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15 JAN 05 Buck - Burbank, CA ESRA # 2004-526CA Age: 6 years Gender: Male Color: Liver/White Weight: 45 lb. Variety: Bench/Show-Bred

An ESRA volunteer received a call from her vet saying "I have a nice Springer boy here in deplorable condition, can you help?" When we went to meet him, I couldn't believe anything that skinny could still be alive. His ears were so infected they were stuck to his head, the sore on top of his head is from him digging at the inflamed, infected ear, his eyes infected, covered with fleas and foxtails and Yet Buck came wiggling over for some kindness. As I pet him and cried, Buck bellied up like, "How about a tummy rub, too".

The fleas just covered him. When his blood work came back that internal organs were still functioning, I thought we were somewhat in the clear. But no, 3 foxtails were fished out of one ear and the other ear canal was closed so tight from years of untreated infection that the vet couldn't get anything to pass into the ear canal, let alone look in there. We are putting steroid drops in his ears in hope of shrinking the scar tissue enough so the ear can drain. It is very likely its too late for this, and Buck may need an ear ablation.

Buck is eating well, loves everyone and is so happy to be here. We look forward to him putting on about 20-25 pounds, growing back a beautiful coat, and being that happy, healthy boy he wants to be.

Your help can make that possible.

Update August 30, 2004 - Today was a great day for Buck. He has put on three and a half pounds in 4 days, his eyes are cleared up, the spot on his head is doing well and the fleas are gone. Poor Buck was, and is, in such a deplorable condition, it will take him a while to get to a healthy weight and we’re not sure what the final outcome of his ears will be after two weeks of treatment. But without the help of sponsors, Buck would be gone by now. I can tell you for sure Buck loves life.

He is now one happy boy. We're still working on healthy.

Update November 20, 2004 - I've been waiting to post an update on Buck's condition in hopes that I could report some really great news. Unfortunately we still have a Good News / Bad News situation for Buck.

The Good News is that he has gained weight and now weighs 57 pounds. He is looking much healthier and happier! His ribs and spine are no longer protruding. You can hug him without feeling like you were hugging a bag of bones! Now we need to make sure he maintains this weight, without gaining any more, which would put un-due stress on his tendon injured knees.

The head wound has healed nicely, but the hair will never grow back into that spot.. As the surrounding hair grows, I tease him that he has a "comb-over hair do", to hide his old man bald spot. (I kiss it often so he will know I love his little bald spot.)

The Bad News is that the bacterial ear infections continue to plague him. He is now on steroids to get another "flare-up" under control. We have a surgical procedure scheduled for November 29th, presuming that the inflammation and swelling are down. The Vet is going to sedate him and go in and do a deep cleaning of his outer ear canal. They want to get in there and take a look at his ear drum. They have never been able to see into the ear drum because of the severe swelling and bacterial infection. This makes the Vet worry that perhaps the infection is stemming from the inner ear in which case, just cleaning the outer ear on the 29th won't take care of the problem. It is possible that he will require another procedure called an Ear Canal Ablation. This is a "last resort" kind of thing. We are hoping he won't need this, but he is not responding after 3 months of continuous treatment. I found a web site that gives a very good explanation of this condition and surgery. http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/ear_ablation.htm

Buck is such a sweet dog, and he has overcome many of his "issues". He is still on the Special Needs list because he continues to face additional costly procedures. Without your very generous support this would not be possible. Thank you for caring so much about Buck. I've heard from many of you who have been touched by his story. We promise to keep you posted.

Contact Lea Alexander halosnwings@earthlink.net

Click Here To Sponsor Buck

BUCK'S GENEROUS SPONSORS:
Chris Equihua	A gift for Tess's 8th birthday, my special Springer.
Stefanie Jacob	A gift for my Sweetheart, "Spice". I hope things go your way Buck!
Jessica and Kacey Brooks	In memory of Peanut, a Guinea Pig that loved her Springer friend Kacey.
Carolyn Bigley	Gift for Heather, Turtle, Buckshot, and Nemo. Congratulations to Heather and Turtle, getting married on Sept.25,2004.
Kevin Husen	In memory of Bandit, Mugsy, and Lisa.
Barbara Lipschuetz	In honor of Special Needs Jessie in Houston. Get well Buck, and find your Forever Home!
Jessica L. Erwin	In memory of Molly, Brandy, and Sadie.
Cathryne Slaughter	Get Well Soon!
Judie & Lee Lemsky	In memory of Penny & Princess, our first Springers.
John and Gloria Kareken
Natalie Worlow	In memory of Fergie.
Dianne Shanley	In memory of Apricot, a sweet Poodle girl and loving companion for so many years.
James R. Richard           Carrot Creek Corporation	In memory of Missy.
Gregory Morse	Good luck Buck, from Buddy, Guy, and Greg.
Ronnie Sue Henderson	In memory of Skipper, who lived the good life!
Jody Maddox	Good luck to you Buck. You are now the road to your Forever Home.
Stephanie Levy	In memory of Missy.
George & Diane	Thank you ESRA, for posting that Layla was in a shelter.
Joseph Zarzecki	Get Better Buck. From your fellow Springers, Josie and Darby in Anthem, AZ.
Tina Burgan	In memory of Schnell. We miss you.
Anne Butcher	In memory of Sam, our lovely Springer who died on Sept.27
Palma Friery	In memory of a special Springer boy named Oliver.
Robert J. Maclean	For Courtney M. Whelan in memory of Prince Whelan.
Carla Meyer & Chuck Arnold	In gratitude for our new Jasmine & Oliver.
Katrin Owen