Westie Lung Disease

Dagwood

March 1, 2020December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

March 2020

On June 16, 2019, we lost our Sweet Bella to Westie Lung Disease after only having her for sixteen months. Bella, who was nine when we received her, had quite the history and was not a healthy little girl at all. My husband and I decided that we would not rescue another elderly or really ill dog as it broke our hearts.

In August, my husband received a phone call from North Atlantic Westie Rescue where we adopted our Neko, a male rescue. Neko came to us in July of 2018 and was a healthy nine-year-old Westie. The phone call was inquiring if we would be interested in fostering a fifteen-year-old male named Dagwood. Dagwood had been found wandering the streets of Brooklyn, New York. After a few days, we had decided that it would just be too painful. Then the one last phone call made us think about it and we thought what do we have to lose with just fostering him. We were told that he was a happy boy and just wanted to hang with his people.

We met and picked up Dagwood on September 9th and it was love on first sight. Dagwood was just the happiest, sweetest little guy. Dagwood got along well with Neko and let him think he was the Big Brother. They got along well and within hours, Dagwood aka Dagger had stolen our hearts. After a vet visit and finding that he was in good shape for fifteen, we decided to adopt Dagger.

On March 11th, I woke up to him having very distressed breathing and got him to vet the same day. After lab work and x-rays, it was determined that Dagger had Westie Lung Disease. We got him started on the Prednisone and hoped for the best.

It breaks my heart to say that we lost Dagger on March 18th. Dagger was with us for a reason and we have no doubt that we gave him a great 6 months. Just two weeks before he passed, he went with us down to the beach for a few days and he was so happy.

We will not regret having adopted Dagger as he brought us so much joy in the six months that he was with us. We miss him terribly.

Kathy

Angus

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

Angus was first found by a lovely lady named Anne-Marie Dimi Marcu. She works in animal rights in Romania trying to stop the cruelty in these shelters. I know of her work through Facebook. She came across the Constantina public shelter and took pictures to show us how bad it was. Lo and behold tucked away and looking scared was a wee Westie.

As soon as he was spotted, Carol Riches from Westies Rescued UK was contacted. Carol put all the gears in motion to raise funds and bring this boy to the UK. Maria got him to a vet in Romania to be assessed for his pet passport. He was in a bad way. He was shaved and then given a bath. He was sprayed with a blue dye antiseptic spray as he had been bitten by other dogs in the shelter.

Once he was sorted out he was ready to go to his foster mum Maria for some much needed TLC. Maria bathed him and administered his medication while we were waiting for him to be transported to the UK. The time came and the start of his new journey began. Angus was put into a crate and transported with other dogs by road from Romania then via Eurostar to Liverpool, UK.

In Liverpool, he was met by his first foster mum Denise. Denise gave him lots of love and care. Unfortunately, Angus didn’t get on with Denise’s two Westies and went to his second foster mum Nicole in Galashiels, Scotland. Again, there was a problem because Angus didn’t like Nicole’s Westie “Jimmy” and it was causing Jimmy stress.

It was then I was contacted by Carol Riches as I had fostered before and was a huge fan of Angus. I agreed to take him and two days later I finally had him in my arms. He felt amazing to hold him. He was so soft and gentle considering the life he must have had.

The first thing we did was to have him seen by a vet and get him checked over. We knew his eyes, ears, and lungs were bad, we just didn’t know how much. It was confirmed that Angus has Westie Lung Disease, an ulcer scar in one eye and one unstable ulcer that could rupture at any time. His ears were also very blocked and dirty inside.

While Angus was under anesthetic having his chest X-rays, the vet syringed his ears and this helped get the ear medication to where it was needed. His ears are now very good. He can hear a treat bag rustle a mile away!! Angus is now on meds for his lungs and itchy skin.

Life was good. My partner and I took him on lots of trips to show him his spiritual home. Angus loves traveling by bus and car. We took him to Loch Lomond near Balloch, the beach, the park and even out to dog-friendly bars. I also take Angus to the care home to see my mum and dad. He loves it and gets lots of cuddles off the residents. He gives my mum and dad lots of kisses. While I’m at the shops, Angus likes being a lookout, staying in the car and listening to football. We also finally met Carol Riches, from Westies Rescued UK. The lady who got Angus to the UK.

On the morning of the 22nd April 2016, I went to give Angus my usual good morning kiss and cuddle. However, he was unusually quiet. When I felt his face it was wet down one side. I realized the ulcer had burst. I rushed him to the vet and he was taken straight away for emergency surgery to remove his eye.

