Jiggers, the 6-year-old red heeler, gave his dad quite the scare! He was throwing up, and just didn’t seem to be his spunky self, so his dad knew something was wrong. Jiggers was rushed to the vet where his dad was told that he had a blockage in his intestines. See, Jigger had eaten some dog bones, and another foreign object, and both got stuck in his belly, creating gas pockets and lacerations in his stomach. He needed surgery immediately to remove the items, and save his life. If a dog has a gastrointestinal obstruction (aka a blockage), they may show the following signs: • Abdominal tenderness or pain • Biting or growling when picked up • Bloating • Constipation or straining while going poop • Diarrhea • Lack of appetite • Sluggish and depressed • Vomiting Blockages are quite common in dogs because they aren’t very discriminating about what they eat! Unfortunately, blockages can be life threatening as they cause food, fluids and other bodily functions to accumulate in the stomach/small intestines. These blockages can cause the tissue to die, which can then lead to a painful and dangerous condition called sepsis, which means there is bacteria in the blood or other tissues when there shouldn’t be. All of this really means that if you suspect your pooch has a blockage, you need to get them to your vet immediately just like Jigger’s dad did. Unfortunately, Jiggers’ dad was laid off from work and was receiving unemployment, and had no way to pay for the surgery. He reached out, and we were happy to help. Jiggers made a full recovery, and his dad is going to watch what bones he chews on in the future. For those who don’t know, chewing is a very important activity for your dog. Chewing accomplishes a number of things for a dog: for young dogs, it's a way to relieve pain caused by incoming teeth; for older dogs, it's a way of keeping jaws strong and teeth clean. Always monitor your dog with any bone or chew toy, and take and throw away the small pieces as he gets to the end of the chew to prevent choking or unwanted blockages. Fur Kids Foundation is grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and supporters who have helped local families stay happy and healthy, and together! If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families in Campbell County, Wyoming with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories.
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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.
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