ACL Surgery – WestieMed

Pasha

April 1, 2016December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Pasha started her journey as a foster in March 2013. She was very withdrawn, three kgs plus overweight, unfit, not socialized, had a severe yeast infection, typical Westie skin problems, wispy and thin hair all over her body, her back was dipped with the weight as she had a big round belly! She also had a severe bacterial infection in her ears called Pseudomonas. Her ears were in a terrible state, the skin inside the flap was very dry and split and the ear canal was nowhere to be seen. She didn’t bark and, as she was withdrawn, she spent her days finding places to hide and staying there until you managed to coax her out, usually for a treat! She had also been on a high dose of steroids.

When she came to live her first foster mum, she was taken off the steroids immediately, switched to a raw feeding diet and saw a homeopathic/holistic vet. Everything was going to be natural from here on in for Pasha.

Her weekly routine consisted of baths every 2/3 days with a natural shampoo and every other day her ears were cleaned with Malecetic Aural and a pinch of Thornit powder.

As the days and weeks went by she grew in confidence. Initially, she didn’t even know how to walk on grass; her daily walk with two other rescue Westies helped build her confidence. She lost weight and started to develop a little ‘Westietude’.

We were following Pasha’s journey on Facebook. In June 2013 we lost our little Westie, Poppy, and we were heartbroken. We made the decision we had to get another little Westie so we made inquiries about fostering Pasha. We met Pasha twice and we got the wonderful news we could foster her.

Towards the end of July 2013, Pasha came to live with us as a long-term foster. We continued with the raw feeding, weekly routine of baths and ear treatment and gave her plenty of exercises. Her skin improved, her hair grew back and she became a happy, contented dog. Despite a setback in December 2013, she continued her recovery until April 2014 when she began to have problems with her ears.

Unfortunately, her ear condition did not improve, even with a course of antibiotics and weekly ear cleaning. As the seasons changed she picked up four ear infections. We had blood tests undertaken, skin scrapings to check for allergies and biopsies taken which showed she was resistant and sensitive to most antibiotics! The decision was taken, after lengthy consultation to undertake a double Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA), which has left her completely deaf. Whilst her vet was performing the operation, he discovered cysts in both ears, one of which was so big and pussy it was pressing on skull causing a lot of pain. She had also become quite aggressive; we believe this was a result of what was happening with her ears.

As a result of losing her hearing, she lost all her confidence, withdrew into herself again and started to isolate herself again. She didn’t want to go out for a walk and was very hard to bathe without her becoming aggressive. So much so that when she went to be groomed, she became a ‘psycho’ dog when she sensed the clippers so she is unable to be groomed without being under sedation. We could completely understand this. To go from not hearing very well and in constant pain, to then waking up, unable to hear and in even more pain, her whole world had been turned upside down.

Her journey to recovery started, which wasn’t easy. She was very aggressive, withdrew even more and would snap at our other rescue Westie, Hamish, for no reason at all. We were not going to give up on her though. We kept remembering Pash as she was before her ear problems and we knew she’d come back to us with time as a friend whose dog had the same operation had taken two years to return to herself. Patience and determination is all we needed, and we had lots of that!

We had a behaviorist come in to help us and gradually she started to trust again.

At the end of November 2014, Pasha took a turn for the worse. Her blood sugars dropped dramatically, her legs went all wobbly and we had to give her glucose to bring the blood sugars back up. She kept falling over, her eyes went really gooey and she had a blank look in her eyes if that makes sense. Her skin went really dry and her hair was falling out whenever she shook or scratched. We actually thought we were going to lose her or have to have her put to sleep. She started a low dose of steroids which we really didn’t want to do considering her past with steroids but we had no choice. This was the last resort; if this didn’t work there would be no other choice but to put her to sleep. We were over the moon as she responded really well, her eyes became bright, and she started playing again. She wanted to be cuddled, we were so happy to see her like this.

She has just had a groom where she has had a full coat of fur underneath and it is healthy fur; this the first one. There is just one patch on her leg which she will not leave alone, licking and chewing it when she feels stressed. She barks now, will sit at the back window and watch out into the garden and the trees beyond; she loves watching the birds and animal programs on TV. She is loving her walks and really finding a zest for life again. We still have the aggression every now and then but this is more of a warning than wanting to bite us.

