Torn ACL – WestieMed

Lencsi

February 1, 2017December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories, Uncategorized

Lencsi is an approximately nine to ten years old Westie lady who was rescued in May 2016 in Hungary. She was found in the countryside on the street in horrible condition, so Westie Rescue Hungary picked her up immediately the same day. She did not have a microchip and her owner was not found. Probably that was her luck.

During her first examination at the veterinarian, the following was diagnosed:

Ultrasound examination – small lime crystal sediments are visible on the liver and kidneys. Hernia, probably the uterus is protruded. Operation is URGENT.
Lacrimation check – very low, KCS disease, treatment twice a day.
Skin issues – infections, alopecia, scratching, postulate, the overall state is devastating. Antibiotics for 2 weeks, mono-diet with hypoallergenic pet food, biweekly bathing. The ear also infected daily treatment.
Blood was taken and sent to the lab – the result is promising, only the leukocyte is higher but only due to the inflammation in her body.
Heartworm test: POSITIVE
Transponder inserted

So we needed to look into her eyes and decide how to proceed, we had to be honest since we had doubts if we can succeed. She was in a lot of pain and we probably never had such a complicated case. But her sweet face and calm, kind nature convinced us that she will fight, she will recover so we started the long rehabilitation

Due to the heartworms, before the surgery we made a heart ultrasound examination as well, which showed that the adult worms are in the lung artery, blood pressure was normal. We operated on her hernia and was obviously neutered her at the same time. Although it was a dangerous operation, her will to survive was strong enough to stay with us. Both back legs had a torn knee ligament – examined by a specialist before the surgery – but we concentrated first on the heartworms and her general condition.

In July allergy test was performed as the improvement was not that satisfying. After the results, we continued with suitable hypoallergenic pet food.

In August we could proceed with the heartworm removal with a catheter which was performed by an Italian specialist – the first time we had this kind of surgery on a Westie. As a result, two adult heartworms were removed and medical treatment was continued. Her skin became better and better with time.

In December we made a control blood test and the results were perfect. The lacrimation check also showed significant improvement. All vaccinations could be given to her and the control heartworm test gave a NEGATIVE result. So we were very happy!

We got the green light to do the surgery of her leg and in January 2017 after an x-ray, the surgery was performed. Her leg will never be perfect, but she won’t have pain anymore. After a short break, we plan to operate the other leg in March. And after that, almost one-year rehabilitation will end and Lencsi will hopefully find her forever home.

Lencsi’s medical costs were high, so we can say that she is one expensive Westie, but WestieMed will help us to cover most of it for which we are very grateful.

Update November 22, 2017

Lencsi had been adopted yes and she is doing fab.

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

Annie

February 1, 2016December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories, Uncategorized

Annie (aka Annabelle) was originally a breeding female in a Missouri puppy mill. It is unclear how many years Annie was breeding in the puppy mill before she was sold to an individual in Springfield, MO. Although it appeared Annie’s life would take a positive turn and she would soon be in a loving home with her new owner, Annie’s happy ending did not occur. Annie’s new owner simply chained Annie to a tree in their backyard. She did not have shelter in the backyard for protection from the elements nor did the family provide her with any love or attention. Annie remained outside chained to a tree where she sat in mud and dirt the entire day. She was filthy and flea-infested when she was saved by the Westie Rescue of Missouri, Inc. program in the fall of 2015. It is unclear how long Annie endured these horrible conditions.

Westie Rescue of Missouri’s mission is to prevent cruelty, abuse or neglect of Westies. They have amazing volunteers who want to see that all Westies have a warm, safe and healthy environment where they can develop to their full potential while we search for their new “forever” home. Westie Rescue provided Annie with veterinarian treatment where she was shaved and treated for fleas to relieve her infestation issues. She was also diagnosed with arthritis in her legs and hips at that time. Annie was then transported to her assigned foster parent, Ben M., where she was nursed back to health in preparation for adoption.

