Little is known about Payten’s early life or even how old he is. The vet’s and I predict he is about two years old. I came to know Payten after my three-year-old Yorkie died of a herniated disk and I felt a burned desire to help dogs in need of love and attention. I searched the web looking for rescue organizations and decided on another Westie because I already had one and knew I loved the breed so much. Since we live in Kansas, I contacted Westie Rescue of Missouri, which sponsors MO, KS, AR, and IL. Once all the paperwork and home visits were completed, the rescue volunteer told me she knew of a lady in Arkansas that was a foster parent and she might have just the dog I was looking for. Since I am originally from the very area were Karen, the foster parent, lived it would not be a stretch for me to go visit and make a decision.
I had originally told the volunteer that I wanted a female and one that was younger than my current dog who was seven and a half at the time. When Karen contacted me she told me about the female she was fostering but she was actually older than I wanted but I was still considering it. During our conversation comparing notes about how we both loved Westies and how Karen knew the breeder that I had gotten my Westie from, she finally mentioned that she had just received a young male dog if I might be interested in a male instead of a female. I had read that you shouldn’t get two dogs of the same breed and same-sex because it could cause fighting if they both want to be the Alpha so I was reluctant. However, since I was going to Arkansas in a couple of weeks to visit my family, Karen and I decided to meet up so that my Westie, Baylea, and I could see Payten.
In that first conversation, Karen had told me that she had only had Payten, who she was calling Malco, a couple of days. A young woman who had found him in a Malco theatre parking lot brought him to her. The young woman thought he might get hit so she scooped him up and took him to her apartment for a couple of days while she asked around about his owner and placed fliers around the area. She also contacted several vets in the area and called the humane society to see if anyone had called asking about a missing Westie. Since she couldn’t have animals at her apartment, she knew about the Westie Rescue and turned him over to Karen with what little information she knew. Karen called the Humane Society as well and was told that another Westie was found in the same area and was brought to them. Karen asked what their plans were for that dog and they indicated that they would keep him for two weeks and if no owner came to claim him then he would be adopted out. They said there was already a woman who worked at the society that wanted theirs so he would be placed quickly. Karen stayed in contact with the society and when the two weeks passed with no word from an owner she and the humane society decided to find the dogs new homes.
Karen called me that Friday night in February and said since no one had come forward she would let me take Payten if I decided he would work for us. She said when he was found he had a collar on, looked like he had recently been groomed, and was already neutered so she couldn’t imagine what his story was. Since they didn’t know anything about his veterinary care she decided to give him a round of shots, have his teeth cleaned and give him a bath. She said he was such a good boy through all of it and was a very affectionate little guy. He seemed to get along well with her other dogs but he did have trouble with her cat. Other than that Payten seemed well mannered and was housebroken and knew some basic commands already. We kept wondering what could have been the problem for someone to dump such a wonderful dog.
When we finally meet Payten that cool day in mid-February, we fell in love with him and quickly decided we needed to help him. I told Karen that since it seemed someone had been caring for him, we should continue to look for the owner for a couple more months. But as each day went by with no word, it became clear whoever had been his family didn’t want him anymore so Karen said I could keep Payten if it was working out.
Payten and Baylea have adjusted to one another very well now. At first, it must have been confusing for both of them and they didn’t always agree. Payten was more aggressive than Baylea had ever been but I knew they just needed to work out their differences and since their bickering wasn’t violent I usually let them be. Baylea is more of a feet on the floor let me run type of guy whereas Payten is more of a let me sit beside you and you can pet me type of guy. That works perfectly for me. The most frustrating part of having Payten was the anxiety he was suffering during the transition which resulted in him marking territory in the house. We quickly made some adjustments to help him and bought a very good carpet cleaner and now he is much better. A few other things we have learned about Payten are that he has bad teeth and we have to clean them often and that he has a sensitive stomach so we have to be careful changing foods. Also, Payten is somewhat clumsy and was always running too fast and spraining his ankles. However, recently it has gotten worse and we have had him at the vet several times due to excessive weakness in his front limbs. Payten has also been experiencing seizures, which ended up landing us in the specialist’s office. The specialist thinks Payten may have inflation in his brain or spine causing the weakness and knuckling in his front paws. Payten is currently on Prednisone to help reduce the pressure and inflammation and will be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks to see if further testing is needed. It was suggested that he might have vertebral disk disease but that is yet unknown.
Many thanks to WestieMed for their financial support as we strive to give this abandoned little boy a better life.
Subrina, Baylea and Payten
Update as of November 8, 2006:
Payten underwent a spinal tap on October 17, 2006, which revealed an elevated nucleated cell count in the sample. According to the neurologist, this confirmed the presents of infection causing the inflammation in Payten’s spinal column and brain. The sample was sent off to a veterinary pathologist for further testing to determine the nature of the infection. The pathologist reported finding erythrocytes presents as well as 14% neutrophils, 60% lymphocytes, and 26% monocytes. The neurologists explained that the path report narrowed the problem down to a protozoa infection such as Toxoplasmosis or Neospora caninum. He suggested we start Payten on a four-week treatment of clindamycin along with the doses of prednisone. Payten has responded very well to the treatment and is almost back to normal. Again I would like to extend special thanks to WestieMed for their continued support for Payten.
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.
PITO’S FUND – His name was Pito. Abandoned at a shelter, he was a small lad, weighing about thirteen pounds, perhaps six or seven years old and filthy from where he obviously had been laying in his own urine. The Shelter contacted Westie Rescue to help save Pito. The rescuer was told that Pito has seizures, but wanted him to have a second chance. The rescuer promptly went to get Pito. Pito was picked up on a Sunday morning and was taken directly to the vet’s office for a complete check up. He seemed to enjoy the ride and snuggling in the nice towel in his carrier.
At the vet’s office, it became apparent that Pito had been abused…possibly used as bait for dog fights. His right rear leg had a ligature mark about half an inch wide like something had been tied around it for quite a while. It was thought that some of his toes may also have to be removed. There were also some marks around which may have been healing cuts, punctures, or bruises.
It was also believed that he may have had some trauma to the head. His vision in one eye was gone, and it was thought that he could only see shadows in the other. To get to the bottom of what was causing the seizures, Pito was going to need some extensive and expensive medical tests, which the independent rescuer simply could not have afforded on her own.
WESTIEMED jumped right in and started Pito’s Fund. As Pito was undergoing a series of tests, messages went out on the internet, and the public generously responded!
At the vet’s office, Pito was given lots of attention and was bathed and cleaned up. His seizures were stabilized, and the vet felt that we should wait a couple of days to see how he did.
On Wednesday, things took a turn for the worse. Pito’s behavior became very erratic and aggressive. This lasted the night and continued into the next morning. His condition worsened…and with heavy hearts, the decision was made to euthanize.
Although Pito did not make it, the last few days of his life were spent in loving hands.
WESTIEMED paid Pito’s bills in full. Unfortunately, Pito was never captured in any photograph during his short stay in rescue. Nevertheless, WESTIEMED is glad to have been able to help give Pito the second chance he deserved.
