Financial Assistance Care and Education

Patients who benefitted from FACE funding:

FACE Patients

"Brownie", a Chihuahua mix, was bitten by a snake late in August of 2007. On the car ride to Veterinary Specialty Hospital, Brownie began drooling and was less responsive to his family members. After he arrived at VSH, he needed immediate emergency treatment as he went into shock, a life-threatening complication of snake envenomation. Brownie required intensive medical therapy to help control the seizures, irregular muscle tremors, and shock he developed due to the snake bite. He received anti-venom to help counteract the toxins in his body. Brownie was hospitalized in the ICU so he could receive 24 hour intensive care. Brownie slowly improved thanks to the advanced medical care he received while at VSH. He fully recovered and went home to enjoy his family.

"…We would like to send an extended "Thank you" to everyone at Veterinary Specialty Hospital for their miraculous services rendered in Brownie's recovery. He now runs, plays, barks, and snores like before his snake bite accident in August. We also appreciate the help from FACE to ensure his recovery process…"

Warm Regards,
Jacobs Family
Mira Mesa, CA.

“Rocky” was admitted on February 26, 2008 for evaluation and treatment of persistent pleuropneumonia and recurrent pleural effusion. Right cranial and middle lung lobectomies were performed. Rocky was discharged one day post surgical intervention with a good prognosis.

“Sadie” is a 1 year old female Rottweiler who was referred to Veterinary Specialty Hospital for a fractured right pelvic limb. Sadie’s fracture was surgically repaired without any complications and she went home the following day to her family.

“Zoe” is a 1 year 10 month of female German Shepherd Mix that came to Veterinary Specialty Hospital for evaluation and treatment of a large wound created by a suspected spider bite. Zoe was taken to surgery to close the wound. Zoe recovery was uneventful and she was discharged home to her family 2 days following her surgery with an excellent prognosis.

“Tank-E” is an 11 month old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mix that was brought to Veterinary Specialty Hospital after he sustained injuries when he was hit by a car. His injuries included right hip dislocation. The hip was surgically repaired and Tank-E did very well during surgery and recovery was uneventful. Tank-E was discharged home to his family the following day with an excellent prognosis.

“Simba” is a 3 year old male Domestic Long Hair feline that was referred to Veterinary Specialty Hospital for a urethral obstruction. Due to Simba’s condition he underwent surgery to correct his obstruction. Simba did very well in surgery and was discharge home with an excellent prognosis 4 days after surgery.

“Churro” is a 10 month old female Chihuahua that came to Veterinary Specialty Hospital for evaluation and treatment of a penetrating chest wound and superficial wound following a dog attack. Churro was taken to emergency surgery to repair chest wound. Churro did very well during surgery and post surgically did very well. Churro was discharged home to her family 2 days following surgery with an excellent prognosis.

“Joy” is a 5 year old female Lhasa Apso who came to Veterinary Specialty Hospital’s emergency service for acute onset of paraplegia. After evaluation it was determined that Joy had a spinal problem that required surgery to alleviate problems with her spinal cord. Joy underwent spinal surgery and did very well. She recovered motion in her limbs and was discharged home 5 days after surgery with an excellent prognosis.

“Jack” is a 10 year old male Rottweiler that was brought to Veterinary Specialty Hospital for evaluation and treatment of a gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV). This was a life threatening emergency that required surgical correction. Jack underwent surgery and did very well with repairing his stomach. Jack was hospitalized post-surgery for 5 days and discharged home to his family with an excellent prognosis.

“Honey” a 3 year old female Labrador Retriever was referred to Veterinary Specialty Hospital for evaluation and treatment of a bilateral carpal (wrist) injuries. After diagnostic radiographs to determne extent of her injuries the patient went to surgery for to repair both wrist injuries. Honey had no complications during surgery and recovery very well. She was discharged home to her family 2 days following surgery with an excellent prognosis.

“Diego” a 1 year old Rottweiler was brought to Veterinary Specialty Hospital for evaluation of a chronic right leg fracture. Diego underwent surgery to repair his fracture and was discharged home 24 hours after his surgery.

"Oreo" was brought to VSH late in February after his owners heard screeching tires and a scream from their beloved cat. Oreo was first taken to see his family veterinarian, but the extent of his injuries to his left front limb from being hit by a car were too extensive to manage without surgical intervention. The skin had been pulled off his left forelimb, called a degloving injury, and his radius and ulna, the bones in the forearm, were fractured. Oreo was taken to surgery where his wounds were thoroughly cleaned, the skin closed, and one of his toes was amputated. The area was bandaged, but there were still concerns that the damage was so severe that Oreo may need his entire limb amputated. The traumatized tissue began to show signs of infection and continued to progress despite aggressive antibiotic therapy. Consequently, the left front limb was amputated. Oreo recovered from his second surgery and has learned how to run, jump, and play with only three limbs. He returned home to his family with a good prognosis.

