ZAZU
ZAZU is a senior Wire Fox Terrier who found himself surrendered to a Shelter in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were concerned about him as he was very fearful and trembling in his kennel. He is blind and went from a home to shelter kennel, it was absolutely terrifying for him. Diagnosed by Shelter Vet with Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also known as dry eye, and was neglected for a long time. He was posted as a Rescue Transfer only and was slated to be euthanized September 1st. Shelters require that you be a Partner with them and time was of the essence. An amazing Partner Rescue did not blink to assist WFTRM in tagging and accepting Zazu on Friday evening. In the morning Zazu’s medical history was sent for review and to confirm the acceptance. An incredible and well-versed volunteer picked up Zazu and kept him safe and loved until transport. Our volunteer Delta Dawn” flew to Las Vegas to meet his temporary foster and then return to Chicago Midway Airport with Zazu. He is such a sweet, quiet and calm older Wire you instantly fall in love with. He reminds me so much of my beautiful heart boy who was blind – only I spelled his name Zazoo. He was listed as 9 and being an owner surrender it should be accurate but does seem a bit older.
GALLERY OF DOGS
ZAZU the distinguished gentleman is thrilled to be loved again and enjoying life in a home. It is apparent that he did have a home that somehow things took a wrong turn, his care neglected and he was abandoned at a Shelter. He knows his name and his way around the house. Heartbreaking that he was abandoned at a Shelter at his age and in his condition and was so scared. He is just the most precious boy to pick up and kiss his neck and have around. He does sleep quite a bit, but when he is up and investigating, he makes the rounds in the huge back yard and deck. He has been blind for some time as he is so acclimated to sensing objects and paths. Worried about him not eating, I took him right away up to the animal hospital to get him some I.V. fluids and to get his blood work done. His blood panel returned with low red blood counts and he is anemic. Radiographs were done which showed a mass in his spleen and this vet felt there were other issues to recommend surgery.
I took Zazu to my trusted vet and surgeon of over 35 years, on October 4th. Based on the x-rays he did not feel that the spleen was enlarged much or there was anything in the liver. The heart was normal, he sounds normal and his eyes had the full mature cataracts but no ulcer or glaucoma. We have scheduled a full ultrasound for Zazu with radiologist report on Tuesday October 8th.
Results of the full scan were back. There is a tumor in his spleen - about 3 centimeters. Liver is enlarged but there are no nodules. Lymph nodes are good. Stomach is normal. He does have a couple bladder stones. The spleen should be removed and the stones. Dr. Navin was going out of town the following week and graciously fit him in that day for surgery. The surgery went well and Zazu did great for the splenectomy and cystotomy. His spleen had two tumors actually, the overall size of the spleen was small so his incision is small. The tumors were sent out to pathology. The liver and lymph nodes are fine. He also had some small stones removed from his bladder and one is being sent to Minnesota for type determination. He walked out of the animal hospital like a brave boy.
FANTASTIC NEWS! The biopsy returned for Zazu's spleen. He had what is called Lymphoid Nodular Hyperplasia. It is the most common non-cancerous lesions found in the spleen and account for 20–41% of all splenic lesions. They are benign nodules/masses of clotted blood. Surgical removal of the spleen is curative. We were both so shocked and excited - what fabulous news. The stone analysis returned from Minnesota Urolith and they are ammonium urate crystals.
October 31st Zazu went to the eye specialist at Eye Care for Animals in St. Charles, Illinois. He enjoyed the car ride and walked right inside acting all cool. He had some tests first - a corneal stain, Schirmer Tear Test, Tonometry Diagnostic. Then examined by Dr. Beyer who was so nice. The diagnosis of the Keratoconjunctivitis was correct along with mild dacryocystitis. He also has end stage or hypermature cataracts. No glaucoma or ulcer. Meds of NeoPolyDex drops twice a day and the Optimmune ointment (tear stimulant) twice a day. Recheck on December 12 and the tear tests were not responding as hoped so he was switched to Tacrolimus/Cyclosporin drops until next recheck. Recheck on January 30 and tests were great. He will continue on this regimen - next check not for 6 months.
December 13 it was recheck with Dr. Navin, bloodwork sent out and returned no more anemia. Ultrasound showed the bladder was clean and clear. All was great for Zazu and it was a wonderful Christmas!
Zazu is the sweetest, happiest boy who loves his dog beds, hanging out with the other dogs, going out in the big yard, his special turkey treats, meeting new people and friends. He loves going out and about and gets so excited when he hears you grab his leash. If you want to see the perfect head tilt, just say Wanna Go Bye Bye? He loves wearing his sweaters, getting cuddled and kissed and is such an increcible special boy.
On February 11 this sweet little boy had his long awaited dental surgery. I knew it was not going to be an easy surgery or outcome. His x-rays had shown his mouth was full of abscesses, infection and loss of bone structure. Zazu had 14 teeth extracted, 7 of which were incisors. The surgery took longer than expected but he did very well and came through like a champ. His vet bill was $2,402 but now he is pain free. This senior blind boy has been through so much abuse and neglect in his former home yet still so happy and loving with a tail that does not stop buzzing. He felt good that very night and wanted something to eat. He loves his Lil Bites cups from Stella & Chewy - have to watch the others from trying to steal it. Now for the healing and a long course of antibiotics. He received a new sweater and he looks so handsome as always. I think he feels extra special when he has a cool sweater on. Zazu is doing so well and his fears have diminished and now his pain has too.