Pasha is a regular visitor to our lovely vet Neil Coode at Brookmead Vets in Cranleigh. She has been to see him two to three times a month, on average, and sometimes weekly. Unfortunately due to all her problems we cannot insure Pasha.

She has been battling for more than a year with a constant ear infection. She is still undergoing treatment as its refusing to heal. She has been on and off antibiotics and now antifungal treatment throughout the year. She has started a course K-Laser therapy which is a treatment that helps promote healthy tissues following an operation, resulting in a quicker healing process. We have just completed one course of K-Laser therapy and have two more planned.

We are so thankful for WestieMed helping Pasha with her treatment. Without your funding, she would not be able to have this treatment. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

All our love,
Debbie, Kevin, Pasha and Hamish

Update June 20, 2016

Following the initial K-Laser the ear flap really started to heal. We went on holiday to Scotland and we all had a great time. Pasha loved it and did lots of investigating round the locks and the woods.

We came back and all seemed OK. Her ear then had a flare-up. Back to the vets we went. Another course of K-Laser. Our vet has since been in contact with the lady from K-Laser who has been in contact with HQ in the States. They have devised a specific program for Pasha called Deep Healing which is every other day treatment for ten days and twice a week for two weeks, then to review and see how the ear is getting on. She also has another infection in the ear which she is on a ten-day course of antibiotics for. Following all this, Neil, her vet, and so are we, are really hoping this will kick the infection so her ear can finally heal. What Neil wants to avoid is further surgery as its not a surgery he can do and Pash would have to be referred to a specialist. He really doesn’t want to do this as he feels it would be more harmful to her and possibly dangerous. We’re hoping and sending her healing that this latest course of action will work.

I have also attached some more pictures as I realized I’d sent collages of pictures – these are to follow.

Thank you once again for your help, without your lovely donation, Pasha wouldn’t be able to have this treatment, thank you.

Best wishes,
Debbie, Kevin, Pasha & Hamish x

Update May 20, 2017

I thought I’d send you an update on how Pasha is getting. OMG, how she has changed.

November last year she had a healing session from a friend. She asked us to keep her collar off in the house and only use it for walking her. Well, that change has worked, her ear is completely healed and she is trusting herself that she doesn’t hurt and wow, she has changed. She’s happy, she’s playing, she’s trying to get her stepbrother Hamish to play as well and when their on their walks she will often now run around like a headless chicken, she’s loving life. It’s so lovely to see her happy, she makes us laugh and cry.

We just want to say another massive massive thank you to WestieMed for your kind donation, without it she wouldn’t have been able to fight the infection and have the laser treatment, a combination of this and taking the collar off have really made the difference, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I’ll send some pictures of our recent trip to Scotland. We all climbed up Cairngorm mountain, a total of 1600 feet, we thought it would tire them out, oh no, they both had a snooze and then wanted to go for a walk.

Thank you again.

Debbie, Kevin, Pasha and Hamish

Update September 3, 2017

I’m afraid I’m writing with sad news. On Monday 21st August, we had to say goodbye to Pasha. On Monday 7th August she had a stroke, she was recovering really well, and we were informed if she recovered over the next two weeks she would be ok.

In the second week, we were given the all-clear to take her out for a walk in her stroller, she’d also pulled her ACL. She had a lovely walk that Sunday and enjoyed the pub. That night she had another stroke and was in a bad way, we made that horrible decision. Her vet came, agreed with us and also wonders if she might have had a brain tumor, we’d been thinking that for over six months.

She’s home with us now in her heart casket and I have her fur & ashes in a heart pendant.

Thank you so very much to WestieMed for your help when we adopted her.

Lots of love,
Debbie, Kevin and Hamish

Lucky

April 1, 2016December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Lucky was an owner surrender. His owner bought him from a pet shop and became tired of him being a “nasty dog”. She admitted she worked long hours and would leave him crated for over ten hours a day where he would pee and poop all over himself and she was tired of cleaning him.

When Lucky Dog Rescue got him, his coat was yellow from pee stains and his teeth were horrible. He was very sweet and loving but is a little testy with dogs always doing a deep growl/grumbling sound. He was taken to the groomers and given three baths…they said they even bleached his coat. With all that he still remains an off white/cream color. He also saw the Vet and was found to be in great health but a little overweight and he got his first teeth cleaning and luckily…no pun intended…his teeth were ok.

Recently, he injured his leg while playing and had to undergo ACL knee surgery for the right leg… he had already undergone the same surgery in the other knee but this one seems a little harder for him to handle as his balance is a little off.

