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Friday, February 29: After a few hours of vomiting, volunteer Shawn Springfield drove him to the vet.  By the time she arrived, he was limp in her arms and unable to walk.  He had a high fever, which was a real cause for concern. He was given IV fluids and they did bloodwork.  He showed signs that something was neruologically wrong. 

Washington Co-Coordinator Kerri Kuykendall went to pick Tex up from the vet and take him to the emergency vet.  He didn't even know she was there.  He had gone downhill so fast.

When Tex came to us on February 23, other than being malnourished, he seemed like a healthy pup.  He'd had an awful case of multiple parasite infestations.  The most severe infestations are 60 eggs or more of parasites in a sample.  Tex had more than 60 whipworm eggs, 60 hookworm eggs, and 60 roundworm eggs in one fecal sample alone.  On top of that, he tested positive for giardia with more than 60 giardia cysts.  This is why ESRA is committed to deworming and heartworm testing.  Parasites can cause awful problems.  Tex also had double ear infections.  

But we did not foresee such a serious problem coming up.

On Saturday morning, March 1, at the emergency vet, a neurologist did a spinal tap as they were afraid that he might have encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.  Poor Tex was unable to see due to his bulging eyes from the inflammation of his brain, and he seemed unable to move.  The neurologist rushed the test results, and by Saturday night, the results confirmed encephalitis.

Symptoms of Encephalitis include: severe headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, disorientation, convulsions (seizures), problems with speech or hearing, blindness, memory loss, drowsiness, and even coma.

A VERY sick puppy!

We aren't sure why Tex has encephalitis, but it is an autoimmune response.  It could be an autoimmune response to the vaccines he got on Saturday.

Tex was being treated with IV steroids, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medicine. He was put on a urinary catheter.

Later on Saturday, Tex was beginning to improve a bit.  He was able to yawn and stretch and was responsive to voice.  By night time, he was able to be propped up to eat and drink.

By Sunday, March 2, Tex was able to urinate without a catheter.  His back legs are still not working that well, but could walk with a sling.  They were doing some physical therapy with him. Tex's eyes were not as dialated and bulging.

He is going to be in emergency care for a few more days.  The emergency vet would like him to be able to walk, see, and go potty by himself before he is released from emergency care.  He will need about three months of steroids and many check-ups.  The neurologist will do further evaluations.

Update, 03 MAR 08: He became blind late Friday night, and still is. His temperature was normal before he was taken to the critical care hospital, and has remained normal. Also he is still not able to go potty on his own, the tech has to express his bladder for him. He is still not able to sit up by himself and has to be propped up with towels. The neurologist is going to call this morning after her examination.

Update, 04 MAR 08: Last night I went to visit him and he was resting, he did wake up to visit and eat his dinner. He is very bored and frustrated, so they are going to give him a Kong with peanut butter in it to give him something to do. I am also going to pick up a Nylabone for him to bring to him tonight. He is still blind and has some twitching in his right shoulder. He has motor skills in the rear legs, but needs assistance to walk and the front legs he is able to walk just fine.  He is a fighter and definitely has a will to live.

Update, 06 MAR 08: (From Kerri) Tex is improving everyday and is now able to stand for short periods of time and can sit up with out being propped up. He has earned cage doors as he scoots out of his cage towards the voices of the vet techs working on other patients. He is going to the ophthalmologist next week to get a prognosis and also start going to warm water therapy. I trimmed the hair around his pads and he acted like typical 8 months old and fought me, so he his feeling feisty. Tex will continue to stay in the hospital.

In therapy

Update, 13 MAR 08: (From Shawn) He went to Physical Therapy on Monday.  He also went in the hydropool with the treadmill.  He is doing so good compared to last week.  He can put himself into a sitting position.  He has a little strength in his back legs, but not enough to hold himself up for any length of time.  The hospital did say that he expressed his bladder on his own (with them holding him up) for the first time.  The techs were very excited about that.  Tex is still blind, and we are not sure if it is permanent or not.

Update, 17 MAR 08: (From Kerri) Tex has been diagnosed with Meningoencephalitis which was caused by routine vaccinations which were given four days prior to him becoming ill. The vet told me that this was rare and happens in less than one percent of dogs that have been vaccinated. On Saturday I took Tex to a hydro therapy session and the therapist was very happy with his progress. I was very proud of him, as he handled the water and the treadmill like a champ. On Sunday I went to visit him, and to my amazement he was wagging his tail and was able to hold his bladder. He is now able to go poop and potty outside with a little hold up help from the techs, and he is now walking by himself for short periods of time. He will be going to see the Opthamologist on March 24th and hopefully going in to foster care this week with Shawn.

Update, 26 MAR 08: (From Shawn) I am just now having a chance to update everyone on Tex's condition.  His recovery has been nothing short of a miracle.  I know a big thanks goes to all of the doctors and techs at the hospital and clinics that he has been to along this journey.  Also, Thank You, to all the people that have donated and given prayers and wishes.  ESRA has been so supportive of all that has been done to help this sweet little boy recover.

