! I still can’t believe how sweet and resilient that little gal was considering all the pain she was in before her surgeries and follow-up care. Just proves what we’ve always been told in that animals don’t often let us know when they are in pain. 🙁 I will ask Elizabeth for some new pictures. Thanks again, and have a great week!
Tilly is a small Westie mix that was found at the East Valley Animal Shelter with an upper respiratory infection. She was incredibly scared of everything around her and was always looking for an exit. She was lethargic, wouldn’t eat and moaned quite a lot. We thought she may possibly be in heat cycle because of the discharge and enlarged nipples. We tried everything type of food trying to entice her appetite but she refused and just wanted to sleep. We knew something wasn’t right, aside from the URI Upper Respiratory Infection so we scheduled her spay appointment 14 days out from the start of antibiotics.
Tilly had her surgery and it was discovered that her uterus was thickened and she had early pyometra which is an infection of the uterus. Infection in the lining of the uterus is established as a result of hormonal changes. Following estrus (“heat”), progesterone levels remain elevated for eight to ten weeks and thicken the lining of the uterus in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur for several estrus cycles, the lining continues to increase in thickness until cysts form within it. The thickened, cystic lining secretes fluids that create an ideal environment in which bacteria can grow. Additionally, high progesterone levels inhibit the ability of the muscles in the wall of the uterus to contract.
Now that she has recovered, a completely new dog has emerged. Tilly’s energy came back and she very much acts like the puppy that she is. She loves to play with the other dogs, and her people too, and has taken a new interest in toys. Now, she is the first one done eating and will steal food from the other dogs if given the chance.
This once little shy and scared girl is no more.
Thank you WestieMed for sponsoring this little girl. Because of you, she has a bright future coming!
Karen Simondet
Westie Rescue of Orange County (WROC)
Update February 8, 2024:
Our darling Tilly recovered beautifully from pyometra and her upper respiratory infection. This once scared little girl is a completely different dog today! Tilly was being fostered along with Benny and the duo became fast friends in foster care. Tilly’s adopters came for one dog, but left with two! This dynamic duo have strong personalities and their adopters say they are a blast to have with them. They have both become very social on their neighborhood walks and off leash puppy play group. They were also enrolled in puppy training classes and are doing great!
Thank you WestieMed for helping Tilly get the care she needed!
Elsa was born in May 2022. She was purchased by a “breeder” from another “breeder” for the sole purpose of producing puppies. In February 2023 she was taken for a routine exam so she could be declared fit so that her owner could start breeding her. During the exam, the veterinarian diagnosed a heart murmur. Her owner now considered her useless and did not want to bother following up with a specialist. However, her owner did reach out to a group in Kansas that helps dogs get to rescue to surrender her. This group (Friends of Animals) reached out to us having worked with All About Paws in the past knowing we will always help special needs dogs. We of course said yes, bring her to us. We will absolutely help.
Elsa was transported to our rescue in St. Louis Missouri in early March. Not knowing the exact extent of her heart issues, we immediately scheduled an appointment with a cardiologist. During that appointment, Elsa was diagnosed with PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus). This is a common congenital heart defect in dogs and basically means the blood is not flowing how it should through the heart. For most dogs if this is not fixed it can lead to cardiac heart failure- basically a death sentence. Elsa’s cardiologist felt surgery needed to be performed soon so this can be avoided. Elsa has been an absolute delight in her foster home and we believe she deserves the chance to live a full, happy, and healthy life in a loving home.
After her surgery, Elsa was medically cleared and then we had her spayed. All About Paws is incredibly thankful to WestieMed for helping us help Elsa live her life to the fullest.
All About Paws Rescue St. Louis, Missouri
Update April 18, 2023:
Elsa arrived bright and early on April 17, 2023 at VSS for her rescheduled appointment with Dr. Marshall. We were notified several hours later that the surgery was a success. Elsa remained at VSS overnight for monitoring. Dr. Marshall informed All About Paws when we went to get her that Elsa was being a little naughty as she just wants to play play play. Of course we had to keep her calm and relaxed so she could heal. She returned to VSS two week later for suture removal.
Update May 13, 2023:
Elsa’s surgery and recovery were a complete success. Her surgeon gave the OK for her to have her spay surgery and the hunt for her fur-ever home began. Lots of folks were interested in Elsa and she got lots of wonderful applications. All About Paws received a fantastic application that checked all the boxes we wanted for Elsa and today she got her happily ever after. Elsa joins a family where she has two fantastic dads, Richard and Mike, and gets a Westie brother named Belin. Happy “Tails” Elsa. All About Paws sends their gratitude to WestieMed for helping us help Elsa.
Molly is an 8 year old diabetic Westie. She came to Westie and Scottie Rescue Houston when her person made the decision to surrender Molly due to her recent diabetes diagnosis.
Before coming to Rescue, Molly lived in an apartment with her person. This worked well because she is OK as an only dog. Morning and evening walks were fine with her. When her person began working from home, Molly got more walks during the day.
Then her person noticed Molly was having incontinence issues during the day and was unable to keep her bedding dry. Molly was diagnosed as diabetic and prescribed daily insulin injections and this is when her life changed. Her person had to return to the office and found Molly’s medication schedule was hard to follow with her work schedule. Molly began going to different in-home doggy daycare that were given instructions on how to administer insulin. She continued to be incontinent as insulin was not being given on schedule, if at all.
Since Molly arrived at Rescue, she has had two glucose curves and her insulin dosage has been increased. She is on a consistent daily food and medication schedule which has shown great results. She is no longer wetting her bed and has more energy for her daily walks. She alerts her foster mom when needs to go out and uses a dog door.
She does have some loss of vision and is seeing a specialist to determine what treatment is appropriate. Molly likes people but does not seem to care about other dogs in her environment. She is a good companion dog.
Cathy Norris, Molly’s Foster Mom, Westie and Scottie Rescue Houston
Update August 16, 2023:
When Molly arrived at WSRH, she was incontinent due to uncontrolled diabetes and fluctuating glucose levels. She immediately moved in with an experienced foster mom who knew that she needed specific testing and maintenance to get her diabetes under control. Thanks to help from WestieMed, we were able to do testing to get her on the correct insulin dose and diet, with follow up testing to make sure her dosage stayed right. Now that Molly is on a consistent food and medication routine, she’s much healthier and happier. She is now able to keep her bedding dry all night and needs to go out fewer times during the day. She has adjusted well to her food and medication schedule.
Molly is blind from cataracts and has been to the eye dogtor, who says she may be a candidate for surgery now that her diabetes is under control. Her foster mom will be taking her back for further assessment and help Molly make plans for her future. She is available for adoption and still hoping for her perfect furever home.
Kind regards, Maggie Escriva Volunteer Westie and Scottie Rescue Houston
