On February 22, 2005, we received a call from a vet in southwest Kansas saying that she had a seriously ill eight to ten week old Westie puppy that was about to be euthanized, and she asked if we could take him. She believed that he had a life-threatening liver shunt, but she didn’t have the specialized equipment to diagnose or treat such a problem. We discussed the experience that Westie Rescue of Missouri has had with treating liver shunt dogs, and the vet agreed to speak to the owners about releasing the puppy to Westie Rescue. She later called back and said that the puppy was ours if we could transport him from southwest Kansas to Kansas City, Missouri. Fortunately, we have a wonderful volunteer who agreed to make the run and who christened the puppy “Little Joe”.
We took Little Joe to the Veterinary Specialty Clinic in Overland Park, Kansas, where they confirmed the diagnosis of a liver shunt and determined that, although he only weighed five pounds, Little Joe was a good candidate for surgery. On April 6, 2005, he had surgery to repair the liver shunt. He was released to his foster mom on April 7, 2005. But, on April 11, 2005, he began having trouble retaining fluids, so he was re-admitted to the animal hospital for observation. (It is not uncommon for liver shunt puppies to have trouble with fluid retention until their livers get accustomed to the increased blood flow). After a couple of days in the hospital, Little Joe was pronounced well enough to return home.
Little Joe has continued to progress under the careful care of his foster mom and his foster sister, Wendy the Westie. While he has been waiting to go to his adoptive home, Little Joe has been spending his days helping his foster sister train some of the other foster dogs that have been through that foster home on their way to forever homes. Little Joe likes to go on wonderful backyard adventures with Wendy and particularly likes to help Wendy chase squirrels. He likes to race up and down the fence line with the border collies who live next door. He likes to play with his favorite ball, and he has just learned how to go up and downstairs. He is now sleeping through the night and has gained three and a half pounds.
Little Joe’s bile acid tests are almost back to normal and we expect that he will have a long and healthy life. Little Joe is still in foster care, but we expect to pick the lucky family who will get adopt Little Joe sometime in the next few weeks.
Rescue groups would not be able to give beautiful little puppies like Little Joe the chance for a life without the wonderful help and support of WestieMed. Thank you so much!
Luann Johnson, President Westie Rescue of Missouri, Inc.
Update: June 2006:
I fostered and then adopted Little Joe a.k.a., Mr. Brodie B. I just couldn’t let him go after all we had been thru with his liver stunt surgery.
He is a very happy, full of energy, and curious boy. His build is still very small, but he thinks he can take any other neighbor dog on and win. Mr. Brodie gets along great with his sister, Miss Wendy, and all the other foster Westies that come in and out of our home. Our vet thinks he will never grow any larger, and the bio acid tests keep coming back high, but he looks and acts very healthy. Brodie loves to the car ride, play with toys, play tug-of-war with the fosters, and run and bark at the squirrels in our back yard.
He is very sweet, gentle, and loving when he wants to be, but acts like the “man of the house” all the time. Brodie will cuddle up next to me at night and wakes me in the morning with a cold nose to my neck.
We hope we can someday meet those who helped in saving Mr. Brodie’s life. Have a great day.
Poppy (aka Roxie) was born with a congenital liver shunt. She was a sick puppy and showed signs of neurological problems such as running into walls and being confused. She also had problems gaining weight.
Her first owner was a relative of the breeder who bred Poppy. They took her to an emergency clinic and they diagnosed her as possibly having a liver shunt and recommended more tests. She was then taken to their local vet and where was once again told the puppy most likely had a liver shunt and would need more tests. The veterinarian advised them that this was a sick puppy and would likely not survive without surgery to repair the shunt. The owners said they would think it over.
Approximately three weeks later on May 4, 2005, Poppy was found by a very nice Animal control officer. Poppy was only three months old, cold, thin, and filthy dirty. She was very disorientated and the Animal Control officer brought her to the local Animal Hospital. One of the staff recognized her and contacted her owners. The owners said neither they nor the breeder wanted to deal with the puppy so she was released to the animal hospital. Of course, all that met her fell in love with her, and the Veterinarian decided to do the surgery.
On May 6th, weighing only five pounds, little Poppy had her surgery. Carole – one of her soon to be foster mothers – took her home that night for observation.
That is were I come in.
I used to work at the clinic and still remain a sucker for a cute face. The day she came in, I was called to come to see how cute and needy she was. I became the second foster mother. Carole drops her off at my house on her way to work, where she hangs out until Carole gets off work and picks her up.
A week after her surgery I mailed a friend some pictures of Poppy and her story. Within 4 hours, I was bombarded with emails interested in Poppys well being. One of the emails was to inform me of WestieMed. Carole and I knew whoever adopted Poppy may face future financial responsibilities, so it would be nice if they were not burdened with a large medical bill to start with.
We are so grateful for the financial help WestieMed has given us for Poppy. As I am writing this, I am watching the little princess play with her tail, and I think how much I will miss her. But I know we will find the right palace for her.
She now weighs eight pounds and is four months old. Her last liver test showed an improvement, and she acts like a typical four-month-old terrier. She shows no signs of neurological or any other problems. No one knows if she will live a long normal life, but she at least now has a chance. The veterinarian has given us the okay to place her, and with the help of Westie rescue in finding just the right home, we will have to give her up.
Poppy – WestieMed Recipient
From everyone who has helped Poppy, I wish to extend my gratitude to WestieMed for helping, as well as to all who have contributed to such a great organization.