We were looking to adopt a rescued Westie, and we contacted the Westie Rescue of Missouri in the fall of 2015. Annie’s foster parent contacted us at that time to tell us that Annie was a five-year-old female, and she was almost ready for adoption. Ben advised Annie had difficulty jumping up on furniture or climbing stairs due to her arthritis; however, she was taking Rimadyl for pain twice a day, and she seemed to be improving. Ben also advised he just received a five-year-old male Westie in excellent health who was ready for adoption as well. He advised Watson was very energetic and active in comparison to Annie. I couldn’t resist rescuing two Westies at the same time! We were very happy to adopt both Annie and Watson!!

On November 15, 2015, we welcomed Annie and Watson into their “forever” home! When we took Annie to our local vet for a checkup, he advised Annie had significant arthritis and he suspected she was older than five and suggested she may be seven or eight years old. He recommended we continue to treat her arthritis with Rimadyl twice a day. Annie and Watson have become best buddies and they love chasing each other in the house and in the backyard. After chasing Watson in the backyard, I noticed Annie was not placing any weight on her right rear leg. This continued for a few days, so we took Annie to the vet. He has diagnosed her with a torn ACL. She will need to have her ACL repaired to allow the sweet girl to walk on her right rear leg.

We are very grateful to WestieMed for being available to help our sweet Annie and so many other Westies. Thank you so much!
Kim and Don Knoche
Bloomington, IL

Update March 8, 2016

Annie had her ACL surgery yesterday and everything went well! She’s at home now resting comfortably.

The vet advised all of Annie’s joints are full of arthritis and her left rear leg has a minor tear in her ACL as well, so, unfortunately, I’m sure more surgeries are in her future.

Thank you WestieMed for the financial assistance your organization has provided to help Annie!

Kim Knoche

Update October 25, 2016

Annie is doing great! Her surgery went very well.

She has a little stiffness in her joints in the morning, but once she gets moving, she’s fine! Annie can now go for a long walk now, and she just started jumping up on the couch to sit next to me a few weeks ago, so she’s almost back to being herself!!

I actually adopted two Westies at the same time. Watson is a male, and the vet thinks Watson is approximately three years old. The vet thinks Annie is approximately seven or eight years old…she definitely is an older Westie because this little girl has arthritis in all of her joints!

I’ve attached a photo of Annie walking with Watson!! As you can see, she is doing very well!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping our family with the expenses to pay for Annie’s ACL surgery! It was an unexpected cost we weren’t prepared for!

WestieMed is amazing!

Thanks again!

Kim Knoche

Max - WestieMed Grant Recipient - April 2014

Max

April 1, 2014December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Max entered foster care in August 2013. Max, seven, was surrendered due to his owner having health problems that caused her to be placed in a nursing home. Max was left in her apartment for a month prior to being surrendered to Westie Rescue Michigan. Max was confused and lonely.

Due to the owner’s health problems, Max’s vet care was inconsistent. When he entered foster care he had atopic dermatitis, and skin, dual-ear and eye infections. He was also diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. He needed all of his vaccinations and dental. He also demonstrated a fear response and was emotionally shut down.

He required a lot of medication and care in order to resolve these medical issues. Just when his ears cleared of the ulcers, narrowed ear canal and infections, two tumors were located in Max’s ears. He underwent surgery to have these removed. They were benign.

A week after the tumors were removed from the ear, Max’s anal gland ruptured. It was determined that he had an infection and it finally ruptured. He was immediately placed on antibiotics.

The next week he ruptured his ACL on his back leg. He underwent surgery and is recovering very well. During this time he went through a dog training class and graduated.

Max is one of the most resilient foster dogs I have ever fostered. It has been a wonderful experience to see him start acting like a dog. Initially, he kept his tail between his legs and would growl when trying to hook him up to a leash. Today, he wags his tail and holds the leash in his mouth. He is excited about going for rides in the car and going for walks. His hearing returned and his eyesight is much improved. He can see a rabbit from quite a distance.

With the gracious help from WestieMed, Max was able to have his ACL surgery and has a wonderful chance of being adopted into a perfect home for him.

Julie

Update July 14, 2015

I regret to inform you that Max passed away. He was doing very well but the vet believes Max had a heart attack. Max lived with me for two years and died suddenly. Thanks to your organization, the last two years of his life were the best. He could play and run around the yard. He was a very happy and loving dog.

I miss him very much. He was very special. I thank WestieMed for helping me give him a good two years.

