Spotlight Terrier: Romeo

Romeo has been on a raw diet for a few months now; he is continuing to receive enzymes and the vet decided to put him back on antibiotics for a month. He is going to need some B-12 injections once he completes the antibiotics.

Shannon and Nicole, his fosters, report that he has much more energy and is developing a very funny personality! They forwarded this picture to show the change in him. He has gained 3 lbs. and is now up to 10 lbs. Not enough but moving in the right direction.... He is still not having normal bowel movements but they have changed in consistency and now have the consistency of "pudding". Perhaps miracles do happen:)

We are cautiously optimistic!

A stool culture finally revealed the reason for Romeo's health problems. He is suffering from Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (Maldigestion Disorder) which is a disease that affect the ability of the pancreas to produce the various enzymes that allow humans, dogs, and cats to digest their food. Without treatment the dog literally starves to death even though it may be constantly eating. It is estimated that 90% of the pancreas must be destroyed before we see symptoms of insufficiency. Fortunately, treatment can easily be accomplished. Unfortunately, it is an expensive and lifelong proposition. Treatment involves replacing the dog's pancreatic enzymes with enzymes from other sources.

Currently he is still suffering from diarrhea although he appears to have more energy, his coat is improving, and he may be retaining more water weight which is heartening. He has been enzymes for a short period of time and his diet may still need to be altered before he returns to normal health. But we are hopeful that Romeo will continue to improve and be able to live a relatively normal life with his adoptive family.

His family is flying in from San Francisco April 3rd to pick him up and take him to his new home.

Thanks to all the folks who donated towards saving his life and THANK YOU to all the human angels that are helping him through this.

Romeo's foster reports that he seems to really have turned the corner; he is having normal bowel movements, eating as many as 5 times a day and beginning to gain some weight. She says "There is really something magical about him an his spirit is so genteel." As much as she loves him she is really excited about the application we have received for him. They have requested a meet and greet with him when them come into town the beginning of April and have offered to assist with some of his on-going medical costs until then!

We all recognize that Romeo has a long way to go in his recovery and know that there may be some setbacks in the future but we are so relieved that we are seeing improvement. His foster asks that you continue to "press paws" for our little Romeo who continues to amaze us with his love of people and his daily walks!