Tex is currently staying with me during the week and Kerri during the weekend.  He goes between the two households seamlessly.  He enjoys both places and the dogs he gets to be with.  To watch him walk around is amazing.  He is actually getting up to a little trot at times.  This is such a difference from two weeks ago when all he could move was his head.  He knows to use the bathroom outside and is learning how to adapt to being blind.   I wear jingle bells on my ankle so he knows where I am at all times.  He knows “stairs up” means to start climbing stairs.  A water fountain has been donated so Tex can hear the water for when he is thirsty.  It really has been a rewarding experience to be a part of.  He is still the sweet, sweet, SWEET puppy that I mentioned before he became ill.  He will make someone a wonderful, loving pet.  I know there is a perfect home for him out there.  He is on the small size, has a wonderful silky coat. 

This past week Tex went to the Ophthalmologist at Northwest Animal Eye Specialist.  The doctor confirmed that he is blind and does not believe he will regain his vision.  The whole staff fell in love with him and generously donated the cost of the examination.  He is also seeing a physical therapist a few more times, and Kerri takes him to an acupuncturist (the cost of that has been paid for directly by an ESRA member) on the weekends.

Update, 30 MAR 08: Since Tex has made such a miraculous physical recovery, we are now accepting applications for adoption, or foster-to-adopt, for Tex.  The ideal situation for him would be a home that has another dog.  This will allow Tex to follow and learn from that dog. He would also be greatly comforted by having a friend to hang with when the parents are gone.  He is so smart and learns the house layout quickly.  He will need some special attention as he is still on some medications and home physical therapy.

Update, 06 MAY 08: Tex is such a trooper!  He has recovered from all of his previous trauma, only to experience a mild setback.  He has developed demodex mange.  This is passed from the mother to its puppy and only develops when a dog has a weak immune system.  With all that Tex has gone through, this is no surprise.  Kerri got his medicine right away, and he will be going through treatment for six to eight weeks.  This form of mange is not contagious.  Other than a few itching attacks, he is the same sweet puppy as ever.  Over the past few weeks he has actually become increasingly playful.  He loves a good game of tug with another dog.

Photo by Julie Austin, lily-rosephotography.com

So, this is where Tex is at today:

Tex enjoys life immensely.  Every day is a good day for Tex.  The strength in his back legs has returned enough that he can run and play with the other dogs.  He can romp and jump and swim! He absolutely loves other dogs and enjoys playing.

Photo by Julie Austin, lily-rosephotography.com

Tex loves all people and will go up to anyone to say hi.  Recently he attended a Springer volunteer picnic and he visited with every person there!  It's hard to find a cuter, sweeter fellow than our Tex. 

Although his vision has not returned, and he has only partial vision, he finds his way around the house great.  He'll need a house without a lot of stairs (or the use of a baby gate), and he'll need a securely fenced yard.   He does well relying on another dog to show him the ropes.  His bladder control has returned and he can hold it for about four hours at a time. He does need someone who works part-time or who can come home and let him go potty during their lunch break.  He'd love to be with someone home more often. 

Tex is doing much better medically, but will be unable to have vaccines.  So shipping him anywhere is not a possibility.  He will need to stay in the Northwest, within driving distance. 

Tex is our little miracle and we are thrilled that he is doing so well.

Update 27 AUG 08: Tex is getting adopted!  Tex met his new mom ten days ago while he was being boarded at Cardiff's Lodge in Monroe, a premium non-traditional facility with daycare accomodations.  Alisa absolutely fell in love with him. Tex loved her so much that he seemed overjoyed to see her when she visited him at Lyn's last night.  It was hard for Lyn to say goodbye, but she could see that Tex was all too ready to go home with Alisa.  We plan to finalize Tex's adoption on Sept. 10.

Tex will be able to go to work with Mom and enjoy doggie daycare every day.  Tex will have a ton of access to a fenced yard, with multiple doors, so that he won't have any trouble getting around the house and getting outside to go potty.  He'll never be alone.  He will also have tons of visits with his foster parents Lyn and David and their resident dogs Butch and Sadie... and also visits with Kerri and Wexley.  Wexley is with Tex in the attached photos.  Tex got to participate in the Parade of Rescues two weeks ago.  Tex walked with his buddy Wexley, and then they played for hours. When you hear Tex's happy little play sounds, you can't help but smile.  He has so much fun.

An interesting twist to the story is that foster parents Lyn and David got involved when they met Lady, a Senior Springer, who was at Cardiff's Lodge while her foster mom was traveling for work.  Lyn saw Lady playing with her dog, and she decided to adopt her.  Lady passed away some time later, as did Lyn and David's other dog, Pesti.  They decided to adopt from ESRA again, and adopted Butch... and then Sadie.  Then, in Lady's memory, they decided they wanted to foster.  And now, they've been the bridge for Tex to go from ESRA care to a new home, and all at the same facility!  I love how people give back, and what a small world it really is.

