Its been quite a traumatic week, as I had to rush George to the vets with a stomach torsion on Tuesday night.Torsion of the stomach in the dog is characterized by life-endangering distension of the stomach with gas; the stomach is usually found to be severely dilated and congested, and often to have rotated about an axis in the plane of the esophagus,or more simply put a mechanical twist of the stomach.It usually affects dogs of the larger, deeper-chested breeds: Great Danes, German Shepherds, St. Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Wolfhounds, Great Pyrenees, Boxers, Weimaraners, Old English Sheepdogs, Irish Setters etc.We're not sure what caused the torsion with George, as he hadn't been exercised after feeding, in fact he was about to be fed, but I am just so pleased I noticed it and rushed him straight to the vets, otherwise he would of certainly died. Thanks to Lucy and Adam and the team at Alnorthumbria Vets in Alnwick for acting so quickly and effectively to save George's life.
The operation appears successful, though George will have to have smaller more often feeds and be monitored for the rest of his life, and for his own welfare we have taken the decision not to take him back into kennels. Thanks to Ameri for offering a short term foster place to recuperate in the comfort of her home. This means however we are now DESPERATE to secure a permanent "Forever Foster" home for him, with people that understand how delicate this handsome boy is. If you are interested in giving George a peaceful place to go please get in touch via shak@shak.org.uk or 07931 702345 (please leave a message stating that you are interested in helping George.) Due to the nature of his condition and a potential need for vet check ups, Forever Fosterers in the North East only please.
George has given everyone a fright, including himself, and I honestly thought we were going to lose him as he lay gasping for air in the back of my Landrover as I broke the british land speed record to get him to the vets. He was crying with pain everytime he tried to be sick, and I could physically see the life draining out of him. The fact he is still with us is truly a miracle.
Such unexpected events comes with the job, and I guess we all learn from these kind of experiences. They also come with a financial cost that isn't expected, and we really would appreciate any help that is offered with the vets bill that will follow. I believe it will total around £1,000 and we simply don't have that kind of money lying around spare. If anyone has any idea's on a quick fundraising idea to help please get in touch, or if you would like to donate some towards the bill you can do via the following methods:
PayPal:
Or via cheque made payable to SHAK:
SHAK.
Wildwood Cottage.
3a Stead Lane,
Bedlingtom,
Northumberland.
NE22 5LT.
Or you can pay direct to the vets:
Alnorthumbria Vets.
Belvedere Terrace, Alnwick,
Northumberland, NE66 2NX
Tel: 01665 602516 Fax: 01665 605550
Thank you in advance for your support. Saving George's life was worth every penny.