Angus did not let this hold him back. He is now almost blind because of the ulcer in the remaining eye. He just has a slight peripheral vision.

We decided to get him back on track ASAP as we didn’t want him to lose confidence. We took him to the park. He loved it!! He is too cute!!

He now is learning to walk with a halo. It stops him from bumping into things. I got him a sign for his lead that says “Be Kind, I’m Blind”. He gets more hugs from strangers than before now. He loves it.

Angus will be going back into surgery on the 20th of May for dental work. His teeth are quite bad because of neglect. A lot needs to be removed.

He will also need a follow-up X-ray of his lungs to see how the Westie Lung Disease is progressing. We’ve been told it’s quite advanced but they need another X-ray in a few months to compare.

Please follow the work of Carol Riches http://www.westiesrescueduk.co.uk

And the Animal Rescue Crew in Romania https://www.facebook.com/Animal-Rescue-Crew-ARC-465681293562726/

Amanda

Update May 28, 2016

While on vacation in Scotland, WestieMed board member, Sara Studebaker, was able to visit with Amanda and Angus.

Sara stated “We only had time for a short visit, but Angus is a cutie and FULL of Wesitietude!!

Sara

Kenner

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

I received a call from another rescuer about a Westie that was in a shelter north of Austin. He was found wandering the streets and nobody came to claim him. I was told that while he was at the shelter there was no interest in him and if a rescue didn’t take him he would be PTS (put to sleep). We agreed to take him, coordinated to meet and I made an appointment for this guy at the vet. When I met up with the other rescuer, she said the shelter hadn’t mentioned anything but she thought he had Kennel Cough.

I had already chosen the name Kenner before meeting this Westie. I was taking Kenner straight from this meetup to the vet appointment previously made. It was about a twenty-minute drive which gave me time to listen to his cough. Within minutes, my instincts told me that this was NOT Kennel Cough but probably Westie Lung Disease (Pulmonary Fibrosis).

Between his unknown length of street time and his cough, Kenner was a pitiful sight when he first came into rescue but he had the sweetest disposition and put up no resistance as the vet checked him over. This was the same vet that had treated a prior Westie of ours with Westie Lung Disease and she agreed with my instincts. Sadly, our instincts were confirmed.

We made the decision that Kenner would be a forever foster of Westie Rescue Austin. He has been with us since October 2012 and doing well with his meds. He gets along great with the other furkids in the house. He monitors all activity in the kitchen and thinks the oven exists only to bake dog treats. He can be sleeping soundly in the bedroom but appears instantly in the kitchen when the kitchen light is turned on. Kenner has never been active but does enjoy being outdoors when weather permits (i.e., not too hot or humid). He doesn’t demand attention and will occasionally sit in my lap for a brief spell (and actually seems to beam with pride). Kenner also suffers from ongoing skin issues and heart disease. Recently it became obvious that he was having some issues and his dogtor confirmed his heart ailments were becoming more progressive and now requiring medication.

Kenner is such a gentle soul but as his dogtor says he is a fighter. Sadly, we know he won’t win this battle against Westie Lung Disease but we will continue to love him, bake him dog treats, and keep him happy.

Linda Duncan
Westie Rescue Austin

Update November 7, 2016

I was hoping to be providing a good news update for Kenner. Sadly, he made his trip to the Rainbow Bridge today (11/7). the dogtor is fairly certain it was not Westie Lung Disease but cancer-based on his bloodwork.

Linda D.

Harry

May 1, 2009December 26, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Harry’s story begins like many other Westie rescues, on the streets. He was found wandering around in the snow in Richlands, North Carolina, back in February and brought to Carolina Westie Rescue in the spring of 2009.

He was brought to us by a wonderful good Samaritan named Susan Collins. Even though he seemed to be a throwaway dog, Harry still had a good spirit and personality. Susan informed us that Harry had heartworms and that a previous vet had recommended that the dog be euthanized.

Well, Westies never give up without a fight, and we were not about to either! We carried Harry to another vet and had a thorough exam performed. Other than his horrible ear infections, our vet told us that Harry’s heartworms were pretty advanced and that we could try and kill them with the slow-kill Immiticide treatment, but that he might not make it.

Our vet suggested we take Harry to the state veterinary school in Raleigh which has a team of cardiologists. And so, a few days later, that’s exactly what we did. We left Harry with those folks all day, and when we returned, we learned that Harry’s heartworms were not as advanced as we had been told. Now, heartworms of any sort are not a cause for celebration, but here we were thinking Harry was in an advanced stage of heartworms and that surgery was the only solution. The doctors at NC State told us that the slow-kill method was the correct course of action to take, but that Harry would have to be perfectly still during treatment. No running around the yard chasing the girl Westies, like he usually does. Harry should be beginning his first of three Immiticide injections very soon.

