UPDATE – Oct 18
Oliver has had his appointment at the Atlantic Veterinary College. We now have a much better picture of what he is facing.
His initial exam and CT scan confirmed he has a vascular ring anomaly which we understand is a variation of megaesophagus. The ring is constricting his esophagus, impeding his ability to eat normally, so surgery will definitely be required to remove it.
He also has a secondary issue where an artery is in the wrong place, and is laying against his esophagus. This artery is more flexible and moves with the esophagus as he eats so there is a good chance surgical intervention will not be necessary. We are hopeful.
The specialists want to delay surgery until wee Oliver is a bit bigger and stronger, probably when he is about 5 months of age.
Oliver’s foster mom is taking the most amazing care of him and will continue to feed him as she has been, in an upright position and holding him up afterwards to ensure the food goes and stays down. Wonderful news is that he is eating well and putting on weight!
He is also doing great in his foster home, getting along famously with his foster siblings and experiencing all kinds of fun new adventures. Oliver is a very popular pup with our rescue volunteers and our extended Boston community, so don’t worry – he’s being spoiled rotten as he so deserves!
Just a reminder that we have a fundraiser for Oliver and other dogs in our care who are requiring very expensive surgeries and treatments. Will you help us reach our goal? No amount is too small and every penny goes to the dogs, such as towards little Oliver’s upcoming surgery. The recent CT scan alone cost $1500. Thank you for your support 
Click here to make a donation!
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The newest member to join our Rescue family, little Oliver was born with a genetic defect – a twisted esophagus. This makes it difficult for him to eat and get the nourishment a growing puppy needs. As we have shared previously, the outlook for Oliver’s future was dire.
Oliver would slowly starve to death, so without immediate intervention, the only option was euthanasia.
BTRC felt this boy deserved a chance to live – we are sure you agree – and we stepped up to help him.After an assessment by our veterinarian, it has been decided that Oliver needs to travel from Halifax to a specialist veterinary hospital in PEI, who is best equipped to deal with his complicated and life-saving surgery.
We do not have a firm estimate at this time, as actual cost will be determined once Oliver is in PEI, but the best “guesstimate” for his procedure is $5000.00.Oliver’s trip is being organized and he will get the treatment he needs to survive, but your help to save this precious boy and get him on his way to a long and happy life would be greatly appreciated.