He is now being cared for by my family and has bonded with my 3 boys, 2 of whom are mildly Autistic…they refer to him as “Lucky Puppy” even though he’s 10 years old. Hopefully, this is the end of his troubles and he’ll live a long and healthy life full of love.

Thank you for helping Lucky!

Michelle

Update October 3, 2016

Lucky’s surgery went well but his recovery was a difficult one. He became extremely agitated with his cone, his bandages slid down and caused swelling and refused to eat. We removed the bandages and cone and he began to eat but quickly turned and pulled out staples. We took him back and he was re-stapled. His therapy was going well but he was still in lots of pain so he went back to see the surgeon.

It seems he possibly had some nerve damage causing him to turn his leg a bit inward and the muscle atrophied a bit so he leans his weight on his left side. Considering his age and difficult recovery we declined any further surgery and he is on pain management as needed.

He was placed in a foster but it seems he’s dog selective. He growls and snaps at other dogs if they get near him so he came back. Since I have senior dogs he seems to be fine with their energy and definitely loves my boys…I think he knows they have issues of their own and somehow they understand each other.

If he chooses to live out his years here, that’s fine…he’s a great guy and total love bug. I have enclosed some pictures so you can see what he went through but no worries as now he’s just fine.

Thank you once again so much for helping this sweet old boy.

Michelle

Update May 18, 2017

Lucky is doing great! The leg took longer to heal than expected for some reason. He was very stiff and had lots of tenderness so he got lots of Massage Therapy and is running around like normal now.

He’s very cuddly and loving and demands attention by nudging you with that nose and he does a cute little tap dance when he’s waiting for you to feed him the kids really like it.

Thank you again for all your help with Lucky.

Michelle

Charlie

September 1, 2012December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Charlie came to us with two other Westies and two Scotties after a commercial breeder dumped them in a rural shelter in Kentucky in late August 2012. This particular shelter works in tandem with our shelter partner in Bowling Green, KY, and when the dogs were dumped, we immediately got a plea for help to pull from our contact in Bowling Green. We drove up the next day and pulled all six dogs and took them straight to our vet in Franklin for exams, vetting, and dental. Tennessee Scottish Terrier Rescue ended up taking the two Scotties, and our little band of Charlie, Chip, Maggie, and Hailey were vetted and boarded for a week so we could be sure they didn’t bring with them any Kennel Cough or parasites. Needless to say, our vetting bills for these dogs was pretty steep just for basic vetting and dentals. Everyone did well and traveled on to their four separate foster homes.

Charlie instantly began meshing in his foster home with five other Terriers, so much so that he took it upon himself to take a flying leap off his foster mom’s bed in the middle of the night about two weeks into his fostering, trying to follow one of the other Westies who decided she needed to go out for a potty break. His foster mom knew instantly he had hurt himself badly. She got him in later that morning to the vet who confirmed the ACL rupture. Charlie was in a lot of pain, but the vet got him on the proper meds to give him some relief and we scheduled the ACL repair surgery for a few days later. Fortunately, our vet works with Dr. Paul Newman, a wonderful orthopedic travel surgeon, and he took excellent care of Charlie. Two days later, Charlie was settling back into his foster home, and thankfully his foster mom is a nurse, so she can really help with the ins & outs of his rehab. Charlie will have to be kept quiet and rehab his leg for the next six weeks, which isn’t easy because he acts like he’s had nothing done. He wants to run and play with the others! His foster mom has nicknamed him “Sir Bulldozer Charles” because while in the “cone of shame” he must wear for a few days, he doesn’t let it keep him from getting to things he either wants to smell or carry in his mouth. He just scoops it up in his cone! Charlie is a very loveable little fella that will make someone a superior forever family member in a few weeks. We cannot thank WestieMed for the kindness and generosity once again shown to Westie Rescue of Tennessee, Inc.! Thank you again for helping us with Sir Charles!

Carol Whitmer
Officer/Director of Communications

Update January 9, 2013

Charlie had ACL surgery but we sadly learned that he had an aggressive tumor in his leg that had spread into his back causing a lot of pain.

We regret to tell you, but Charlie went to Rainbow Bridge on January 8, 2013 and now rests peacefully.

We are all very sad, but also very thankful for WestieMed’s assistance with him.

I thought you would enjoy seeing this photo of a once puppymill stud dog, turned loved and treasured foster pup.