I have enclosed a current picture of her after her first hair do.
Brenda
Poppy – WestieMed Recipient
Update: July 2005:
Princess Poppy went to a new kingdom on June 6th. Her new servants are Charley and Sue from Washington. Of course, they have realized she is very smart as she has taught them many tricks. Such as pick me up, let’s go for a ride and you can watch tv with a dog on your lap. She has also taken up gardening and is very good at weeding. She also has her own room as well as taking over the entire household. Her new doctor is very pleased with her health and she has already received more vaccines and a microchip. I have enclosed a picture of her new parents on the day they picked her up. Sue and Charley also pass on their appreciation for the help WestieMed has given to Poppy. Yes of course we miss her and keep in touch.
My name is Duncan. I haven’t always been called by this name, only since March 30, 2005. That was the day I joined my new family. What an eventful day that was! In the morning, the kind folks at the county shelter who had been taking care of me sent me to be neutered. Later that day, my new mom showed up to take me home. She looked very happy. I already knew a little bit about her because she had come to visit me almost every day since she first spotted me at the shelter. You see, my mom thought of herself as a committed Dachshund person. In fact, my new brother is a fiftenn-month-old miniature Dachshund by the name of Albert. My mom originally came to the shelter to apply for a little Dachshund whose picture was posted online. Well, he was already spoken for and my mom was getting ready to leave the shelter when a volunteer informed her that the cutest little guy had just arrived as a stray. Of course, I’m referring to myself. With one look, my mom knew I was the one for her. She filled out all the necessary forms and waited for seven excruciating days to see if my former owner would come to claim me from the shelter. My mom was both glad and puzzled when no one came for me. I am not only adorable but also exceptionally well mannered. I respond to many commands, am completely housebroken, and am a much better listener than my new brother. Boy, it’s true when they say that Dachshunds are stubborn!
When I joined my new family, which not only includes my mom and dog brother, but also a grandpa, grandma, uncles, aunts, and cousins, I was instantly welcomed and loved. Everyone, without exception, commented that I was the best. My cousins, who are young children, adore me, and I am very patient and playful with them. I even have a Westie girlfriend who lives right across the street from me. My mom takes good care of me. I eat well, sleep in the big bed, and have a big, clean backyard to play in. She rarely leaves me home alone. I love riding in the car. I get to go to many fun places with her. (In fact, when my mom took me to a pet adoption event where she was helping out with Dachshund Rescue, I turned out to be the star attraction!) My favorite place is this huge field that folks around here use as a dog park. I like to walk and run with my mom and brother along the trail. I also enjoy greeting people and playing with all the dogs. I’m a good big brother to Albert; he gets beat up a lot, so I have to defend him on many an occasion.
Duncan – WestieMed Recipient
Since I was a stray, my mom doesn’t know anything definite about my background. The shelter staff and my veterinarian estimate that I’m around two or three years old. While it’s clear I was trained by someone, it’s also evident that I was hit a lot. I clench my eyes and lower my head, preparing to be struck, whenever people lift their hands near my head. It makes my mom sad to see me do this. She hopes that with time I will learn that no one will lay a hand on me again. The other noticeable behavior I exhibit that concerns my mom is the way I use one of my rear legs. I have a tendency to have a hitch in my gait when I walk and run. My wonderful veterinarian, Dr. Taylor, informed my mom that I have a condition called patellar luxation that affects both my knees, causing my kneecaps to slip out of proper alignment. Unfortunately, this is a problem that is not uncommon in Westies. This causes me pain and, if not corrected, will likely lead to more severe problems later. One knee is worse than the other. Dr. Taylor strongly advised that I have an operation to fix my knee as soon as my mom could afford the expense. The good news is that the best orthopedic surgeon would perform the surgery. The bad news is that the operation costs a lot of money. My mom fretted about how she would manage to pay the bill.
Then, she discovered something truly wonderful: WestieMed! With WestieMed’s generous support, I can have my operation sometime soon. I will let you know how everything goes. Everyone who knows and loves me is certain that I will handle my operation and recovery with courage and grace. My mom and I are extremely grateful for WestieMed’s assistance. We will not forget your generosity in our time of need.
Just a couple of weeks before my fourth birthday, my first family gave me away. They said I bit their toddler. They didn’t want me and thought I should be put to sleep. I sleep every day so that didn’t make sense to me. For the longest time, the Dad in that family was mean to me. He made me scared of men. When no vet in town would put me to sleep, he called Westie Rescue, Houston, and asked them to come and get me right away. He said it was the one bite that made him do it. But they had been not nice to me for a while. They made me feel very bad because I am a good dog and wouldn’t try to hurt anyone.
Foster Mom, Barbara, came and got me. She has a young Westie, Duncan, and had been eager to help Westies anywhere. I was her very first foster dog. Duncan thought another dog (or more) in the house was a great idea. I was very, very scared. I hear that I was like a statue when anyone tried to pick me up. My tail was firmly placed between my rear legs and no one could touch the back half of my body without me growling. I did not let Rob, my foster Dad, get near me. (That made him sad because he wanted to pet me and make me feel at home.) The word to describe me was “traumatized”.
I can’t remember what it was like at that first house. When I got to Duncan’s house, I couldn’t even stand in the grass. It didn’t feel familiar. And Duncan tried and tried to get me to play with him, but I didn’t know-how. Mostly, all I did was a growl and snap into the air.
