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Help Tootles
When our rescue team traveled through Missouri one of the dogs they were to pick up was a tiny 3lb Maltese named Tootles. Our team warned the volunteers at the kennel that Tootles was on her way and to be prepared as she required a staff of 6 to meet her demands. You see, Tootles immediately forgot she was born in a puppy mill. She immediately became a lap dog that (initially) would only eat deli meat and cottage cheese. We met her demands not only because she was so darn cute, but also because she was very sick.
At only 9 months old she appeared pregnant because her belly was so full of fluids. Her front legs bow outward like a bulldog, she has rear luxating patellas, her eyes look as if they are different sizes because one of missing the pigment that would normally surround it. She suffered from mange and her hair was terribly thin. There was a swollen gland on the side of her neck, her eye lashes were growing into her eyes and her teeth were a nightmare.
We immediately took care of Tootles medical needs which involved a variety of tests, treatments and medications. We also taught Tootles to eat healthy food. She was then put in a very special home - with a foster mom that had the “fortitude” to handle this odd little dog with such a big personality!
Sadly, a month ago Tootles quit playing, she also couldn’t hold her food down. She started peeing more than normal and was found to have a urinary tract infection. She had crystals in her urine and blood work also revealed that something was wrong with her liver. She started having nights when she would pace the entire night trying to find a spot where she would be comfortable. Her foster mom would stay up with her. Another trip to the vet included an ultrasound and a bile acid test and they revealed she has a liver shunt.
The presence of a liver shunt in your pet means the blood flow to and through the liver is compromised. All liver shunts, whether mild or severe, are considered serious and life threatening. Toxins of ammonia build in their system because the liver isn’t able to do its job. The liver also is small due to the lack of blood flow and it will continue to fail without surgery.
We’ve spent more than $1000 on tests and treatments for Tootles so far and the estimated cost of the surgery is $4000. On Thursday, Feb 2st, Tootles goes in for a surgical evaluation and we will know more at that time.
Please, we ask for your help. One of our greatest prides at National Mill Dog Rescue is giving every dog we rescue the very best chance possible for a happy and healthy life and our fans play a huge role in making that happen. Please consider a donation if at all possible to help Tootles. We will keep you updated regularly on her progress. Many thanks to our fans who are always here with us in spirit and whose support allows us to make life-saving decisions for our dogs.
At only 9 months old she appeared pregnant because her belly was so full of fluids. Her front legs bow outward like a bulldog, she has rear luxating patellas, her eyes look as if they are different sizes because one of missing the pigment that would normally surround it. She suffered from mange and her hair was terribly thin. There was a swollen gland on the side of her neck, her eye lashes were growing into her eyes and her teeth were a nightmare.
We immediately took care of Tootles medical needs which involved a variety of tests, treatments and medications. We also taught Tootles to eat healthy food. She was then put in a very special home - with a foster mom that had the “fortitude” to handle this odd little dog with such a big personality!
Sadly, a month ago Tootles quit playing, she also couldn’t hold her food down. She started peeing more than normal and was found to have a urinary tract infection. She had crystals in her urine and blood work also revealed that something was wrong with her liver. She started having nights when she would pace the entire night trying to find a spot where she would be comfortable. Her foster mom would stay up with her. Another trip to the vet included an ultrasound and a bile acid test and they revealed she has a liver shunt.
The presence of a liver shunt in your pet means the blood flow to and through the liver is compromised. All liver shunts, whether mild or severe, are considered serious and life threatening. Toxins of ammonia build in their system because the liver isn’t able to do its job. The liver also is small due to the lack of blood flow and it will continue to fail without surgery.
We’ve spent more than $1000 on tests and treatments for Tootles so far and the estimated cost of the surgery is $4000. On Thursday, Feb 2st, Tootles goes in for a surgical evaluation and we will know more at that time.
Please, we ask for your help. One of our greatest prides at National Mill Dog Rescue is giving every dog we rescue the very best chance possible for a happy and healthy life and our fans play a huge role in making that happen. Please consider a donation if at all possible to help Tootles. We will keep you updated regularly on her progress. Many thanks to our fans who are always here with us in spirit and whose support allows us to make life-saving decisions for our dogs.