This is Odin, a 5-month-old Cane Corso, Boxer, Pit Bull Mix. One thing we've learned about puppies is that they will get into everything–Odin is no exception. Odin has a cat sister with a lot of small toys around the house for her to place with. One in particular looked like a great chew toy for Odin–a snowman. Unfortunately, Odin swallowed the toy and it ended up causing a larger problem; an obstruction. According to the AKC: A bowel obstruction is a complete or partial blockage in the stomach or intestines that prevents solids or liquids from passing through the gastrointestinal tract. This blockage can also decrease blood flow and cause deterioration to portions of the bowels, along with the absorption of toxic contents. If not treated, obstructions can cause death. Some common symptoms of a bowel obstruction include:
Odin's mom is a single mom on a limited income. Surgery for Odin's bowl obstruction was far outside of her budget. They hoped the toy would pass on its own; unfortunately it did not and that meant little Odin needed to have a surgery that his mom could not afford. Odin's mom applied with Fur Kids Foundation and we were able to help with his emergency surgery costs at the vet. Odin is home recovering and his mom is going to keep a watchful eye on all of the small toys. While his kitty sister isn't a fan of no longer having toys out, it's for Odin's best interest. No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation via PayPal or signing up to become a volunteer. Read more Success Stories.
0 Comments
Shortly after writing Mattie's blog we received the devastating news that she had passed away from an underlying infection. Mattie meant a lot to her mom, and we would like to share her story. Meet Mattie, an 11-year-old American Bulldog Mix. Mattie's mom would do anything for her lovely lady–in her application, she said that Mattie is her best friend. Mattie's mom is on a limited income, so when Mattie was acting like she didn’t feel good, she brought Mattie to the vet. The vet believed that Mattie likely had a urinary tract infection (UTI), but Mattie's mom wasn't able to afford all the diagnostics, so she was sent home with some medication to help treat the issue. A few days later, Mattie wasn't any better, and now she was limping. She knew she needed to get all the tests done for Mattie, so she applied to Fur Kids Foundation for help with the veterinary costs. After the tests, they diagnosed Mattie with a UTI, and a partially torn canine cruciate ligament (CCL), causing the limping. But they also found that Mattie has diabetes. VCA Hospitals reports that dogs with UTIs often:
A CCL rupture is similar to an ACL tear in humans. It’s a very common injury in dogs and is the most common cause of degenerative joint disease in the stifle joint. CCL rupture occurs in dogs of all sizes, but is quite common in giant or larger breeds. According to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, signs that your dog may have torn their CCL include:
Diabetes is more common in older pets, and occurs when the body can not use glucose (sugar) normally. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body’s cells. Glucose levels are primarily controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is made by the pancreas. Diabetes is a chronic disease that can affect several species, dogs, cats, pigs, horses, and humans. According to the AKC, diabetes mellitus, or “sugar diabetes,” is a metabolic disorder that is seen most often in dogs. Signs that your dog may have diabetes include:
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to cataracts or blindness, enlarged liver, frequent UTIs, seizures, kidney failure, ketoacidosis, and death. Mattie needed to be hospitalized to monitor her levels, and her mom was told that she would need to be monitored for the remainder of her life, be on insulin, and change her diet. Without it, Mattie may continue to get UTIs, and will not feel well. Her mom was sent home with instructions on how to provide insulin and a new diet plan for Mattie, and will do what she can to provide the best life for her best friend. No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation via PayPal or signing up to become a volunteer. Read more Success Stories. This dapper gent is Leo, a 2-year-old short hair tabby. Leo’s parents have had a rough few months–his dad is the only one able to work at the moment and they have had to travel for family emergencies. Unfortunately, Leo also wasn’t feeling well–he wasn't going to the bathroom, and when he did, they could see that there was blood in his urine. While his parents couldn't afford his emergency veterinary visit, they knew that Leo had to get to the vet. At the vet it was discovered Leo had a severe urinary tract infection (UTI) and kidney infection–and to make matters worse, he needed to be hospitalized. After Leo was released, he seemed to be doing well, but a few days later he was acting sick again–so off to the vet he went and was hospitalized again. A UTI happens when bacteria travels up the urethra and into the bladder; this bacteria can grow and reproduce, which causes the UTI. Some common signs of a UTI in your cat can include:
Kidney infections are one of the most common infections your tabby can get, and typically happen when bacteria in the lower urinary tract (bladder) travel to the kidney. If your cat has a kidney infection, it’s vital to take them to the veterinarian. If a kidney infection is left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure and death. Signs your cat may have a kidney infection includes
Leo's dad applied with Fur Kids Foundation to help with the emergency veterinary bills, and we were more than happy to help. Leo is now on some new food, his parents are monitoring him closely, and he should be making a full recovery in no time. No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation via PayPal or signing up to become a volunteer. Read more Success Stories. |
Welcome to the Fur Kids Foundation blog archive that features inspiring stories of pets and people! Get inspired by these amazing furry tales of recovery and hope! All because someone like YOU cared.
Archives
March 2023
|