Sparky came into IGCA Rescue a very sick dog. He had lived outside for most of his 4 years and was very high heartworm- positive. He also had a severe infection with complications, but with the talents of a few veterinarians, as well as the TLC he received from his first foster home, he pulled through that initial scare. After the transfer to his second foster home, Sparky seemed lethargic and when he pottied, blood was seen in his urine. His foster parents rushed him immediately to the vet which ultimately saved his life. From there he was transferred to yet another vet, where it was advised to get him to Texas A&M for a cardio evaluation ASAP. Sparky had an unusually high worm burden in his heart causing serious problems, which the vet suspected was caval syndrome. (Here are two links for more information about caval syndrome — World Small Animal Veterinary Association — UC-Davis: Case Studies)

Sparky was rushed him to Texas A&M for the evaluation, where the news was grim. He did have caval syndrome as feared — he had a huge ball of worms in the right ventricle and some in the pulmonary artery. His red blood cell count was dropping so quickly that he would die in a matter of hours if surgery was not done quickly. The surgery was approved by the angels in the IGCA Rescue national office. Before Sparky went into surgery, he wagged his tail and gave his foster mom a few kisses. If only we humans could have such trust in each other as these little dogs have in us.

Sparky came through the first surgery well, but the follow-up examination by the cardiologist found that more of the worms had fallen into the chamber and he needed a second operation as soon as possible. The Texas A&M cardiologist opted to do this second surgery at no additional cost — he said that the whole staff had fallen for Sparky and were inspired by his courage and trusting nature. Sparky came through the two surgeries very well, his red blood cell count started to improve, and by the next day, he was up wanting attention from the staff. He will have his heartworm treatment in one month, and after an additional month of rest and recuperation, he will be ready to start his new life.

IGCA Rescue's mission is to provide IG's the health care they need and find loving, forever homes for them. Adoption fees barely cover the normal vetting costs, and fall far short when there are expensive complications, as in Sparky's case. Fundraising and donations are the only way they can get these greyt dogs the health care they deserve. 

Please consider making a donation to help with Sparky's vet expenses. Use the PayPal link below to donate to the IGCA South Texas Special Projects Fund to help Sparky. (Note: while IGCA/IGRF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, donations to the IGCA South Texas Special Projects Fund are not tax deductible.)

Italian Greyhound FOUND
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Are You Missing a 4-Legged Member of Your Family?

(08/24/2010) Please contact the Houston-area IGCA Rescue rep for more information.

Italian Greyhound FOUND
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Are You Missing a 4-Legged Member of Your Family?

(08/23/2010) Please contact the Houston-area IGCA Rescue rep for more information.