Maui has healed from her tumour removal surgery, and its now time for another urine protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio test to see how much protein she is losing when she pees. (If you’re still using the pie-plate-under-the-back-end method of collecting dog pee from girl dogs, try the ladle – it’s so much easier and works for boy dogs too!) Maui will need these tests every three months or so to measure her kidney function and see if her medication is working or needs to be adjusted.

Maui will also need to be closely monitored for any new lumps or bumps, and then there is her lifelong veterinary prescription diet. She’s a wonderful, well-behaved, affectionate money pit 😂.  And guess what? Her fosters have decided that they are just fine with that and want to make it official and adopt Maui as their very own!

We couldn’t be happier! Congratulations Maui and family! Of course, a signature on a piece of paper changes nothing for you. You knew you were already home ❤️

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Owie Maui!

BTRC foster Maui had her dental surgery yesterday. Now we knew that her mouth was, well, a bit rotten – with their short, broad heads and flat faces, Boston Terriers don’t have a lot of space for all those 42 teeth to begin with – but it was much more serious than we even imagined.

Maui had several broken, cracked, and infected teeth. The tooth fairy was shocked when he found 18 teeth under her pillow last night! She must have been in chronic pain, but in typical Boston fashion she was so stoic and never complained.

From dental x-rays to extractions to stitching and cleaning and polishing the teeth remaining, Maui was in surgery for several hours. Now in recovery mode, Maui’s pain is being managed with medication and she was able to eat some soft food for breakfast. We’re sure in a few days she’ll be feeling so much better with a clean and healthy mouth!

We know that dental hygiene is important to overall health, in people and in pets. Bacteria in plaque can enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs. It is the hope now that addressing the infection and inflammation Maui’s mouth with have a positive effect on her other health issues (high blood pressure and protein loss in her urine). Fingers crossed for this brave girl!

 

 

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November 30

More on Maui

When Maui arrived in rescue, the most obvious concern was her weight. Obesity can cause several health issues, not to mention the extra strain on bones and joints. 

First, we needed to rule out any underlying medical reasons for her size. A thorough exam did confirm that Maui’s mouth is in bad shape. She will most certainly need a dental surgery: this won’t happen until some other problems are addressed.

Abnormal bloodwork results meant more specific testing was required. Good news – Maui is NOT diabetic, and she does not have Cushing’s disease. Bad news – her blood pressure is dangerously high. A urine protein:creatinine ratio test showed that she is losing a substantial amount of protein through her kidneys.

With a working diagnosis of glomerulonephritis, a potentially serious condition, Maui has started on a very low dose of aspirin and omega-3 fatty acid supplements to help reduce inflammation and prevent clotting. She is taking an ACE inhibitor to reduce protein loss and help control her blood pressure.

Maui’s weight-loss diet has been switched to a kidney formulation, so portion control and limited treats are very important.

Maui is a sweet and very well-behaved girl with just the right amount of that Boston mischievousness! She is also an example of how a seemingly healthy dog can surprise us with costly medical expenses. But she is happy in her foster home, and we’re happy too – because with your support, we can provide deserving dogs like Maui with the care that they need.

 

 

Aloha Maui!

 

Maui is an 8-year-old spayed female Boston Terrier. She was surrendered to BTRC when a change in her owner’s living situation meant they could no longer care for her.

Maui has only been with us a few days but seems very sweet and laid-back. Her low activity level could also be due in part to the fact that this curvaceous canine does need to lose some weight

She will be visiting the vet shortly for a thorough checkup to rule out any underlying medical condition that may be contributing to her ‘chonkiness’ and to help develop a safe weight loss plan.

Stay tuned!