Little Miss (called ‘Missy’), is a six year old tiny Dalmatian cross, who came to us on Sunday 17 March from a West Wales puppy farm having had a caesarean three weeks ago and losing all of her 11 puppies. Since then she had not been able to eat anything, the local vet could find nothing wrong with her and her owners were not too worried as ‘she was so fat to start with’! She arrived starving, and every time she started to eat she was immediately sick. She couldn’t keep anything down and was clearly very distressed.

 

First thing Monday morning Missy was taken to Axe Valley Vets where she was immediately put on a drip (which pumped her full of a cocktail of drugs) and had blood tests and, various x-rays and scans. On Tuesday Missy was considered strong enough for a more thorough examination – and that was then an awful blockage was found in her throat caused, it is thought, by the general anaesthetic she had been given for her caesarean operation. Nothing could get past it and so for three weeks she had eaten nothing with only a minimum amount of water staying down. A miracle that she was still alive!

 

Because she had suffered so much already Axe Valley Vets were of the opinion that it would probably be kindest to put Missy to sleep. However they knew from past experience that Dogsfriends’ policy only permitted this when all other options had been exhausted, so instead they suggested a referral the Highcroft Veterinary Group, Whitchurch who were cautiously optimistic that a new ‘throat unblocking’ technique was definitely worth trying.

 

This involves a tube with a gas balloon being gently inserted down the throat. When the blockage is reached the balloon is inflated with gas to try and stretch the stricture and the procedure usually has to be repeated. The first operation at Highcroft Vets will take place tomorrow. 

 

Missy now has a chance and all who have met are hoping she will come through. As Rosemary Peacock said “The dog charms and moves everyone she meets. She really is an exceptional soul – so endlessly brave, calm, friendly and trusting. Even with significant discounts vet bills are anticipated to around £2,500 so please help us to give Missy a healthier and happier future in a loving home”.