All of us at DDBR are heartbroken. After being in Rescue almost a year, Frank has crossed the bridge. We are so very thankful for his foster family who kept Frank comfortable all these months, without families like this, we could not do what we do.
Rest Easy sweet boy.
Frank Update 10/12/17:
Frank has had quite a long journey since coming in to rescue! To recap, he was surrendered to a shelter after his veterinarian diagnosed him with renal failure.
After many different tests including blood panels, multiple urinalysis, X-rays, and an ultrasound, it was determined that Frank has a neurogenic bladder, not renal failure as originally thought. He is thoroughly enjoying his time in his foster home, going to work at a doggie daycare with his foster mom, and greeting all of the clients with his contagious smile.
New blood work shows that Frank’s kidney values have actually improved, but his thyroid levels are dropping, requiring more medication on top of his long list of current medications and supplements.
Frank Update 9/20: After doing an ultrasound, it appears the kidneys are normal. The infection is gone, but our volunteer still has to express his bladder for him to completely empty. The vet seems to think Frank has a form of Cauda Equina (a narrowing of the vertebra that is crushing the spinal cord/nerves, causing the nerves to is bladder to “fall asleep” and not function properly). DDBR cannot afford to do an MRI to get an affirmative diagnosis of CE nor the surgery that may or may not help if it is CE. The medications that are helping to keep Frank comfortable are about $200 a month and his fund raiser has stalled.
Frank is a very loving boy who at 5 years old found himself in a shelter. Thankfully this shelter was aware of our rescue and contacted us immediately. They knew Frank needed more help than they could give him and wanted him to have the best possible chance to have his medical needs addressed and also the hope of the best future forever home.
When we took Frank into rescue we were told he was in kidney failure. It’s been only a few weeks and many tests later – Frank does not appear to be in kidney failure. His blood tests and multiple urine tests do not show this. He does have a very bad urinary tract infection that we are treating.
X-rays were done to look for possible kidney stones, but there were none. His urethra is very inflamed and this could be related to whatever is causing his urine problems. An ultrasound is in Franks future to see if that can shed more light into what is causing his urinary problems. Please consider a donation to help us figure out just what is wrong with this sweet boy.
X-Rays have confirmed that Frank has bad hips, more than likely born that way and although his gait is not normal he does get around very well. He’s been good with all dogs so far, large and small. He’s somewhat a little too interested in the chickens at the foster home so based on that he may not do well with a cat in the home. He does OK in the car and loved the dog pool! Frank is a very sweet, loving boy that deserves a second chance. Homes with children over the age of 7 will be considered once we have taken care of his veterinary needs.
It may take us a little longer to find out what Franks real health issues are but we will not give up. His foster mom needs to express his bladder a few times a day and he will fill a belly band with pads in it within 2 hours. He is very comfortable and happy but as with all our foster dogues, Frank would love a home to call his own someday.
Franks vetting so far has included multiple urine tests, blood work, xrays and more blood work and several medications to try to get the raging infection under control. We will be doing an ultrasound shortly and have some additional testing to do as well.