All the effort, donations, prayers, well-wishes, etc. are realized in this happy outcome. Thank you all for caring so much about Tex.

Contact: Kathy Armstrong lawkathy@hotmail.com

Click Here To Sponsor Tex

TEX'S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE:
Linda Steinbach	From the Steinbachs and our little rescued guy, Gus.
Tammy S. Blevins-Gierson	In memory of Molly E. Keane and Bo. It's in memory of a girl who loved her dog so much she risked her life, and lost it, in effort to save him.
Barbara White	In memory of Molly Keane and her Bo. See the story of Molly and Bo.
Della Green	A gift for Carlee Mashak.
Megan Fine
Nicole and Phyllis Highsmith	In memory of Ashley, the best girl ever!
Vanet Uvino
Bill Butt	Thanks to Dianne Shanley, Kathy Armstrong, and Kim Harris for finding Rosie for me and my Mr. Dexter.
Dianne and Mike Shanley	In memory of Sadie, a wonderful ten-year-old Golden Lab therapy dog that's gone to The Bridge. She will be missed by her family and friends.
Kerri Kuykendall	In memory of my first ESRA foster, Lady. We love you Tex, and get well soon!
Jim and Judy Crosswhite
Steve Habib	In memory of my best friends, Jake and Codi.
Sharon Jackson	In memory of Shasta, my Springer who passed away last year. I hope the little guy pulls through.
Kathleen and Ron Vidal	In memory of Icey and Mr. Clinky, and special love to Tex!
Tim and Lori Owens	In memory of Samantha. Many thanks to Kathy Armstrong and Kerri Kuykendall for their never-ending effort to help Springers in need.
Jennifer Shelley	In memory of Doodle Bug, my two year old Springer who passed away last year.  Get well soon Tex!
Tom Speer
Phil and Sharleen Smith	To all the ESRA Springers that  have been rescued, and for the ones to come.
Terry Wallace	Hang in there Tex!!
Shawn Springfield	Looking forward to seeing you run again!
Kathy Reynolds	In memory of Flintlock of the Fields and Commander Cody.
Pat and Kim Harris	In honor of the ESRA volunteers in WA, ID, and MT.
Bill Vaughan	From a friend of Buck.
Renee Villanueva	In memory of Sammy, we miss you dearly! Hang in there Tex, you're a beautiful boy. Hugs & Kisses!
Cary Branthwaite	In memory of Jack and Gus.
Special Needs Montana	Hang in there Tex, you have a long way to go.  I made it, so will you!.  Nose Kisses from Montana!
Lee and Loretta Davis	In memory of Sparky and Freckles.
Billy Rowe	In memory of my best friend, Delta Rowe, the beautiful Springer who changed my life.
Richard and Anne Teaford	To honor Cleopatra Royal Princess on her 13th birthday on March 14. Cleo is the best dog we have had in our 47 years of married life.  She is a real sweetie and we love her.
Tanya Mitchell
Jed & Joanna Clauss	In memory of Sammy.
Bob Knell	In memory of Samantha, Joshua, Rose, Brady, and Abigail.
Sydney Triest	For her 10th birthday, Sydney asked, instead of gifts this year, that her friends donate to ERSA. She sends this in the hope that it will assist ESRA to provide these wonderful animals with loving and caring homes. Get well soon, Tex!
Jill Howard	In memory of Finian, Poco, Wylie, Blitzen, and Uncle Davis, who really did love his dogs.
Parker Harms and Jeff Wright	In memory of Shanti, from Doc, our ESRA boy. Tex, I hope you're up and playing soon just like me!  And if you ever visit New Mexico, please come see us!
Ken and Wendy Duffy	In memory of Molly Keane.
Charlotte and Frank Dono	In memory of Robbie and Annie.
Daniel Meyers and            Dr. Judy Groner and Family	In memory of Paula Jillson.
Jackie Bell-Smith	In memory of John Bell.
Marsha Bumgardner	I got my dog Buddy last year through a rescue group. He is the sweetest dog, and I love him so much. Thanks for helping these wonderful dogs.
Janet Koehnke	In memory of my sweet Gumbeaux!
Cathryne Slaughter
Nastor Nastiuk	In memory of Zeke, my late Springer.
Leslie Caspersen	In memory of Buddy and Rocky.
Carolyn Molloy	In memory of Thurber, best friend of Cheryl and Brent and Grace.
The Maurers	In memory of Barkley and Pudge.
Su Ferguson & Don Burkheimer	In memory of Madison, Zoe, Taja, Tusco, Rocky, and Roger.
Angie Fiskum	In memory of my much loved English Springer Spaniel, Bo, who I lost this April, much too soon!  Rest In Peace, my best buddy!
Joan, Dan, Christy, and            Colleen Caine	Remembering our favorite Irish Water Spaniel, Ronan Senechal. With love to all the family.
Nastor Nastiuk	In memory of Zeke.