Snowdon came in to rescue the day before Christmas as an owner turn-in. He had a limp when he came in but truthfully, we all thought it was from an injury and would heal. After x-rays, consults with specialists, many medication changes, and he progressively was using the leg less, it was decided, reluctantly, that we had to remove that leg as he was not using it and it had started to atrophy. The surgery was scheduled and a biopsy was done. That is when we discovered the terrible diagnosis - Nerve Sheath Tumor. Dr. Scibelli removed as much as he could and when he recovered from the surgery, he went back to his fantastic foster home who had had him most of his time in rescue.
His prognosis was 1 1/2 to 2 years and he would not be in pain. He was so happy to get back home and see everyone and was acting great. After a week or so, his foster mom said he was having some issues with eating when he put his head down and he came back to be rechecked, different medications given, and he was back in his foster home. That was very short lived when this past Wednesday, he came back to Pacific Coast Veterinary Hospital in pain. We tried different medications to give him relief but nothing worked and he was telling us, it was time to say goodbye.
That phone call yesterday morning really brought all of what this rescue is about back in focus. We are in this for the dogs, get them a good home, take care of their medical needs, and give them lots of love during the time they are in our care. Snowdon will always have a special place in our hearts.
Thank you to everyone who donated for his care, spent time with him during his stay in rescue, and a big thanks to Mary S. and her sister for loving him during his rescue stay. Finally a big thank you to Dr. Scibelli, Dr. Gertmenian, Dr. Murray and their staff at Pacific Coast Veterinary Hospital.
I've attached a photo from when he first came in to rescue. I want everyone to remember him as this happy-go-lucky guy with a smile on his face all the time.