There were a few problems with my body. The biggest one being that I have cataracts and couldn’t see very well. The vet I used to see said that I did have some vision and that it wouldn’t get worse. (He was wrong. Very quickly I could only see light and dark.) Since I don’t know what’s coming at me, I am scared all the time. That makes me act unfriendly. No one really knows yet if the reason I like to pee on every corner, or doorway, or the furniture, is because I like a little scent trail to find the doggie door. When a piece of furniture is moved or Barbara does too good a job of cleaning it up, I just have to pee some more.
I scratched all the time. It seems my first family had me tested, when I was a puppy, for allergies. Like a lot of other Westies, I am allergic to corn and wheat. Also some grasses and outdoor things. They gave me food with corn and wheat in it anyway. I don’t know why. I also had a yeast infection. I smelled a little “off” and my back end was kind of crusty. There were dark places on my skin. And, boy, was that itchy!
Barbara switched my food (not all at once) to tasty kibble with no corn and wheat. And then she started making me a high protein stew to starve the yeast. I had medicine in cheese ball treats to make the yeast go away. I started having baths a couple of times a week. There was even a special paw rinse, with water, after running around in the grass.
We were all so happy when I was adopted. On my birthday, no less. The new house had two other dogs who had very jingly collars that made a horrible noise when they ran back and forth in front of me. I couldn’t see them. I only heard them and felt them near me. I was startled all the time. I had to nip a few times (and landed a nip, too), trying to get them to mellow a bit. In less than eighteen hours, they didn’t want me either and wanted to bring me back. When I got back to my foster home after less than 48 hours away, I acted kind of like I did the first time I got here. Duncan was so happy to see me but the whole thing had been traumatic and it took me some time to stop growling and baring my teeth. It was all very confusing for him, too.
After that, no one ever even applied for me. I had “no children” and then “special needs” attached to my profile. At least my foster home liked me, even when I didn’t like another foster dog that came here. She and Duncan wrestled and made noises that made me think she was hurting him. I wanted to fight her. So she had to leave.
My skin got much better and now I look mostly white. I still have stew every day and the yeast infection is pretty much gone. My itching is still a problem, though.
Duncan taught me to play with him. Now I can even play fetch. As long as the ball makes noise and doesn’t go far, I can get it! We wrestle some and patrol the backyard together. Duncan runs after squirrels and I run after him because he seems so excited (and then I can smell those pesky squirrels).
I really want to see things like Duncan can. I want to run a long way for a ball and not have him take it away just because I can’t see it twelve inches away. I want to go off-leash on our special walks and not run into twigs and bushes and little posts. Or walk in the wrong direction. I want to beat him to a tree when a squirrel is nearby (and maybe even learn to stalk). Maybe I won’t be so afraid all the time of all those things that startle me now (which is pretty much anything that moves) and maybe then I will stop nipping at people, and little children, and go nuts when I know another dog is nearby. I’m tired of being scared all the time.
My long term foster Mom and Dad (and Kathy, the head of the Rescue group here) are so incredibly excited about me seeing. They are grateful beyond words to the people at WestieMed. I don’t know what all the fuss (and this happy crying) is about. Barbara promises it will be a wonderful surprise. She has a surgery appointment for me on April 27th and says I’ll find out then.
Love, Murphy
Update May 1, 2005:
It’s Sunday, May 1st, and four days since I had my cataract surgery. I can see! I’ve taken to stopping and staring at everything. I’m not really jumping for joy, yet, because I’m not allowed to jump. Or run or play or even get up on to the couch by myself. The special eye doctor doesn’t want me to jostle my eyes too much. And he says “no scratching”, not even after drops are put in my eye, which seems like all the time. For some reason, there is a clown collar or something around my neck. I can’t touch my face or my head. That’s very frustrating.
The word is that I have to keep the collar on and stay in my crate a lot (even when Barbara goes to the store) for another three to four weeks. I’m feeling a little bit depressed right now. But every day is a new day, so “week” means nothing to me. I promise to send another note to the wonderful WestieMed people after the clown collar comes off and I can run and jump and keep up with that wild puppy, Duncan. There’s a whole other life waiting for me!!
I am a one-year-old spunky little fellow, although I kinda hit a brick wall for my early years. You see, I was just recently in the hospital and they told me I have this Addison’s disease. I was bummed to say the least, but at that time, at least I was being taken care of by some really wonderful folks at Pet Pavilion emergency in Olympia Washington.
It all started when I was only 8 months old. Up until that time I was growing like a weed, eating everything in sight and having a grand old time exploring the world from my puppy point of view. I started to get more tired every day and just didn’t feel like my old puppy self. I didn’t want to play with my good pal- a twelve-year-old Scottie named Emma- she had actually been my mom as I was growing up. I just didn’t understand- especially when I started not feeling hungry, then I started vomiting even though I hadn’t eaten anything. Plus I started shaking like I was cold and getting very wobbly on my puppy legs. Not at all like my old self.
My then mom and family took me into my Doc, who said he couldn’t find anything wrong and sent me home again. Well about a week later the same thing happened although this time it was worse- I was not eating at all and shaking and sleeping a whole lot. I didn’t even feel like playing at all.
At the end of February- things got really bad, I just couldn’t make it anymore- my tremors had gotten really bad, I was not eating anything so I had lost almost half my weight and I was a really sick fellow. My then family decided I had to go to the emergency room. Boy, I was glad they took me in, ’cause the Docs took one look at me and threw me on some IV Fluids. I was in shock and my heart was not functioning properly. I was so weak I couldn’t even stand anymore, and I couldn’t stop shaking.