Thanks,
Carol Whitmer

Emily

February 1, 2011December 26, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Emily was surrendered to Waccamaw Animal Rescue Mission (WARM) by the family of her deceased owner in early May of last year. According to reports, she was in deplorable condition and obviously had been through some rough times. When she was turned over to WARM she had very little hair (likely a result of neglect and abandonment) and her skin was in terrible condition. Her teeth were also in very bad condition. After several months at WARM, she was listed on Petfinder. The Petfinder notes indicated in part: “After being on a strict diet and premium food at WARM her hair is now growing in and she is going to be a real cutie…She was born around 2002, making her about 8…is still full of life and is so friendly and just loves everyone who comes to see her…is up to date with routine shots and spayed/neutered”.

Emily’s situation came to my attention while I was searching Petfinder for a special needs Westie that I could perhaps sponsor in memory of Duchess. Duchess crossed the Bridge on Feb. 16 after a six wks battle with kidney failure/gall bladder disease. Contact was made with WARM and a visit with Emily scheduled for July 27th. WARM had focused on Emily’s hair/skin condition, giving her lime-sulfur dips, baths, and good food. She had a full coat at the time of my visit, and the uneven growth reflected her hair loss had been substantial. Emily was a very loving, happy little girl. She would stand up on her hind legs and just smile! Emily was being housed in a crate, going out for leased walks. WARM had recently taken in a large number of dogs and appeared to be at capacity. While out for the visit, we noticed Emily was urinating quite often so an appointment was scheduled for her to see the vet. The application process was started and arrangements made for contact after Emily’s trip to the vet. I was touched that after all Emily had been through, she still was loving and trusting of me. Emily’s bloodwork and urinalysis checked out ok during the vet visit on the 29th, and although she did have diluted urine there was no sign of diabetes or crystals, etc. I received an e-mail telling me “Emily would be delighted to go with you to a new and loving home.” I drove to Conway on August 5th to complete the adoption process and bring Emily home. She was on a precautionary low dose of Baytril and a followup will be done by her new vet.

Emily quickly settled into her new home, becoming best buds with McDuffy (four years. old Westie mix) and seemingly felt right at home. She does her share of trying to rid the neighborhood of squirrels and cat by barking at them, loves her squeaky toys, and enjoys a nap on the sofa after having a bowl of kibble. She and McDuffy play chase, “squeaky” keep away, and toy “take away” (pre-ACL activities). Mandee, seventeen-year-old blind Chihuahua, just tries to stay out of their way. After settling in, we focused on health and beauty issues. Grooming was first and then vet followup on 8/16. Her right ear had a deep infection, was cleaned, treated and was put on Tribrissen 120 mg. Rechecked 8/30, clearing up. She went in on 10/4 for her dental, heavy tartar but no extractions needed, gums irritated and Clindamycin 23 mg. prescribed. She came out with pearly whites and smiled at me to show them off. Yeah – health and beauty goals met!

2010 was a tough year for little Miss Emily, losing her family, home, having several severe health issues, being moved into group housing and then on to a new home. She is such a courageous girl, never complaining, just goes with the flow. With a new forever home and her health issues taken care of, we hope for a better New Year.

On Jan. 5, Emily was sick with vomiting and became dehydrated. Her bloodwork was good, fluids administered, Cerenia and bland food for four days and all was well after several days.

On Jan. 18, Emily injured her left back leg while running after a squirrel, was not able to put it down at all. Off we go to see Dr. Suggs again – Emily really likes him and always smiles at him – this is a good thing as we have been seeing him often! The examination revealed an ACL injury with surgery recommended and scheduled for the following morning, Jan. 19. The ACL was torn completely, was surgically repaired and total recuperation may take as much as four to six months. Emily came through the surgery just fine, had a recheck on Jan. 31 and went in to get stitches removed on Feb. 7. After a thorough exam, Dr. Suggs feels the knee is healing as it should. Miss Em is slowly beginning to use the leg. She will continue to be on restricted activity and leash walks for a while yet. The next recheck is on Feb. 21.

And through it all, Miss Em continues to smile (and try to kill the green frog squeaky toy)!

I am so very thankful, WestieMed, for your assistance with the medical bills incurred for ACL surgery – that is such a tremendous help. It is indeed a Godsend to me! Emily, McDuffy and I are also very appreciative of the help you have given to Westies through the years. As evidenced by the stories posted on your website, you have made a huge difference in the lives of many!