Julie

Sophie

April 1, 2013December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Sophie found her way to Carolina Westie Rescue in late January of 2013. Coming from the northern part of North Carolina, she had quite a trip down to our location in Southeastern NC, in Wilmington. Sophie belonged to an older couple who could no longer give her the care and attention that a little Westie needs. The couple mentioned they had Sophie since she was a puppy. Now, however, with their work schedules being what they were, they did not have much time to spend with her. They also revealed that Sophie was around ten years old and had a “little skin problem”, but was otherwise healthy. During the surrender, along with Sophie’s records, they also gave me some of her medication which included Prednisone, Ketoconazole, and Tramadol. I took copies of what health records they gave me and after the couple filled out a surrender form, Sophie and I were on our way.

Sophie is quite small for a Westie, but what she lacks in size, she makes up for in sweetness. She is friendly as can be and she greeted all the other Westies in my house as if they were all long lost friends. She did not seem shy at all or unhappy to be away from her old home or owners. Actually, she seemed to fit right in. Not long after she arrived though, I noticed that under her long, just groomed coat were feet that were black, swollen, bleeding and infected. Her belly was also black and she had a bit of a limp. She also appeared to have an old scar on the top of her head. She was small but slightly overweight. Her chubby appearance made her little head appear even smaller.

The next day I took Sophie to my veterinarian along with her records. My vet looked at Sophie’s past, which only dated back six months. In those records, my vet said that she had an infection in all four feet; and that her previous vet was not expecting a cure and could only hope for management with Cefpodoxine, Prednisone and medicated shampoo. My vet put Sophie back on the Ketoconazole along with Clindamycin and Pharmaseb shampoo. He took a skin scraping, a parasite screening and performed a physical exam. We noticed that Sophie’s teeth looked terrible and decided to get them cleaned at a later date. I wanted to try and get her feet on the road to healing first. My vet felt that by being more consistent and omitting the Prednisone that Sophie would start to improve. He thought that the past diagnoses of Malassezia were correct. My vet also mentioned that Sophie’s limp was from a torn ACL of her right rear leg.

After the game plan was laid out, I was very consistent with Sophie’s meds and baths. She seemed to improve for a time, but unfortunately, she then regressed. I called my veterinarian back and told him that Sophie was not getting better and he said that it would take a long time for her deep Pyoderma to heal. I knew from dealing with Westies that I should have seen some sort of improvement by now. I had been treating her for almost two months and she was not getting better. I then made another vet appointment and took Sophie back for a recheck. The vet did a senior blood work wellness profile and we made plans for a biopsy, histopathology, and culture and at the same time, he would clean and pull the teeth that were necessary. I took Sophie back ten days later to have all this work performed and poor little Sophie had to have six back teeth extracted. They were rotted at the roots. I do not think she had ever had her teeth cleaned.

Wilmington, NC isn’t a very large city. But, we are fortunate to have a canine dermatologist who visits from Raleigh twice a month. I called and made an appointment with Dr. Barbara Atlee, the dermatologist. The appointment was two weeks out. That would give us time to have the culture and biopsy results before seeing her.

Sophie’s lab reports came in a few days before our appointment to see Dr. Atlee. Her culture results stated that she had Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. This staph was also Methicillin-resistant. This meant that every antibiotic that my vet and the previous vet treated her with did absolutely nothing to stop the infection. However, we now had a list of antibiotics that would successfully treat her infection. Her antibiotic list was very short. One of the antibiotics that Sophie’s staph was sensitive to was Zeniquin and a topical antibiotic called Mupirocin. The Zeniquin proved to be hard to find and expensive, but I found it. Sophie’s biopsy stated that she also had Demodex. We put her on a course of oral Ivermectin to treat that.

Sophie had her appointment with Dr. Atlee, the dermatologist, a short time later. Dr. Atlee examined Sophie, then looked over all of her records and labs and concurred with the diagnoses and protocol. Dr. Atlee also supplied me with a two-page “Treatment Sheet” to follow, which is always helpful. It consists of a detailed protocol to follow to get Sophie well and happy.

