12/15/2015

Our names are Billy and Kristy. Sweet, lovely Gizmo came to us on Friday, November 13th, with bounds of energy and a kindness we have never experienced. From the very moment we met him, his heart was completely open to us. This is surprising, as he did not have the most comfortable or loving beginning. Gizmo was rescued from the streets of Los Angeles by Vancouver’s Big & Small Dog Rescue. One would think a dog living on the streets of LA would be apprehensive of people. Not this little fella. Once he was in our home, it was obvious, he was home. He played with our other dog, Bobby, like they have known each other all their lives. True brothers. Gizmo had zero issue with bouncing up on the couch for a snuggle or cuddle from day one. He made us feel like he was always a part of our family; it just took him some time to get home.

Now Gizmo has fallen quite ill. It all started Thursday, December 10th. Gizmo was neutered on December 3rd, so on December 10th we brought him in for a recheck and to have a “Wellness Check” completed to have him set up for medical insurance. During the wellness check the vet found a lump under is right jaw bone. This lump continued to grow as the vet examined him. The vet was not too sure if the growth was in Gizmo’s lymphoid, salivary gland, or any other gland in the area. Test were done, results came in on Friday and an infection was found, but it was not determined was caused the infection or what type of infection Gizmo was suffering from. The vet advised we should get him on antibiotics as soon as possible. Which we did without hesitation. Come Saturday, Gizmo was not reacting to the antibiotics and the mass was getting larger and harder. We went back into the vet. The vet found Gizmo’s fever was over 40C and yes the growth/mass was getting larger. The vet performed surgery to remove some of the infection, brought Gizmo’s fever down and sent us home with stronger antibiotics. More samples were sent to a lab to see if the infection was bacterial. Fingers crossed Gizmo would be feeling better in the morning. However, around 1:00AM we realized the surgical wound was seeping and a mass was growing under Gizmo’s chin. He was also shaking uncontrollably and was more lethargic than he had been. We wrapped the little fella in a blanket and went to Vancouver Emergency Hospital on 4th Avenue. The doctors confirmed the infection was growing again and was leaking through his surgical wound along with growing under his chin. His temperature was once again over 40C. The emergency hospital opened Gizmo’s wound to release some of the infected fluid and to take a look at what was going on inside our wee little boy. The doctor at the emergency hospital was also quite concerned and baffled by what she saw in Gizmo. In turn, she set up us with an appointment at Canada West Veterinary Clinic for Tuesday December 15th. Gizmo’s appointment was at 9:30 this morning. Now here we are worrying about our sweet lovely little boy, hoping for answers and solutions to bring him back to his home…the home that was always his.

With Gizmo’s vet bills anticipated on being high and with our vet debt from previous pooches still looming, we ask you consider donating a small token to the health of Gizmo. No token is too small. No matter what, we vow to take care of our boy, and give him the very best of care and love forever and ever. Giz has only been with us for the past month, but he is a part of our family forever. This holiday season, share the love, help out the Giz.

Update on Gizmo - 12/20/2015

Gizmo is doing well. Vet visit today was very positive. The drain pump has been removed and stitches should be out in a week. Thank you so very much for all your kindness and generosity.

Update on Gizmo - 12/20/2015

Gizmo's pump got a tear in it this morning. We went off to Canada West to have a new pump put in. Dr. King was in, he said all looks okay, but would like us to keep our appointment with Dr. Kuzma for tomorrow.

Update on Gizmo - 12/19/2015

Gizmo drank some water last night. We are soooo relieved. He has not thrown up since Thursday. We went for the recheck today. Gizmo is releasing too much fluids for the pump to be removed. Poor little fella. We have another recheck appointment with Dr. Kuzma on Monday. Hopefully on Monday the pump will be removed.

Update on Gizmo - 12/18/2015

Gizmo is eating and his energy level is improving. He is still not drinking though. He has not thrown up in over 24 hours so we are feeling quite relieved. He is dealing with the pump very well. We are so very proud of him.

We have a recheck at Canada West tomorrow, Saturday, with Dr. King. If Dr. King thinks all is going well, Gizmo will have the pump removed.

Update on Gizmo - 12/17/2015

Home with Gizmo today. He has a pump in his neck to remove any fluids that may be building up by the removed abscess. He is on some pretty strong antibiotics and pain killers. He has thrown up a few times, but Canada West said this is normal. Worrisome non the less.

Dr Kuzma could not find the cause of the abcsess. He advised he cleaned the comtaminated area quite thoroughly and with the antibiotics all should be okay.

Update on Gizmo 12/16/2015

It was found on Tuesday, via CT Scan, that Gizmo had a rather large abscess deep in the right side of his neck . The surgeon, Dr Kuzma, removed the abscess along with some of Gizmo's muscle tissue as some of his muscle tissue was starting to rot. We will be picking him up tonight.