A Pug Rescue

Two weeks ago Natalie was diagnosed with liver shunt disease. They put her on a special diet and medications. For just starting this diet 2 weeks ago this girl has no clue what dog food is..... she put it on the floor, put it back in the bowl, then played with it and whined. I added warm water and it has rice with it. I put a piece in her mouth and she spit it out. She is finally trying to chew them but having quite the time.

HELP NATALIE SHE HAS A LIVER SHUNT.

Natalie is currently under vet care and will need a very expensive surgery ranging from $3500.00 to $5,000.00 to correct this birth defect....... if not she COULD DIE. Will you please help us save her?

Natalie has a condition were the blood vessel that is supposed to close after birth did not. Therefore her blood bypasses the liver. The liver is one of the main organs that cleanse the blood of toxins. As these toxins build up in her blood stream it causes seizures, coma and death. She is currently on a special diet and medication to help keep the toxins low.

This 6 month old is not available for adoption until she has the corrective surgery, healthy, and is spayed.

2/13/08 UPDATE

Natalie has settled into her new foster home. She is getting along well with the other pugs. She is ok with cats but does chase them wanting to play. She is just like any normal puppy except that she gets tired very easy and must take rest breaks between playing. She has her favorite stuffed toys and can really play. She is doing better on her new dry specialty food diet. The medication that removes the toxins from her body is better controlled now and is not giving her as much diarrhea. Natalie for the most part is house trained. She does have to go urgently when her stools are loose, just like us.

2/14/08 UPDATE

An ultrasound of her abdomen today revealed that Natalie does indeed have an external liver shunt (a vein that bypasses the liver so her blood is not cleaned). This is the one that can be corrected by a special very complicated surgery where the surgeon places a ring around the blood vessel (shunt) to close it off and therefore return blood flow through the liver. This is the vein that should have close after birth. We were also very happy to learn that she has no kidney or bladder stones as 50% of these dogs can develop stones prior to their corrective surgery.

This is a very delicate surgery and must be done by a very experienced surgeon. It is his hope that he can also spay Natalie at the same time as dogs with liver shunts have a hard time waking up from anesthesia because all the medications are processed in the liver.

Natalie is scheduled for her surgery on Feb 19. PLEASE KEEP HER IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. The surgeon says just like any other surgery there are risks. These blood vessels are often times paper thin, making placing the ring difficult. There can be a lot of blood loss and the risk that her liver will have trouble handling all the blood as it is much smaller than a normal pug her size. BUT doing nothing is a death sentence for her and the vets feel she is strong and a true fighter and can survive and have a normal life afterwards.

The diagnostic tests and surgery will probably cost upwards of 4,000 dollars. Please make your tax deductible donations now.

HELP US SAVE NATALIE'S LIFE!!!

2/19/08 UPDATE
Cathleen and I dropped Natalie off at 8am. She was very nervous as were we. Natalie went into surgery at 10am. The Dr called at 1130. Natalie had here surgery and was in recovery. Everything went well. She was spayed at the same time. She will have to be crated for 3 weeks and stay on her medications for a while. She possibly will be coming home tomorrow. She will need follow up blood work and Dr visits. Please keep Natalie in your prayers.

2/19/08 UPDATE

Natalie came home today! She is doing very well and has a strong spirit. She will have to be crated for 3 weeks and is already having a fit over it! She also has to wear an e-collar for the next 2 weeks until her sutures are removed. She is so insulted over both. Updates to follow.

CLICK HERE FOR MARCH UPDATES