In Memory of Bogard
BTRC’s brave and beloved Bogard passed away Friday, March 12, at the age of 9 years, six months and one day.
Despite a valiant effort, his little body just didn’t have the reserves to keep fighting. It was time to make the hardest choice – to give him the gift of no more suffering.
Bogard was blessed by the well wishes and prayers of so many. Although his loss is heartbreaking, we can find some peace in knowing that Bogard is now restored to health and vigor to run free and joyful at the Rainbow Bridge.To all who supported him, and to his remarkable foster family, thank you. Bogard’s passing was peaceful, wrapped in his Fur Angel Blessing Blanketeers blanket with his favourite stuffed lamby and his foster dad by his side.
We will miss you Bogard. But we will never, ever, forget you.
Bogard may look a bit of a fright, but he is already feeling more comfortable. He made it through his double enucleation surgery like the champ he is, and although the surgical area is a little swollen and bruised right now, when healing is complete he will be pain-free.
As he had little to no vision already, there won’t be a difficult adjustment period as there may be in the case of sudden blindness. Remember, too, that smell and hearing are actually more important senses to a dog than sight. With some accommodations to make sure he’s safe, we know Bogard will adapt very well to his new normal and there’s no reason why he won’t be able to enjoy all the same things he did before his surgery.
Although Bogard can’t seem to catch a break with his health, he continually amazes everyone with his spirit.
His latest challenge is a corneal ulcer, something Boston owners are far too familiar with.
Diabetic dogs frequently develop cataracts and go blind; this happened to Bogard. Ulcerative keratitis is a separate issue when inflammation of the eye’s surface layer causes erosion to surface tissue. If this progresses into deeper tissue, it is then called a corneal ulcer. Although eye ulcers are most commonly due to trauma, other secondary causes of ulcerative keratitis/ulcers include diabetes.
Bogard was quickly referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist as left untreated, eye ulcers are very painful. The initial goal was to do everything possible to save Bogard’s eye, not because he has vision in the eye, but because surgery for him presents a serious risk. His amazing foster began a very strict regime of a combination of eye meds every two hours.
Unfortunately, the eye ulcer is not responding to treatment. Given that Bogard is essentially blind in both eyes, with no potential for vision to return, it was decided through consultation with both his Internal Medicine Specialist and Veterinary Ophthalmologist to remove both Bogard’s eyes. Although a difficult decision to make, this will end his pain and will require him to go under anesthetic only once.
Bogard’s double enucleation is being scheduled for as soon as possible. Despite now having to wear the dreaded cone, he continues to tug at our heartstrings, especially with his desire to play. We know that the effort to save this one little dog has been extraordinary, but he is such a brave and determined soul he has earned his chance at recovery and a happy, loving future.
Note: Photos of Bogard’s ulcer will be disturbing to some, so we have elected to not post them here. They can be found at https://bostonterrierrescuecanada.online/bogard-eye
Sprung from the ER!
Bogard is out of the hospital! He spent a few nights with BTRC alum Wilbur and his mom in Vancouver and is now on his way to his permanent foster home in BC’s Southern Interior.
Bogard will need to return to the vet in a week’s time for some further tests: his pancreatic blood test was inconclusive so will be repeated, bloodwork will be done again for comparison, as well as a blood glucose curve to check the effectiveness of his present insulin dose. Bogard’s B12 and folic acid results are still pending.
Bogard is currently eating a prescription diet of low-fat gastro food and receiving insulin shots twice daily. He remains on prednisone and a medicated probiotic.
Despite everything he has been through, Bogard’s spirit shines through! As soon as he got back to his temporary digs, he wanted to play his favourite game of tug-of-war! Described as “a goofball and such a sweetheart” his foster has already been warned that she “is going to fall in love instantly!”
As you know, Bogard’s life-saving medical care didn’t come cheap. His final bill from the specialty hospital was $11717.97. (A reminder why pet insurance can be a lifesaver when owners are faced with unexpected emergency bills).
BTRC alum Walter knows what it’s like to need costly veterinary care. So, to help pay Bogard’s bills, Walter and his mom have arranged for the raffle of a premium L.L. Bean dog bed! Visit our auction page for your chance to win!
And if you’d like to make donation to Bogard’s ongoing care, it would be greatly appreciated.
Bogard Update
Our brave Bogard is still in hospital, but the outlook is much more positive! He’ll have to stay until his diabetes is under control, but that could happen as early as tonight or tomorrow. Though he is still dealing with some other health concerns, his diabetes is the number one priority.
For those of you interested in more medical details, his care has been comprehensive.
The original diagnosis of DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) was premature. Bogard’s PH level is normal and the number of ketones very low. (Ketones are chemicals that the body creates when it breaks down fat to use for energy.)
The results of his abdominal ultrasound to investigate the cause of his PLE (protein-losing enteropathy) ruled out a tumour and show that his condition has improved since his last ultrasound a year ago. The working diagnosis is now intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL). We are waiting for the results of his GI Blood Panel, which has been sent to the top specialists in the field at the Gastrointestinal Laboratory at Texas A&M University, to dictate his treatment plan going forward. He may require specific supplement(s) and/or medication(s), or his new diet may be sufficient to improve his condition.
Bogard has a heart murmur, so he was also examined by a cardiologist and an echocardiogram was performed to ensure that it was safe to administer IV fluids to treat his dehydration. There is evidence of mitral valve disease, not uncommon in a dog of his age, but no clinical signs of heart disease currently requiring further treatment so IV fluids were started.
Bogard has been so sweet and so brave through it all! We know it’s a lot, but we are cautiously optimistic that his ailments can be successfully managed with proper care. Bogard deserves the opportunity to happily live a good quality life. He is such a loving boy who wants nothing more than to get back to enjoying ear scratches and belly rubs, cuddles, a good game of fetch or a rousing game of tug.
It’s also a lot of money. As of yesterday, Bogard’s bill was $6786.56 (this is after a rescue discount).
Would you consider donating to Bogard’s care? Even the smallest donation will make a real difference! THANK YOU!
Introducing Bogard
Nine-year-old Bogard came to BTRC because his family could no longer manage his medical issues and the cost to explore further treatment.
Diagnosed with PLE last year, Bogard’s condition had improved, but he recently suffered a drastic weight loss, leaving him severely underweight. PLE (protein-losing enteropathy) is the loss of proteins from the bloodstream into the gastrointestinal tract – and can be caused by several diseases. To try and determine the underlying cause of Bogard’s condition, he was taken to our vet for more testing.
Although the PLE diagnosis has not been discarded, tests showed that Bogard is also diabetic, which could explain many of the most recent symptoms. But the alarming news was that he was also at high risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This occurs when the blood-glucose level becomes dangerously high, either from a lack of insulin production or the body’s inability to respond to the insulin produced. This is a medical emergency; DKA is fatal if left untreated.
Bogard was transferred to a 24-hour emergency clinic where DKA was confirmed. He remains in hospital where he is receiving treatment and further diagnostic testing. Please send Bogard positive, healing thoughts. Although he is in the best hands and receiving excellent care, we still don’t know if he will be able to pull through. 😞