3/1/09

I did not know that dogs had nine lives like cats, but I am only 10-12 weeks old and Mom says I am on at least number 5 of mine.   The Angels rescued me from a puppy mill and I am a Yorkie/Shih Tzu mix.  When I was unloaded they found my anus was totally closed off with dried poop.   The stool was backed up in my intestines which had formed a huge pouch for such a tiny puppy.  At that time I only weighed 6 ozs. 

At first I was called porcupine because I looked like one with no hair on my back side. A friend came to help with bathes and she said my name was Spike Leah.  I continued to have problems the vet feels my anal glands are plugged with either infection or have hardened from not being able to drain.  Due to the enlargement of the anal glands, it is very painful for me to poop and a rectal exam is out of the question.   The doctors are going to put me under and attempt to do an exam.  If the anal glands can be lance to drain they will do it then.  We are praying they do not have to be removed due to my small size.  As of this week I now weigh a whole 2 lbs.

To date I have $400.00 in vet bills and my surgery will be anywhere from $500 to $1500.00.  The Rescue Angels could sure use some help with my bills.  My foster Mom said times are tough and donations are slow BUT I have been thinking. If everyone would print my story and put a change jar out at their place of work, we could quickly raise the much needed funds to help me.   Would you PLEASE give it a try???  Every DOLLAR adds up.  

My Mom will help me keep you updated with my progress and the money raised for my surgery.

Update 3/11/09

I sure lucked out today. I was to go to the dogter and possibly have surgery.  Last night the little red spot on my behind opened up and nasty stuff came out. Mom called the dogter this morning and he said I should finish my medicine and see what happens.

My Dad woke everyone up this morning all happy because I pooped, what he yelled was, a normal size poop.  My foster parents are so crazy.  Mom even cried today because I went outside with the big dogs and barked at the neighbor kids all by myself. I feel good and really want to be a normal puppy.

Even if I do not have to have surgery it will be a long time until I can be spayed and the Angels have a lot of other sick dogs that need help.  I will keep you updated.

Love to all.

Spike Leah

Update 3/22/09

What a week I had.  On Tuesday morning I could not poop anything.  Mom called the doogter and I heard her say that I was totally plugged up whatever that meant.  She grabbed me up and out the door I went to the doogters office.  I hurt so bad I was shaking and the vet took one look at me and gave me a pain shot.  The nurse lady put a mask over my face and that is all I remember.  When I woke up I was getting a bath and heard the vet say to Mom that I was backed up as far as I could possibly go.  He said they found a 2 inch hairball and my anal gland was abscessed.   I am not sure what all that meant I just knew I felt so much better.  Mom has to give me sits baths and a antibiotic shot twice a day.  The good news is I am back to playing and act like a normal puppy.  In ten days I go see the doogter again and we will go from there.  Thanks everyone that has helped with my bills so far but, I still have a ways to go before I am considered well.

 

4-09-09 Update

OH MY, what a week I have had! On Sunday I could not poop again and with Mom’s help I got it out by myself. On Tuesday I had my check-up. The dogter said I was full again. I took a nap and they cleaned me out. The dogter said my anus was constricting as a side effect of the infection. The dogter said that my options were very slim and it might be best to send me to the bridge. After the dogter and Mom talked I went to the MedVet for a second opinion.

MedVet is a BIG hospital and I had a lot of tests. The dogter’s helpers thought I was so cute that they let me help them around the office. I got to chase the mop and the broom. We went outside and played too. Poor Mom had to wait in the waiting room for hours while they were waiting for my test results to come back. They said I would be having surgery the next day to check things out. We stayed in a motel and slept in a big bed.

I had my little surgery today and the dogter was right - my anus has closed down. A surgeon said he could fix it. I am really happy but very scared as my bills are getting higher and higher. Surgery is the only thing that can save me. Mom said there are wonderful people that will help pay for the bills and all I need to do is worry about getting better. Is that true? Could you please help with my bills, then all I have to do is worry about getting well? Mom said to tell you that she and the angels would be ever so grateful.

Love,
Spike Leah