I believe that now little Sophie is on the road to healing. Her feet still have ulcers, but are not as swollen. She hates to take her oral medication but is always a trooper when I treat her feet with Mal-a-Ket wipes and Mupirocin ointment. I put her Ivermectin in her food and, as she always loves to eat, she wolfs it right down. Speaking of that, we now have Sophie down to a respectable weight; and her cute little face is in proportion with the rest of her body.

This year has been very hard for Carolina Westie Rescue. We took in three senior owner surrenders almost at the same time. All three had heath problems. Thankfully, two have found their forever homes. Sophie still has a long road ahead of her, but now I think we are on the right track to getting her well.

Thank you WestieMed for your offer to help with Sophie’s medical bills. The Westie community is fortunate to have an organization such as yours.

Sydney Christian
Carolina Westie Rescue
Wilmington NC

Update January 13, 2014

Sophie is doing well now and is still with us. I will soon get back with you with pictures and an update on her health.

I can never begin to express our gratitude or come close to letting WestieMed know how thankful we are that they have been there for us.

Sincerely,
Sydney Christian

Carolina Westie Rescue

Barney

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

Barney first came to the attention of Westie Rescue for the San Francisco Bay West Highland White Terrier club on October 8, 2011. His owner’s son emailed me about Barney after being referred to me from the Orange County California Rescue organization. He said that his Dad was not feeling well and his Mom was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and they needed a place for Barney, a five-year-old male with Addison’s disease. When I told him we would be happy to find a new home for Barney, he indicated that his Dad was not ready yet but wanted a place to be found so he would know he could surrender him when he could no longer care for him

Two and half months passed and Barney’s owner’s health suddenly deteriorated and we were told that Barney was boarded in a veterinary hospital in Napa, California. I started the process of finding a home for him and decided on the application submitted by Nancy Hacker. Nancy is a single woman living in Hayward, CA who had lost her male Westie Max at age seventeen and was seeking a new playmate for her girl Meghan, a nine-year-old Westie. Like many Westie owners, Nancy thinks two is better than one and Meghan was lonely.

I spoke to Nancy about Barney and she did not know anything about Addison’s disease so I sent some links to her with information. I also provided the care instructions given by Barney’s owner. She was concerned about the cost but thought his photo was adorable and his age was perfect. I learned that Barney was at the Napa vet on December 22^nd through a call from the owner’s son who told me that his Dad wanted Barney to be in his new home by Christmas Day. Nancy was eager to celebrate the holiday with her new boy so I picked him up on the 23^rd and took him to her home. She has a lovely cul-de-sac home with appropriate fencing including a second fence around her pool. I was walking Barney when she pulled up and jumped out of her car and said: “Is that my Barney?” We took him inside to meet his new sister Meghan and off they went as they joined in a merry round of Westie play chases. Meghan showed Barney around the house and the yard and he decided this would be a great forever home.

Later on, when Meghan and Barney joined Nancy’s son and his dog on walks they noticed a limp in Barney’s back left leg. She took him to the vet at Rescue expense and was told he might have to have surgery soon. Last month, he stopped putting down the leg to walk and was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. She was very concerned with the financial implications so we applied to WestieMed for assistance with his surgery. We were delighted to hear that funding was approved by the WestieMed Board!

Barney had his surgery June 14^th and indeed the ligament was found to be completely torn. The orthopedic surgeon at VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialists, Dr. Courtney Ikuta, performed his surgery and the hospital gave us a courtesy discount. Nancy and Barney and I are forever grateful to WestieMed for helping our Rescue in need!

Mary Young
Rescue Chair, SFBWHWTC

Update January 29, 2013

We are so appreciative of your assistance with Barney’s ACL surgery.

He is doing really well and I have a great photo for you. I knew immediately what to send you.

He and his new sister Meghan were in our Parade of Rescues held by the club on November 3, 2012 and I have a photo of him and owner and his sis for you.

He is walking absolutely normally. He is also an Addison’s dog (I had one of those too) and the meds are so expensive so WestieMed really came to our Rescue in a big way.

Below is the story Barney’s new Mom wrote for the Parade which is really sweet. She is a fabulous Westie Mom!