Those nice folks kept me alive with the fluids and started giving me all these tests. They were smart Docs- they figured out right away that I probably had something they kept calling “Addison’s” I wasn’t sure what they were talking about since I was sleeping a whole bunch and felt really, really horrible. The Docs at the emergency room told my then family I was really sick and would need care for the rest of my doggie life. They were really upset. My then family really loved me but had a new baby, a new house, and lots of expenses so they would have a hard time affording my medicines and care. The emergency room bills were a lot anyway, plus having to give me medications.
But they were really upset and wanted to find me a good forever home, so they called the Westie rescue foundation to see if there was anybody who could take me instead of having to put me to sleep. I was sleeping a lot, but that kind of sleep was different. The Westie rescue folks knew of this nice lady named Anne who had been looking for another Westie to adopt to be a companion to her then “big brother” Westie Macduff, who is two years old. She got a call at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 26th, the lady at Westie Rescue of Missouri and Illinois who told her my story and asked her if she wanted to adopt me.
Well, my new forever mom is a Vet Tech, so she knew right away how serious my condition was and what kind of care I would need. But she was not afraid of my being sick, so she called the hospital and my family right away to make arrangements to come and pick me up and adopt me. She knew I would need to be closely monitored because my family had to take me out of the emergency care facility sooner than I should have because they couldn’t afford it. My new forever mom knew I was still a pretty sick boy. She arranged to drive an hour and a half down to Tacoma from her home in Carnation to pick me up on Sunday the 27th of February. I met her on Sunday and immediately crawled into her lap; I knew she was a good forever mom right away.
I didn’t meet my new big brother MacDuff until I got to my new home. My new home is on a beautiful lake that faces these big mountains. We have a big yard that goes down to the water, which I love to play in.
My new forever mom kept me really quiet and let me rest in my Crate for the first few days. I had my first Doc appointment after she got the final results from the ACTH tests done at the emergency clinic. They knew then that I had this Addison’s thing. Well, my new forever mom knows about all that stuff, so she made appointments with her Vets and took me in right away to get me started on my maintenance meds. I am now on those, I take Flurocortisone Acetate tablets and Prednisone. Big names for such a little guy! I am eating like a horse, my mom is trying to put my weight back on so she is giving me roasted chicken meat with my dinner every night and boy do I go crazy for that!
I know I look kinda scrawny here- but I have gained four pounds since the above picture was taken!
I get to go for a hike every day and now that I can run again, it feels so good to have a big brother to chase and show me the ropes! I was an indoor dog before, so the woods are new and there is all kind of smells which are new to me.
My new forever mom had a time of it through the first two weeks. The meds made me go outside every half an hour for the first week. I had a lot of accidents. But mom was patient with me because she knew I couldn’t control it until my muscles got stronger again. Then it slowed down to every hour-even at night, so we didn’t get much rest. But now I can sleep through the night, and I quit shaking finally so my legs are getting stronger every day.
My new forever mom is really strict about making me take my medicine on time every day, but I know it is making me feel better, so I do it for her. She is letting me sleep on the bed now with big Brother MacDuff and I feel really, really lucky to have found this new forever home and be getting my strength back!
I am still not out of the woods yet though and my forever mom thinks I may have something wrong with my left back leg,,,,,,but she tells me just to take one day at a time and we’ll get there!
Shelby – WestieMed Recipient
I know it will still take a few months before I feel completely like my old self- but I trust my new forever mom, she really knows how to take care of me! And my new Big Brother is so nice and patient with me- even when I steal his food or toys. Here’s a picture of me with my Big brother MacDuff on the left- he is letting me share his favorite chair with him!
So thanks WestieMed for finding me my new forever Mom and big brother! I am one lucky Westie dog!
Shelby
Update May 2005:
Well hello all you Westie lovers!
Shelby’s my name and getting’ healthy is my game!
I have been living with my new family, Mom, older brother Mac Duff and a really BIG cat named Comet (who I like to hassle a lot) for about four months now! I was rescued and kept alive from certain mortality at the beginning of February 2005, after I was in the hospital and diagnosed with life-threatening Addison’s disease. Since then my Mom and my great Doc, Dr. Longley have been taking really great care of me and monitoring my electrolyte balance, and increasing my meds three times! My Ratio of Sodium to Potassium is now at about thirty, which is a really HUGE improvement! And WestieMed is helping my mom out with my treatments!
My life is so great now- I get to go out and run and hike every day. Now I can even out-run my older brother Mac Duff and boy, does that make me feel good! My muscles are really starting to come in and fill out. And my hair is growing back thick and healthy. When I was really sick before I was rescued, my muscles had atrophied so badly I could hardly stand, and my hair was falling out all over the place! And you know what- since I am getting calcium in my body now- my bones have grown and I have gotten bigger! Mom has also been feeding me cooked chicken as a diet supplement and BOY do I LOVE chicken!
Shelby – WestieMed Recipient
Here are some updated pics so you can see how handsome I am and how well I am doing.
Pretty soon I will he hairier and bigger than Mac Duff! I am happy ’cause I am really starting to enjoy life, and not being sick all the time is really, really great! Here’s a picture of me and big bother Duff. I’m the guy on the right. I think I am starting to look more like a Westie–right?