As of this writing, we are pretty upbeat about Harry’s prognosis and his making it through the treatment. We are looking forward to the days when he can run and play with the other Westies and not be winded. Carolina Westie Rescue would like to extend our warmest heartfelt thanks to WestieMed for all you do for these little white dogs.

Carolina Westie Rescue

Update March 7, 2010

I want to thank Westie Med for helping to save Harry’s life. You are all wonderful for helping him.

The long and grueling process of killing the heartworms took months and after going through treating Harry for Heartworm Disease Harry was hit with an acute attack of pancreatitis. Harry was left with an enlarged heart and breathing problems that appeared to be Westie lung Disease. Westies as we know are very resilient and Harry has a strong will to live. Harry has always been a happy, loving, wonderful Westie even during the times when he was so very sick. He has always had a strong will to live.

After having Harry for almost a year we found Harry a great home with a retired couple who had a sweet little girl Westie. They knew that Harry was left with some health problems, but were willing to give Harry a forever home. I miss Harry, but it is comforting to know that he has a great home and can live out the rest of his life with people who can appreciate Harry for the wonderful Westie that he is.

Harry now lives on Hilton Head Island and walks on the beach almost every day with his new forever family. Harry loves the beach and also gets along well with his new little sister.

He is living the good life. Thank you WestieMed!

Sincerely,
Sydney Christian Carolina Westie Rescue

Angel

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

On Christmas Day 2007, Angel, a seven to eight-year-old Westie, was found wandering in traffic near Louisa, Kentucky (close to the border of West Virginia), by a wonderful woman. Angel was “in very bad shape”. Angel had infections in both ears and one eye for which antibiotics were prescribed. The veterinarian believed Angel was very pregnant. Arrangements were made to place Angel into Westie/Cairn Terrier Rescue of SW Ohio in Williamsburg. Once in Williamsburg, Ohio, an ultrasound showed that Angel was not pregnant. Angel was spayed, further antibiotics were prescribed, and her teeth were cleaned with some removed. Further diagnostic testing showed Angel had an enlarged heart and cardiac medications were started. In addition, a mammary tumor was removed that fortunately was benign. Angel has given birth to multiple liters and is believed to have come from a puppy mill.

Angel remained unadopted for approximately three months. In browsing through the Westie Rescue, USA website, I found Carla Smith of Westie/Cairn Rescue of SW Ohio in Williamsburg and adopted Angel on 4/5/08. Angel was initially very timid and fearful. With minimal activity or after lying down, Angel would start coughing and had periods of labored breathing. Two days after adoption, Angel received medical treatment for what was believed to be congestive heart failure. However, Angel’s symptoms progressively became worse. Angel rarely barked and when she did, she would start coughing.

On 4/11/08, a cardiologist diagnosed Angel with Pulmonary Fibrosis, also known as Westie Lung Disease. It is chronic scarring of the lung tissue that is mostly seen in Westies. Angel receives three respiratory medications, including an inhaler, twice a day and her heart medications were discontinued. Within twelve hours, Angel’s activity level improved dramatically. Although seven to eight years old, Angel acted like a puppy, full of energy and getting into everything.

When Angel first arrived, she could only walk two to three house lengths without coughing and shortness of breath. Initially, the cardiologist said to restrict her activity; however, Angel was not going to comply with this prescription. Angel now briskly walks the entire block (twenty houses) several times a day and barks without coughing.

Angel has gained so much confidence, proudly walking down the street with that terrier prance and wagging her tail. The cardiologist is thrilled with her progress. In addition, she runs through the house with excitement, plays with toys, and is just as happy as she could be. Angel has also assumed a very important job, squirrel detective. Always on squirrel patrol, Angel is the fastest squirrel chaser around and if she could figure out how to climb a tree, she would. Her front paw goes up and her tail becomes straight when she senses a squirrel is on her turf. What a smart girl, if she can’t climb a tree, she will just chop the tree down with her teeth.

Angel loves other dogs and has several dog friends. Angel has become quite the neighborhood dog. Children on bicycles say, “Hi Angel” and people on porches always greet her. Angel looks in amazement, “Are they talking to me?” Although still a little people shy, Angel has just blossomed. Angel is the best little mommy helper around; she goes everywhere with Mommy including shopping, where she sits in the basket of the cart. Store clerks and shoppers always come up to her and two people have asked: “where they can get a dog just like her”. Such a sweet little Westie, Angel has provided much love, humor, and comfort to all of those who come across her path. Angel has been such a blessing!

