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.
1 Comment
Melodie Jones
11/15/2022 11:49:16 am
I am Matties Mom,and the blpog about her was just a beautiful tribute to my best friend and fur child. I hope many read the information provided on things to watch for with your fur kid. I pray that no animal will have to go thru what my baby did. I know she will wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge. I love that do0ggie with all my heart.Thank you FurKids.
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