Shelby – WestieMed Recipient
And here’s one of me smellin’ the chicken dinner cooking! See the hair re-growing in on my legs–and LOOK how big my paws are! What more could a Westie want–right!
Thanks again WestieMed- it is so great to feel healthy again!
Shelby
Update November 15, 2019:
It is with a very sad heart I am writing this final chapter to Shelby’s story. He sadly left me and went over the Rainbow Bridge last Friday, November 8th, 2019.
Shelby not only survived and lived well his whole life with his Addison’s disease, but he also BEAT cancer! He has diagnosed in 2015 with Stage five Lymphoma, went through Chemo, and was also given the new monoclonal antibody treatments for lymphoma. He was still in remission when he passed away.
He was a force to be reckoned with.
He had such a “Joi de Vivre”! He was a wonderful, happy go lucky fellow who LOVED to chase chipmunks with his big brother Duff, who sadly preceded him.
But he just couldn’t beat the Monster KIDNEY failure. He gave it his all, was such a joy in my life and he will always be loved and missed every day of my life.
Thank you WestieMed for bringing this loving, wonderful boy into our lives and for all the help and wonderful years you all made possible for us to enjoy together.
The mission of Rainbow Rescues, Inc., in Casper, Wyoming, is to visit kill shelters in hopes of saving dogs that are about to be euthanized usually due to lack of space. One day a very small creature appeared, huddled in the back corner of a kennel. He was very dirty, yellow, shivering, and frightened beyond words – to the point of nipping when approached. Who knows “Bach’s” history? He was found at a waste treatment plant. Very difficult to get to for the little one; it did seem that he had been dumped. Fortunately, the shelter impounded him, cared for him the required seven day period for strays, and was willing to release him to rescue.
Bach – WestieMed Recipient
We went directly to the vet, mostly to see if he was closer to life or death. Good news: with a couple of baths, Bach magically became a white “swan.” He was determined to be about seven to eight years old and generally in good health. But he had been sorely neglected for years. Bach had four vet stays, three for surgeries. His teeth were cleaned (none had to be extracted,) a baseball-sized hernia was repaired and four to five small tumors were removed. Then several large warts were removed, one from his eyelid. Finally, two more tumors were removed. He had a complete health exam, blood screening, and many medicated baths which he quite enjoys. Bach’s coat is extremely thin, nonexistent in many places. There is no hair on his tail, back legs, or neck. He takes a couple of medications to encourage skin/coat health. Good food regularly and a sense of security have helped too.
Through all of this, Bach never nipped again. He certainly knows that he is no longer alone, out in the cold Wyoming weather. He has recovered nicely. After a couple of months of care and TLC, Bach turned out to be a doll. He loves basking in the sunshine, going for walks, eating, and more eating. And he is beginning to cuddle; it took a long time for him to be comfortable with that. He does sit up to win hearts – and it is very effective! All of his incisions have healed and some are even covered with hair! He is now housetrained, crate trained loves to ride on a pillow looking out the side window, and is very obedient and well mannered.
The donation from WestieMed to help with his medical expenses made it possible for Bach to be completely rehabilitated, physically and emotionally. He will be forever grateful for their compassion and generosity. According to the vet’s last comment, “he is making great progress and should have several years of healthy life ahead.” Bach may be enjoying the Utah sunshine for the rest of his life. He has a very positive forever home currently being evaluated.
Sincere appreciation for your assistance.
Rainbow Rescues, Inc. Bach, Valued Rescue Dog Jan Dodson, Director
Tess was pulled from a local kill shelter – her coat horribly overgrown, her past a mystery – all I was told was that she had been abandoned.
This dear little Westie suffers from tremors, or mini seizures daily, many times throughout the day. It is heartbreaking to see this sweet little girl staggering about and falling over when they strike.
She can’t play as other dogs do. It took her two weeks to realize what a toy was for. Even now she will only play with one, a little plush teddy bear. When she shakes it to ‘kill’ the teddy, in only a few moments she will drop him, staring blankly ahead of her, and then the tremor will begin.
Tess – WestieMed Recipient
Starting at her ear tips, it works its way down her spine. If she is standing, she will stagger, then lock in place. If she was walking at the time, her legs will be locked in the walk stance. When the tremor works its way to her rear section, it frequently knocks her off balance and she lands on her side or her rump.
It has happened while coming back indoors, where she is locked in the walk stance – half inside, half outside. We must wait until the tremor releases her from its grip to continue coming in. I have noticed that her episodes are more numerous during times of drastic weather change.
During times of stress, I have noticed she would have a tremor every seven to ten minutes as we were trying to relax on the couch. They gradually dissipated in their intensity and allowed her to finally get some rest.
Her quality of life could be so much better. This is why I am requesting WestieMed’s help. She should be able to play like other dogs. She should be able to enjoy the outdoors without it bringing on such impingement in her life. She should be able to relax without her self-annoying leg kicks waking her repeatedly. Something is clearly wrong with her, something that is not showing up in the diagnostic testing we have already had performed on her.
Tess – WestieMed Recipient
It goes without saying that to us she is a very special Westie, she has our hearts and our home regardless of what the future may bring for her. As her caretaker, naturally I want her future to be a very bright one. There is a world to see and experience, and I want for her to be able to enjoy it as fully as possible.
Tess deserves no less than my very best efforts at making her quality of life as complete as possible. With WestieMed’s assistance, she can be seen by a Neurologist and get the diagnosis and treatment she needs.
