Skipper is a 2 year old male Golden Retriever that has came into rescue in September '08. He is an amazing boy who steals the heart everyone he meets! Skipper is a very friendly, happy dog who absolutely loves people. He gets along well with other dogs (as long as they are non-confrontational) cats (altho' he will give them a "woof" to get them to move from his favorite spot). He loves to be a part of any activity and loves to be with his people. He loves going for walks and car rides. This fellow is housebroken and well mannered indoors. Although he is still quite underweight, he is a very handsome fellow with a gorgeous long, wavy coat. He's a good natured fellow with a lot of love to give. Skipper is an amazing boy would would make an outstanding addition to any home that can provide him with all the attention that he craves and deserves, as well as provide for his medical needs. (Indoor Home Only!)
Note: Additional Pictures below the write up - check 'em out!
SKIPPER'S STORY...
Skipper was owner surrendered and we
were aware he was having trouble keeping food down. They were
told by the breeder he was purchased from that he choked on
a hambone as a puppy, and he was going to grow out of this
problem. For two years, his owners attempted to cope with
an increasing problem, trying many different types of foods
and even having a scope performed. Eventually they were unsure
of what direction to go, and opted to surrender him to rescue.
Skipper has undergone a fair amount
of testing to date, including a comprehensive blood panel,
x-rays and a scope. The scope was done during Skipper's neuter,
and it needed to be re-done due to complications. Skip's scope
second scope was just completed - several tissue samples were
taken, all the way along the gastrointestinal track as far
as the scope would go. This test was to determine if a gastrointestinal
disorder, such as inflammatory bowel disorder was present.
These tests came back showing no problems. Finally, a barium
flush was done and the tests located the problem in his esophagus.
There are a few possible causes for
megaesophagus. The problem can be the result of Addison's
Disease, which the vets feel is not likely. It can also be
caused by a Hypothyroid, which is easily treated with medication
that is very inexpensive. Another cause can be Myasthenia
Gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized
by varying degrees of weakness of the voluntary muscles of
the body. This disorder is a very common cause of megaesophagus
and is treatable. The final possibility is damage to the opening
at the end of the esophagus, which can cause a stricture or
narrowing in the opening. This can be corrected with surgeries
and will be the last option we will explore.
We have had bloodwork completed for
Skipper to determine the source of his megaesophagus. Skipper
will require one special set of care instructions that could
be lifelong. They will need to eat with their front feet elevated
slightly higher than the back ones to allow the food a proper
passage into the stomach. By elevating the paws about 45 degrees
(the height of a single step would do) the food is given a
proper route to the stomach and will not come back up. Following
the meal, these boys would need to be kept up for about 10
minutes. It is surprisingly easy to do, as most dogs are happy
to place their paws on the sofa and get a good after dinner
pat session. So all these boys need is an extra ten minutes
after mealtimes - and that is all the extra care required!
More information about megaesophagus (and a couple cool little
interactive videos) can be found at the Veterinary Partner
website by clicking here.
To date, the rescue has spent $1650
for Skipper's medical costs. The bloodwork results came back
recently, and we have learned that Skipper does not have Addison's
Disease, Hypothyroid or Myasthenia Gravis... We are awaiting
a call from the vet clinic to determine what the next step
for Skipper will be. We will update this description as soon
as possible with more information.
LATEST NEWS: After exhausting
our efforts in Brandon testing for a cause, we have opted
for a feeding tube for Skipper. His constant vomiting makes
him a very skinny fellow and he is simply not getting nourished
or hydrated properly. The tube goes from his side into his
stomach, and does require that his meals are made into mush
and then inserted through the feeding tube using a syringe
(or two.) Skipper seems to be making progress and the tube
causes him no discomfort. It is quite securely in place and he wears a wrap to keep it covered - he manages without a hitch! Skip can walk, run, jump and even get down and play without any difficulty at all! Skipper can still eat and drink
orally, but does need to be elevated as much as possible if
he is eating orally.
We've been feeding Skipper using a feeding tube for a few months now. The most difficult part of this process is preparing the food, and the actual tube feeding process is not very difficult. This has not completely corrected the problem and he does "spit up" often, and he does voming periodically as well. We have found that the vomiting tends to occur when Skipper is laying down - but research into the condition tells
us this could be an acid reflux response, as the stomach/esophagus
relaxes when laying down. We have tried antacid pills and have found a moderate, but complete improvement.
Skipper is a little extra work, but the trade off is a dog with an absolutely amazing personality! Skipper has got to be one of the sweetest dogs we have ever had in rescue, and he quite a charmer! Everyone who meets this dog falls head-over-heels in love with his temperment, Skipper is an easy boy to have around and he's quite a lot of fun too! It truly is not a big price to pay for such an incredible dog
DONATIONS
FOR SKIPPER CAN BE MADE THROUGH THE PAYPAL BUTTON BELOW:
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