“I walk proudly with my wonderful boy Barney. My Westie girl Meghan and I lost my Max at seventeen years old. Our lives felt empty and lonely. Then Barney came into our lives last Christmas-I rediscovered what real love is! Here is his story: his owner was 87 years old and went to a nursing home. Barney was not allowed to accompany him there, and their hearts were broken. Mary called me and said–his Dad wants him to have a home for Christmas. That was a yes from me! When I arrived home on December 2nd, I saw Mary walking with three Westies and their wagging tails–one was Barney! He came home for the Holidays to a family of love. I immediately had him pose with Meghan in Santa and reindeer outfits for my annual Christmas card! We played and hugged each other for hours! Since that day, his existing Addison’s disease has stayed under control and he had ACL surgery on his leg. Barney is back to catching toys in midair and doing all his tricks again. We share a bond of love! He has been a perfect gift since I first saw his caring eyes and felt his wonderful heart. He and Meghan are the loves of my life. Barney-I love you so much! Love, MOM”

Thanks again for your most generous contribution to this sweet boy’s future health.

Mary Young
Rescue Chair
SFBWHWTC

Update June 11, 2013

Barney is doing very well after his ACL surgery eleven months ago. We had our 2013 Parade of Rescues on April 27th and he marched again with his sister Meghan. No evidence of any lasting effect of the ACL tear and his owner was very diligent with his rehab. I will cut and paste his story here from the Parade and include a photo of him from the collection taken at the event.

His owner is forever grateful to WestieMed for covering his surgery as is our Rescue for the SF Bay Westie Club. Here is Nancy Hacker’s story:

Barney and Meghan – my Westies! What can I say that explains how I love them and just how wonderful they are? Barney is my adopted boy from Mary at Westie Rescue on Christmas, 2011. We have visited Barney’s previous Dad at the nursing home. They have been such wonderful visits for Gene and Barney. Barney catches his toy in mid-air 10-15 times and everyone applauds him! His Addison’s shots continue to be keeping him healthy. We love him, and he says he loves us!

I hope this does the update for you! I usually do not allow adopters and surrenderers to meet up but made an exception for Barney since his owner was unable to keep him in the home he was in. He actually changed nursing homes to be closer to Barney so they could visit. Guess you could say Barney is a therapy dog!

Thanks again for helping Barney!!

Mary Young
Rescue Chair
SFBWHWTC

McKayla

December 1, 2008December 27, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

McKayla was surrendered to Oklahoma Westie Rescue (OWR) in October when her human Mother passed away. No one in the family wanted McKayla so she was given to a family friend. The family friend was not in a position to keep McKayla so she contacted us to come and pick her up.

When OWR picked up McKayla we noticed immediately that she had a bad limp which proved to be a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) of her right rear knee requiring surgical repair. She was also infested with fleas. We got rid of the fleas quickly but couldn’t get her leg fixed because she had developed pyoderma as a result of the flea infestation. We had to wait almost thirty days to get the pyoderma cleared up before we could have her knee repaired.

During this time one of our adoptive families offered to foster McKayla for us. McKayla was so scared that she hid under their bed for two days straight. Finally, on the 3rd day, she came out and began playing with the family’s two Westies. It wasn’t long before the family decided that McKayla needed to be a permanent fixture in their home. Since the family had adopted from us previously they were already pre-approved so we told them that once we had fixed her leg that we would adopt her to them.

The orthopedic surgeon was out for some time on vacation so it took us a while but eventually, her repair surgery was performed. We have another adoptive family that offered to foster her after her surgery to help her through the recovery period (she couldn’t go back to the family that wants to adopt her because their home has many levels and lots of stairs, the surgeon said no stairs for at least three weeks). On Dec. 15^th she gets to go back to her adoptive family and they are waiting anxiously to have their little girl back.

McKayla is nine years old and we are thrilled that someone wants her as often the older dogs have a hard time finding forever homes. She is one lucky girl!

Theresa Stewart
Oklahoma Westie Rescue

Update February 17, 2010

McKayla and Maddie are both doing well. McKayla’s leg is fine.

Jan Vassar

McKayla’s care was funded by a grant from The Pedigree Foundation.

Herman

August 1, 2008December 27, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Herman came to Little White Dog Rescue in June of 2008 from his owner whose adult children and grandchild were moving back into her home.