Thank you for your approval of our application on Tess!
Sincerely, Linda Juszczyk
Tess – WestieMed Recipient
Update March 25, 2005:
We have excellent news!
Tess is going to lead a normal life! With daily medication (Bromide), Dr. Parker feels she will do just fine. I asked if she will be able to play like other dogs, and he said absolutely.
He did say that what she exhibits is ‘very rarely seen and that she has quite a bag of tricks’. He said they are considered seizures, not tremors and it is definitely not White Shaker Syndrome.
He also said this is not in relation to a tumor in the brain. (Thank heavens!) It is also not a hereditary sort of seizure activity. It was likely brought on by either old head trauma or virus, something ingested once upon a time, maybe even low calcium in her mother’s milk when Tess was a nursing pup.
So no x-rays were ordered, no MRI. He sent us home with liquid Bromide to begin at a very low dose and do a gradual increase monthly until we find her optimum level. We see him again in three months unless there is a need before then.
Dr. Parker said the seizure type where you actually witness them traveling as hers do (from ear tips to tail, quite quickly) are very rare in humans, and even more so in canines.
Something which had been an unusual occurrence for Tess had become frequent this week. Her front legs slide out from her body doing the splits, and she will fall very suddenly and very hard. When she gets up, it will only happen again, and then a third time. It has been a rough week for her.
As her blood work previously done showed slightly elevated protein levels (which he said may just be normal for her) the decision was to not place her on Phenobarbital but to go for Bromide which is known to be kinder on the liver and other organs.
Tess – WestieMed Recipient
Update May 2005:
Tess had been acting out of character, and I phoned her Neurologist to see if it could be a side effect of the KBr. He was unavailable, so I was referred to our regular vet. He opted to cut her KBr in 1/2, and add a very small dose of Phenobarbital (1/4 Gr) ~ see how she does, and recheck with our Neurologist.
The addition of the Phenobarbital did nothing in helping the seizure control. It did however give her signs of ataxia, where her hind legs would camp out behind her and did not wish to respond to her efforts to get them back under her and walking. She began doing the splits again with her front legs, falling hard face first. Due to the meds, she was sleeping much of the time, and in her waking hours, she was very uncoordinated, walking around the house as if drunk.
When we saw her Neurologist, he decided to drop the Phenobarbital completely as it was not helping her seizure control. He upped the KBr, which has been significantly lessening her seizures.
The irritability we thought was a side effect of the meds, was not. Upon exam, the Neuro found her hind leg response is not right. Her brain isn’t registering where the feet are, thus the unsteadiness and inability to place them correctly. This wasn’t the case the last time he saw her.
He palpitated her neck and spine very well and found extreme tenderness of the back. It had not been like this last visit. He took two x-ray slides of her spine, thinking she may have some degenerative bone disease going on.
As he throws the slides on the viewing screen, he said there was quite a surprise. Clear as day on the screen is the form of a solid, round metal object lodged against her spinal column. A ‘BB’. The vet said the BB stopped when it struck bone and lodged there. It may have been there for many years, we don’t know.
For some reason, this area has now become inflamed and is causing her a great deal of back pain. For one month she is to be on total crate rest, no jumping on the sofa, no stairs ~ we must lift her to go outside, etc. He’s giving her Prednisone to reduce inflammation and rechecking in two months.
Tess – WestieMed Recipient
Someone used her for target practice at some point in her life. I can’t express myself freely, but I’m sure you can guess what I think of people who treat animals in such a way.
If anyone thinks BB’s are no big deal, they should see this and what she is going through.
WestieMed, thank you for your continuing support as we work through Tess’s health concerns. I don’t know what we would do without you. Due to your help, Tess is now receiving effective seizure control which is greatly restoring her quality of life.
Tess – WestieMed Recipient
Update July 2005:
Hello WestieMed!
I want to thank you for all your help!
Our regular vet checked me recently and determined I have a urinary infection going on. They took my blood (!), and I sure didn’t like that! Also, they peered deep into my ears. The things they expect us to put up with! humph, I think they are checking my hearing. I did hear mum say much later that the blood test shows I am not at my ‘therapeutic level’ for seizure control. She told me not to worry, we’ll get there yet.
Mum took me back to the Neurologist (whatever that is) and he checked me out really well. He said my lower back is not bothering me as it did before…but he’s keeping a check on my upper back. They upped my meds for the seizures, and I’m feeling so much better! I’m not seizing as hard as before, and things seem much more clearer to me. Suddenly I have more energy ~ I play longer, and you should see me canter across the yard now! Mum says I remind her of a little pony.
Today I went back to the regular vet for a recheck. They said I still show a urinary infection, so we went home with some more meds. Would you believe they peered into my ears again?! What the heck is up with that? I heard them say I need another recheck in two weeks’ time. If it weren’t for the treats mum brings along, I’m not so sure I would go.
Mum says she sure can see a difference in me now! She was holding me at the vets and said I’ve got moves Madonna hasn’t even thought of yet! I don’t know what that means, but it seemed to make everybody happy. (Well, they did look a bit frazzled, but happy.)
Thank you WestieMed for assisting me to get the help I need to feel all better once again!
Tess
Update August 2005:
With your help, Tess is making remarkable progress! She is seeing a Neurologist and he is adjusting her Potassium Bromide levels to find her optimum dose. I can report that this week she is making great strides. The ‘drunkenness’ effects of the meds have worn off. This week she is stronger, more mentally alert, and aware of what is going on around her.