Thank you so much to Westie Med, Inc. for providing the assistance for Angel to be able to live out the life that she deserves including the puppyhood that she missed. Angel and her mommy are so grateful for your kindness and generous support. Angel has truly been given another chance and she is taking every opportunity to live her new life to the fullest. Each day is a new adventure. Angel is truly an angel!

Update October 5, 2008

My life keeps getting better and better. Words cannot express my sincere gratitude to WESTIE MED for their concern over my well-being and their financial assistance.

I saw my cardiologist in September and got a very good report. I wasn’t surprised as I already knew because I feel so much better. My lung pressures are down, just borderline of the high end of normal. The doctor said, “that I still will always have pulmonary hypertension”, whatever that means. I still take my three medications, twice a day, no changes were made. I wish my doctor would stop that inhaler, I do not like that one, but Mommy waits until I am asleep to use it. The other two medicines I like because I get really good food with them. Mommy says, “Come on Angel, time for medicines” and I come running.

If I haven’t told you, I live in a palace! Boy, I am one lucky dog. I have my own couch and loveseat. Old carpet and furniture are a dog’s dream. I can do whatever I want. I sprawl out on my couch or loveseat, as big as I please. Mommy got me dog steps for the couch and I learned real quick how to climb them. I also have lots of toys. My toy squirrel is my favorite. In the palace, I can run all the way through the living room, dining room and kitchen in one swoop. I do this when I am really excited and happy. Also, at the palace, when you are hungry all you have to do is toss your food bowl and you get fed. On the weekends, it operates similar to a Bed and Breakfast. I get to sleep in and I get a little cream of wheat for breakfast, yum, yum.

Still busy chasing and barking at all those squirrels. I have my own backyard, I just love it. I run from one end to the other trying to get those squirrels. I do wish I had longer legs, so I could climb a tree or that fence. I can’t get away with much back there as Mommy is always watching; I tell her that she is too overprotective. I also watch the squirrels from my front door, I have a special mat there that has a beautiful picture of a Westie, just like me. In the mornings, sometimes I take a snooze on my mat as the sun shines on me.

I get to go on lots of walks, people around here say, “Hi Angel” as I walk by. My little legs just keep moving as quickly as they can and I wag my tail. Mommy says, “Good girl” as I prance down the street. I now potty all the time outside. After I “Potty Outside”, Mommy says, “Diggity, Dig, Diggity, Dog”, and I dig real fast. I also know what “Come, Come” means and “Stay”. Mommy says, “I am the smartest dog that she ever had”.

I have a Pet Nanny, my neighbor, Auntie DeAnna. She watches me all day when Mommy goes to work. Auntie DeAnna spoils me rotten. She bought a digital camera with video just to capture all of my best moments.

Good thing that the power went out for several days and I could not go to the groomer, as I discovered the palace also has a spa. I got a bath! I just loved it, lots of warm water, a massage with lather, I thought I was in heaven. Mommy said, “that I couldn’t go to the Cardiologist without a bath, as they might think I wasn’t well cared for”, boy, I would set the record straight if anyone ever said that.

I also have a sparkly new harness in pink and a matching leash with diamonds. Auntie DeAnna got me jewelry; doggy charms that go on my pink harness. I only wear this outfit on special occasions. And, I love to go “Bye, Bye”, that means a ride in the car.

Yep, I have a great life. Each day, I am so excited to get started that I help Mommy open the front door by scratching on it as she opens it, so I can be the first one to see outside. I am so, so happy!!! Thank you again for assisting with making my new life possible. I feel so much better now and in fact, I am able to hold a very important job and it’s in the career of my choice, squirrel detective.

Hugs and kisses,
Angel

I hope you enjoyed reading Angel’s progress in her own words. I cannot believe that still each day, she gets better and better. Angel is so happy, full of life and more confident with each day. Quite a contrast from when she first came, so timid and fearful and then unable to do much with the shortness of breath and coughing. Angel now only coughs occasionally and only becomes short of breath when she overdoes it with those squirrels, but with a close eye, I can intervene before it gets to that point. Angel wakes up full of energy and ready to go. I have learned a great deal through adopting Angel. A ton of patience and love makes such a difference. I never would have dreamed that Angel would get to the point that she is. She is too cute and just the sweetest dog around, never growls or gets upset. Her next cardiologist appointment is now in five months. Also, her heart has not enlarged any further.

Thank you again. May God bless WestieMed for that work that you do.

Judy