Herman was born on 2/1/2002 and was given to his owner by the breeder, as Herman was the runt of the litter and the breeder didn’t think she could sell the pup due to his size and the possibility that he may not live.

Herman was hand-fed and grew and thrived, and was loved and doted on. Unfortunately, Herman was never socialized to small children and acted very fearful whenever children were in close proximity to him. Therefore his owner felt she had no other choice, with a crawling infant moving into her home than to place Herman with our rescue organization.

When Herman was relinquished to our volunteer it was stated that he had previously suffered a fall down several steps and had developed a limp, which when x-rayed by the local vet did not reveal anything broken and he was diagnosed with a sprained ligament. It was also stated then when taken for walks, Herman did well walking on three legs as he simply picked up the leg that bothered him and hopped along on the other three! Our volunteer noticed immediately that even when standing on all fours, Herman was not bearing any weight on the left hind leg and was holding the leg approximately 1/2 inch off the ground.

Herman was taken to our vet for another x-ray, then referred to the specialty veterinary hospital, where he was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and surgery was recommended. Herman received the surgery on August 8th and is now resting comfortably at his foster mom’s home, where he again, is being hand-fed, loved and doted on! Herman will have two to three months of recuperation during which he is to have very limited activity beginning with only being allowed outdoors on a leash to potty, then gradually working up to slow walks. His foster mom states that Herman is a NUT about water coming out of the hose and bites the water and the hose, and barks when the water stops flowing! Of course, all activity is severely limited during his recuperation, but we expect Herman to make a complete recovery and be playing in the hose again in the spring!

Little White Dog Rescue would like to thank WestieMed, it’s Board of Directors, and the many kind, caring people who donate to this worthy cause for helping our group to help Herman. Because of what you do, we can continue to do what we do…save dogs!

Janeal Dominico, CPDT

Update September 24, 2009

From Janeal…

I have forwarded the reply from Herman’s new family. They are “empty-nesters” so Herman is their constant companion now. Thank you again for the funding to help with Herman’s surgery and for giving him a chance for a new, pain-free life. We feel very fortunate to have an excellent veterinary surgeon here in Omaha and have had amazing results with the two dogs we have taken to him!

Janeal Dominico, CPDT
Little White Dog Rescue
“Life is merrier with a terrier”

From Janet…

Herman is doing well. He seems to love it here, he really likes running around in our yard. We live right next to a park where there are soccer and football teams practicing all the time, so he loves looking out at the people coming and going. He also loves taking walks in our neighborhood and people always ask to pet him.

We went on a little vacation in July and he stayed at the PetSmart Pet Hotel and he loved it there.

I have attached a picture. It shows him when he has turned “green” from the grass when it’s just been cut. He loves to go out in the grass. The green wears off though, but it sure looks funny!

Janet Klostermann

Jack

January 1, 2007January 29, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

January 2007:

In a small town lived a little Westie whose purpose in life was to be a stud dog for a puppy mill breeder. One day the little dog could not walk so the breeder waited a while to see if he would regain use of his legs and when he didn’t she said he was no longer useful to her and would be put down. Thankfully, Jack was turned over to a local all-breed rescue who took him to a vet to be checked out. The true cause of Jack’s inability to walk was not discovered and for over six months this sweet little boy moved about by using his front legs and dragging his back legs looking somewhat like a seal in his movements. Finally the rescue group fostering him decided they could not help him and thought a westie rescue group, being more familiar with the breed, might know what to do. A phone call one evening asking if we would take Jack changed our lives and our hearts dramatically.

Jack’s journey to recover the use of his legs began on January 6, 2007, when I picked up the tiniest westie I had ever seen; an adorable little guy weighing ten pounds and looking more like a puppy than the seven-year-old adult that he is. I placed him on the grass to do his business but he didn’t move. Finally, I coaxed him to move a bit but his back legs were dragging and he would hold up first one front leg, then the other. Being my first special needs foster, my heart broke at the sight of him struggling to move about and panting and shivering from the pain, never whimpering, or whining but letting the kisses flow freely.