When the seizures strike, it now looks as if she is having a Charley Horse while walking. Her back legs tend to cramp and lock into place, but it only lasts a moment and then she is right back into doing her own thing. Huge progress! A stranger would not think it was a seizure. Her true sweet personality is in evidence; what a wonderful little girl someone threw away!
At her last checkup (last Friday) for a urinary infection, her tests came back that she is still showing signs of one. She has been under antibiotic treatment for a month for this. This Friday, Aug. 12th she is to go back in and have some urine drawn by the vet via a needle. He wants to see if the urine in the bladder is showing infection, or if her samples are being contaminated by her coat as it exists. She has been kept clipped to 1/4″ length for the summer and bathed. I am hoping for good results.
I can also report that her walks are doing her a world of good! Last week she cantered up and down a small grade in the park, all on her own with a huge smile on her face! It made my soul soar to view that, the pure joy of her running like that. No wobbles, no falling over, no blank stares – just a little body enjoying stretching out for a bit, feeling the wind in her face.
When she tires she is perfectly content to sit back in the stroller and let me take over, her little form happily laying upon my refrigerated knee pack. Since our park outings have begun, she has lost 2 lbs and looks so much better. It is obvious she is feeling better too, she is much more playful and responsive. She even got to go to Doggie Beach a few weeks ago and feel the sand beneath her toes, probably for the very first time. I’ll attach a photo from her outing.
Thank you WestieMed, for your continuing support of Tess. You have already made such a tremendous turn around in this little dog’s life! There is no doubt her quality of life is vastly improved.
Sincerely, Linda
Update December 2005:
I am very happy to relate to you that Tess is faring well! She has made great progress in her recovery – even more than I dared to hope she would. Her seizures are very close to being eliminated now. We’re awaiting the results of her blood drawn last week, so her meds may still require a little tweaking – but she has noticeably made tremendous strides!
On a recent walk last week, a friend commented she couldn’t believe she was the same dog! She is smiling, happy, coordinated – able to run and enjoy herself. A very far cry from the weak, trembling wreck who used to seize many times throughout each day.
Her seizures resemble just a little hitch in her stride most of the time now. Her mental clarity has improved vastly. At the park, she is the first to run up to greet new dogs – each one being a potential new friend in her mind. She is just a happy little sprite, eager to explore her world and surroundings.
I just can’t get over the change in her. What a wonderful companion animal she is making. Very sensitive to her surroundings, she is first to lend her support if you are having a bad day. I guess she knows how it feels!
Your funding for her recovery means much more to me than I can relate. I wonder how many years she had lived like that; which must have felt like living a half-life.
Thank you WestieMed board for giving Tess a whole new lease on life! Her future is looking very bright indeed.
Also, special thanks to Tess’ Neurologist Dr. Alan J. Parker of VCA Berwyn Animal Hospital, and her small animal Vet Dr. Joseph Caffarini of Lockport Animal Hospital for the magic they have worked on this little scamp.
Sincerely, Linda
Tess – WestieMed Recipient
Update February 2008:
It is with an incredibly heavy heart I write to inform you and the WestieMed Board that Tess has passed away.
There is so much I would like to say in thanks to all of you, but I am finding difficulty in relaying just how much of a difference your help has made to her life, and ours. You gave her quality of life back. I can’t express the effect your sponsorship made, and how many lives have been touched by this abandoned little girl.
Tess suffered a stroke in June of 2007. Her vet determined her age to be at least 14. As she was adopted, we’ll never really know. The following months were a series of ups and downs, but I was determined to keep her comfortable and her dignity intact as long as she wanted to be here. On January 23, 2008, she was put down by our small animal vet. We were the last clients of the day, it was a peaceful passing. Her little body had just plum given out and she was in a final decline she would not overcome.
I do believe this is the most difficult letter I have ever written, as my heart is very full and my home seems so empty without her.
Thank you again for everything. I wouldn’t trade my years with Tess for anything in the world.
I want to thank you for approving the funds to help me with the medical expenses for Annika’s heartworm treatment. Your generosity is graciously appreciated to help Annika back to health. Here is Annika’s story:
In February 2005, my friend Elizabeth, who owns two Westies and is affiliated with the Westie Rescue of Texas organization told me about a breeder who owned and operated a kennel in Fort Worth, Texas. Elizabeth had previously purchased two Westie puppies from this breeder. Elizabeth was aware that conditions at the breeder’s kennel had become deplorable and asked permission to take possession of three dogs that were no longer used for breeding.
Elizabeth brought me one of these dogs, a five-year-old Westie female, originally named Sneakers, who I renamed Annika. She was grotesquely dirty with feces in her snarled, mangled hair. I bathed her repeatedly attempting to eradicate the overwhelming odor. After special whitening shampoo and vigorous scrubbing, Annika’s coat turned from a foxy brown to a dusty pearl white shade. The groomer completed Annika’s make-over with a sheering job straight from the Australian sheep station. Stephanie, my friend who helps Elizabeth rescue Westies, brought Annika a flashy pink girly collar. Now, Annika at least looked GOOD and was house-worthy. Next stop: The Vet!
Annika had a multitude of nasty intestinal parasites but never fear, the multi-talented vet had the perfect elixir for that! However, Annika’s troubles didn’t end there. She tested positive for heartworms on February 25th. I am now going to be able to get the heartworm treatment started, which will save Annika’s life. She is a precious, mild-mannered, loving dog who deserves a fair shake. She is part of our family now.
