Hello,

I am fairly new to this site. I joined in Nov. I have a beautiful boston terrier, named Baron. For two months now Me and my boyfriend have been trying to make Baron better. Last month it seemed we were finally there! I was so happy!

Then he started getting worse again. He will walk around the house drooling and you can just tell he isnt there with you. We took him to the vet and who then did blood work.

Baron is having problems with his blood getting to his Liver. There is a shunt (or blood vessel) stopping his blood from getting to the liver to be cleaned. The doctor said it could even be more then one shunt. It is then taking the bad blood back to his heart and feeding it back into his system. The vet isn't to sure if this is what is wrong, but all the things we told him point to it being the problem. We would have to do more testing, to see if that is what is wrong, and then go through surgery if it is. Me and My Boyfriend don't have a lot of money, so I am vey worried about how I would pay for all of that. Plus the vet said there is a risk because he is only 6 months old, and we might have to put him down if there are too many shunts to even operate on. I am very sad right now. I really want to figure out a way to pay for all of it and help him. I am also in school right now and working as many hours as my job will give me, so I am really busy, especially this time of year. I just don't know what to do. If you have any suggestions pls tell me?

Have you told Baron's breeder about this???

This could be a congenital problem and they need to be aware of this.

There should also be something in your contract that states they need to be notified of any health problems.

They will most likely take Baron back and give you a healthy puppy or least help with the surgery bill.

If it truly is a liver shunt (and it does sound that way) surgery is your only option or he will not live a very long or happy life at all.

At the very least, get a second veterinary opinion and get in touch with your breeder right away.

Jeannie Thomason, V.N.D.

The Whole Dog
http://www.thewholedog.org

I talked to the breeder. We actually got him for free from the breeder. He hasn't heard of the other dogs having problems either. The vet who finally figured out what Baron had was our second opinion. Plus the vet said Baron is too young to be able to survive surgery. Me and my boyfriend decided that we would do the therapy and so far he is doing great! He has gained a TON of weight and muscle. He has a great personality as well. I know he won't last long, but from what the the vet said even if he did have surgery he wouldn't last long.

This is a physical /genetic problem that all the vitamins and no grain diet, etc, can help, the ONLY answer to saving his life IS surgery... If his breeder will not help you with the costs you will have to work with your Vet on a payment plan. You can make up posters with his picture on it and describe his physical problem and your financial problem and put the posters and jars for donations in Vet offices, Dog Groomers, pet stores,etc. Where ever the owners or managers of the establishments will allow you. You could also call you local newspaper with the story and that you are asking for donations to help with the cost of surgery. I have seen this work for people in the past.

It is such a shame. Baron and You are in my thoughts and prayers.

__________________
Dr Jeannie Thomason
Veterinary Naturopath, Natural Pet Care Educator & Animal Nutrition Consultant


The Whole Dog
http://www.thewholedog.org


JeanE's Bostons
http://www.jeanesbostons.com

Job 12:7-10

I'm so sorry It's definitely rough finding out there is something wrong with them.

You could always apply for CareCredit (www.carecredit.com). I just applied at the local emergency vet to help cover my dog's vet bills and was approved. It's also interest free for 12 months. Being approved for that was seriously a blessing. I have no idea what I would have done without it. (No, I was not paid by CareCredit to say this )