Jack went to visit the vet on January 8, 2007, where the problem was discovered through an exam and x-rays. Jack’s left and right hind knees were blown and when manipulated made a sickening crunch. We formed a plan and Jack went to see another vet the next day. Upon examination the vet determined that two surgical procedures would be needed and on January 11, 2007, a repair of the ACL’s in both hind legs and trochleoplasty to the left rear were performed. Trochleoplasty in simple terms is a procedure to deepen the groove where the patella sits, thus keeping the knee from popping out of joint.

Jack remained in the hospital for several days and finally on January 20, 2007 we were able to bring him home and on January 24, 2007 the stitches were removed and hydrotherapy began (Jack wishes it hadn’t). Lack of movement caused Jack’s muscles to deteriorate, contributing to his frail appearance, and ten minutes twice a day in the water exhausted him. Each day a little more time has been added and now Jack can swim for twenty to forty minutes. We also do physical therapy by massaging his body and moving his legs to restore muscle movement, improve circulation. and to help retrain his brain in the proper leg movements. His hindquarters are filling out a little, his spine has disappeared from both weight gain and exercise, and his energy level has increased. He walks short distances on his hind legs but the front joints hurt him to the point he sits down and lifts up first one paw, then the other. The front joints are another problem to be dealt with at a later date. One option for them is to fuse the joints so the paws don’t “flop” side to side creating a more stable leg to stand on helping with balance. Jack’s healing and therapy will take a long time to accomplish, but he is a determined little guy and gives it his all and thanks to the generosity of WestieMed Jack gets a second chance to walk. Orthopedic surgeries are very expensive and usually require a long healing process and often the therapy of some sort. Jack is so lucky to have WestieMed’s help with his expenses and he sends big kisses to you all!

John and Martha Beck Foster Parents for Louisiana Westie Rescue

Update February 2007:

Jack went back to the vet today for his two-week checkup and the vet is pleased with his progress…the muscle mass is building. We are looking into splints for his legs to try to avoid another surgery. These will be specially made for him and will Velcro on his front legs to help him walk on those. The vet thinks his condition is either an autoimmune problem or he was kept in a crate that didn’t allow him to move around very much. All the ligaments in his body are shot. Did I tell you he has a number 30 tattooed in the tip of his ear? I guess that is his lucky number now. He graduated to big dog member of the pack yesterday when he went out the back door under his own power onto the deck with the rest of the LWD’s. It was a proud moment for us! He sat in the warm sun looking over his kingdom. He now putters around the kitchen following me where ever I go or lies where he can watch me. He is a rooing boy…Babycakes and Bama were rooing and he joined in…Chloe just thinks they are all crazy and fails to see the point.

Update April 2007:

Just wanted to give an update on Jack…his back knees that were fixed are doing well. Now we have to focus on the lower joints which are not doing well. We tried splints, water therapy all to avoid surgery, but it just isn’t giving the results hoped for so we have an appointment with an orthopedic vet to see if the joints can be fused. There are a lot of factors to be considered, and until he is evaluated, we won’t know if it will help or not. I will let you know what the vet says. Please say prayers for this brave little guy; he asks so little and gives so much.

Martha

Update May 2007:

Here is Jack with his new wheels! Wow! He doesn’t quite know what to think about it all. There had to be several adjustments made because of the way his spine is…hopefully it will straighten out some. He actually took a few steps for treats (that’s my boy…anything for food!) We go back in a couple of weeks to see how his progress is going. He seems a little excited about it, especially when he could walk better! Now we have to learn to go potty with the chair…not sure how that is going to work. 🙂 Thanx for all the thoughts and prayers for Jack. He is truly a special little guy.

Update December 2007:

Unfortunately Jack’s arthritis continues to worsen and he has begun to choke on his food frequently regardless of how it is prepared. He has to wear a diaper as he is no longer mobile. His quality of life has declined quite a bit. He remains a brave little guy and doesn’t cry too much. He is still on pain meds and arthritis meds. Poor little guy just has the deck stacked against him. However, he will always be, to me, the sweetest Westie that ever lived.

Thank you to Westie Med for all your help in the effort to get a better life for Jack.

Martha Beck

Update March 6, 2008:

My dear sweet little Jack went to the bridge today. Over the last few days he lost interest in food and water and his tail stopped wagging. It broke my heart but now he has his legs back and is running and happy.

Martha Beck