Following the heartworm treatment, she will need vaccinations and spayed. Annika proudly wears her new stainless steel, bone-shaped tag and smiles because she is adopted and part of a loving family who is generous with their time, energy, and, yes, her favorite word: TREATS! Thank you again, Westiemed.
Sincerely, Dawn A. Logan, Annika’s new Mom
Update, April 2005:
With the heartworm and intestinal parasite treatment that Annkia has received, she has been transformed from a docile creature who had been kept in a breeding kennel all her life to a marvelous, fun-loving, affectionate, energetic fivew-year-old who seeks out toys to play with and hovers in anticipation that I will throw the ball so that she can happily retrieve it in a speedy fashion. The heartworm treatment done two months ago was successful; I am now able to end her confinement in the crate so that she is able to follow me from room to room, go on rides in the car, and take regular walks, which is part of my daily routine. Annika has responded beautifully to the care which she has received during the heartworm treatment and we have bonded very closely. She knows I am her Mom and that I will take care of her needs and most of her wants! She is willing to please and is learning a few basic commands. Her appetite is ravenous and she is getting stronger.
Annkia’s future will be bright because of the medical assistance from WestieMed. Thank you for your approval of her application.
Annika is now a very happy, loving dog who has people around her who shower her will affection and provide for her safety and well being.
I will continue to help with Westie Walks like the one we had this past weekend at Veterans Park in Arlington, Texas, to help raise money for WestieMed so that other Westies who need medical assistance can have the care they deserve.
Sincerely, Dawn A. Logan
Annika – WestieMed Recipient
Update, September 4, 2005:
Annika is a well-behaved, happy five-year-old, and has endeared herself to both my husband and me. She is currently in obedience training and from our point of view, she is at the head of the class. We are extremely appreciative of the help from WestieMed and will continue to contribute to WestieMed at the sanctioned Westie Walks each year.
I run a small dog rescue and a commercial dog breeder asked me if I would take Penny, a fivee-year-old Westie female in his kennel because her health was deteriorating for unknown reasons. Her hair was falling out and she was losing weight. I took her to my vet who gave her a thorough exam and did blood work, all of which was inconclusive. He suspected food allergies and put her on a special diet, Science Diet Z/D ($52 for 18 lbs!).
Another possible cause for her condition could have been uterine infection or disease, so the next step was to spay her. He didn’t see anything unusual about her uterus or ovaries, so he did a liver biopsy when he spayed her. While waiting on the results, she starting looking better, and while the results indicated that she was producing excessive steroids that could be due to diseased adrenal glands, it is possible that a tumor in her ovaries or uterus could have been what was causing the excessive hormones.
Penny’s breeder/owner told me that Penny had become increasingly agitated about being confined and that he had to take extra precautions to prevent her from escaping her whelping quarters and roaming the neighborhood. My vet said that history supported his theory that a tumor in her reproductive tract was producing excessive testosterone, so we will wait two weeks to see is her condition improves. If it does, then the problem was probably in her reproductive tract. If not, the problem is in her adrenal glands and she’ll have to start treatment for that. As a precaution, we will also keep her on the special diet for now as she could also have food allergies as well.
Needless to say, the vet bills were mounting!! I’m an independent rescuer whose only source of income for the rescue is adoption fees, and Penny’s vet bills would far exceed her adoption fee, so I turned to WestieMed for assistance and they came to the rescue, covering her vet bills.
Cutie got his name from the office manager at my vet’s office. I had just gotten him from his breeder the night before and hadn’t been told his name, so she quickly named him for the records.
Cutie was surrendered to me because I run a small dog rescue, and he had a huge hernia in is the groin. While my vet gives me a very generous discount for my rescued dogs, he estimated Cutie’s surgery to repair this hernia would run $200 – $400. Since adoption fees are my only source of income for my rescue organization, and an eight-year-old retired stud dog wasn’t going to bring anywhere near that much money for his adoption fee, I turned to WestieMed for financial assistance, and they agreed to fund his vet bill.
He’ll have the surgery next week, as well as dental work and he’ll be neutered, and will then be available for adoption. He’s a very good, very sweet, mild-mannered boy and will make a wonderful companion for some lucky person.
Cutie had his surgery today. it was a hernia…a huge inguinal hernia and the testicle on that side had become infected too. H also had to have a lot of teeth pulled. The vet said in a few weeks he’ll feel like a new dog…and that he had to have been in a tremendous amount of pain for a very long time ;-(
Pat
Cutie – WestieMed Recipient
Update: May 29, 2005:
Here is Woody. He is doing so well. This is the cutest, funniest little dog you can imagine. He is totally mellow about everything. He’s super affectionate, gentle, and fun-loving. We have now had him about three and half months, he is mostly housetrained and just a delight to live with. He will be getting his first haircut in about two weeks. We’re looking forward to his new image. He is healthy, active, and just great. He gets along well with our other Westie rescue, Muffy. She is a nine-year-old female from a puppy mill near Kansas City. We have had her for two and a half years. His “zipper” on his belly healed beautifully. It is difficult to find it now. We put his dog food through the food processor because he has so few teeth, but he LOVES to eat. We are feeding them Eagle Pack, which was recommended to us by a dog groomer. They really like it. His coat is thick and healthy. He almost never scratches, doesn’t seem to have allergy problems at all. This is a great dog! Thanks so much for letting us be his forever family.