May God Bless you and yours.

Alice

Update February 23, 2011

Emily is beginning to use the repaired leg a little more this week, primarily at a slow walk, walking on it a little. She went for a recheck on Monday, Feb. 21. The doctor was pleased she has begun walking some on the leg. He said the knee is still “tight” but there is a loss of muscle mass in the leg, We are to continue leashed walks for exercise to rehab. and call him in a month (unless a need arises for earlier contact) to update him on her progress. Emily continues to be a happy, loving little girl and is still giving the green squeaky frog toy a trouncing!

Alice

Update March 13, 2011

Many thanks to WestieMed for providing funds for Emily’s surgery. She is an adorable little girl and deserves the best life possible. I have enclosed a picture of Emily after trouncing the fearsome frogs! She is still limping but she seems more active.

Thanks again and God Bless.

Alice

Update January 1, 2012

Emily sends wishes for a Happy New Year to you, the staff and volunteers at WestieMed. Hoping you have a wonderful year. Thanks again for the help with Emily’s medical expenses. She is doing well, seems to have fully recovered from the ACL injury she had in January 2011. She had a relatively short bout with allergy problems in the fall. A round of medications and change to Earthborn Coastal Catch food appears to be working. She is truly a blessing – always happy and such a wonderful companion. She continues to work towards making our neighborhood a cat-free squirrel free environment!!!! May God bless WestieMed, the staff, volunteers and the little ones seeking help. I pray God will provide in abundance …….

Carolyn Schofield

Suzi

November 1, 2007January 28, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

December 2007:

Suzi came to live with me as a foster dog in March 2007 after the sudden death of her 86-year old Master. She originally went to live with the man’s daughter who had a six-month-old Westie puppy. After a month’s stay with the family, the daughter’s husband was sincerely ready to put Suzi to sleep if I had not taken her in as a foster dog. I believe Suzi was going through extreme mourning at the passing of her Master and then the loss of companionship with the puppy. I was happy to bring her into my home in order to give her the individual attention she obviously needed.

Over Thanksgiving, I had a friend staying with me. He put Suzi on his bed and when she jumped off, she hit her hind leg on a speaker and tore her ACL.

Now THANKS to WestieMed her surgery is being covered in full and she’ll soon be back to her old very playful self.

Thank you for all of the help you have given to Suzi.

Jackie Tyman

MacDuff

September 1, 2006February 6, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

September 2006

MacDuff and Duggan came to Westie Rescue of North Texas (WRNT) as an owner surrender. Their owners felt they were unable to devote the proper attention to these two sweeties and turned to Westie Rescue to find loving homes for their wee bairns.

MacDuff is a Senior Statesman. At a robust eleven years old, Big Mac (As we affectionately call him is as affable and genial a dog as you’ll ever meet. Content to watch the carryings-on of younger dogs, MacDuff is no couch potato. He’s mixed it up a bit – always in good fun – and always in a good temper. MacDuff has an endearing way of asking for affection: He puts his paw on your arm as if to say “Hey, bud, got a minute for me?” Of course, there’s ALWAYS time for Westie love!

As you can see, our MacDuff is a sick little man. He has completed his first round of surgery, to remove two very large tumors from his neck. Fortunately, these tumors were non-cancerous but were unsafe to leave as-is. When he was surrendered to us we were told that he had injured both rear legs in the past and those injuries “were just allowed to heal.” Unfortunately, with Westies, whenever there’s a ligament, tendon, or patella injury, they rarely heal well.

MacDuff came through his first ACL surgery with flying colors! He’s getting around pretty well, but still has problems at doorways and can’t yet do stairs. He’s getting the Pasha treatment and being carried a lot…..and he loves living the life of Riley! Based on the damage previously done to his other knee, we expect him to have to repeat the ACL surgery in a few months.

MacDuff has been a real sweetheart throughout the whole surgery ordeal. Even though he’s been in a lot of pain, he’s never snapped or barked. He does moan when he sits down or you pick him up wrong, but a sweeter disposition you’ll never find. (A quick story: MacDuff is called “Dr. Scrappy” by his Foster Family. You see, after his ACL surgery, the family came home to find that Dr. Scrappy had removed all but one of his stitches, as cleanly and carefully as if he had been a trained veterinarian. Talk about one smart little boy!)

Thank you once again, With Many Regards, John Workman WRNT – Director