“Hannibal" Hannibal, an 11 week old American Staffordshire Terrier presented to the hospital for evaluation of suspected persistent right aortic arch (PRAA). Radiographs revealed a mixed opacity mass in the cranial thorax suggesting a gas and ingesta filled dilated esophagus. Esophageal endoscopy revealed a large diverticulum of the esophagus and an esophageal stricture consistent with PRAA. Surgery was performed and the ligamentum arteriosum was transected. Hannibal was discharged 2 days post surgery with an excellent prognosis.

“Tiggz” presented to the Neurology Emergency Service due to an acute onset of paraplegia. The neurological examination localized the problem to the T3-L3 spinal cord. A CT demonstrated a compressive lesion at T12-T13 and a right T12-T13 hemilaminectomy was performed to remove large amounts of herniated disk material and hemorrhage. Tiggz was monitored in the hospital for 3 days and discharged with a good prognosis.

Taz the dog "Taz Tazmanian", an English bulldog, was brought to VSH at the end of March because his owner noticed there was blood coming out of his prepuce, the sheath of skin around his penis. Alarmed by this finding, Taz was brought in for medical attention. On physical exam, it was discovered that Taz had urethral prolapse, which required surgery to correct. Taz also had an elongated soft palate, which is commonly seen in dogs with short faces. Taz had surgery to correct the defect in his urethra, was neutered, and had his soft palate shortened in order to help him breath better. Taz recovered in the ICU overnight and was able to go home the next day with a very good prognosis.

“Lady” presented to the hospital with a left hind limb lameness. Lady was suffering from a medial patellar luxation. Lady underwent surgical intervention of her knee cap to prevent further luxation. Lady recovered very well from surgery and was discharged the following day with an excellent prognosis.

"Allie" came to Veterinary Specialty Hospital after a game of catch turned painful, causing Allie to limp. On physical exam, Allie was diagnosed with a cranial cruciate ligament injury (synonymous with an ACL in the human knee). A Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy was performed to stabilize the knee. This procedure involves creating an osteotomy (cut in the bone) to decrease the angle of the weight-bearing portion of the tibia. The osteotomy was stabilized with a bone plate and screws. Allie was discharged to continue her recovery at home with her family.

"First, I would like to thank you for your extreme generosity in caring for Allie in February 2008. Everyday I look at her I see how she's thriving, and I am filled with thankfulness that she's still with me. I cannot tell you how much joy and happiness I receive from her; it is truly inexpressable. My brother, who recently came to live with me, quickly bonded with her and now I am in competition for her affection! :)

Because of your generosity, Allie is alive, doing well and our lives are better for it. She is the best dog ever, and I cannot thank you enough for giving her and us a second chance.

Thank you again for your kindness and generosity..."

Christi and Allie Van Wyhe

"Prince" is a 9 month old pug who was attacked by another dog. He had head trauma, and many broken bones in his face, including a right fractured lower jaw. Although Prince was extensively injured, he had a very good prognosis. Prince had a CT scan to identify all of his injuries, which included a fracture of his jaw joint (TMJ), a fracture of his cheek bone (zygomatic arch), and a fracture of his right lower jaw bone (mandible). Prince had surgery to fix his broken jaw, and a feeding tube placed to help him “eat” while his mouth healed. He recovered very well and was able to return home to his family.

"Riff Raff" was brought to Veterinary Specialty Hospital to see an internal medicine specialist for elevated liver enzymes, vomiting, and not wanting to eat. Bloodwork was performed and Riff Raff was hospitalized. IV fluids and medications were administered to help Riff Raff feel better. An abdominal ultrasound revealed that his liver was enlarged and mottled in color. He was diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver, which happens when cats don’t eat and the body overwhelms the liver with fat as a source of energy. Instead of converting the fat to energy, the liver stores the fat, and the cat becomes sick. An esophageal feeding tube was placed and this very sweet cat had a good prognosis and was sent home with his family once he was able to tolerate being fed through his feeding tube with no vomiting.

"Maggie" is a 4 year old Bulldog presented for evaluation and treatment of a left pelvic limb lameness. She was diagnosed with a left cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Surgery was performed and arthrotomy revealed a complete tear of the cruciate. She recovered well from anesthesia and surgery and was discharged with a good prognosis.

"Baby Girl" presented for evaluation and surgical management of a left tibial fracture after being stepped on by another canine. Preoperative radiographs were reviewed at initial consultation and identified a simple, long oblique, mid diaphyseal tibial fracture. Patient underwent surgery and was discharged 24 hours after surgery.

"Jade" Pressley is a 5 month old female pitbull that presented to VSH for evaluation and surgical management of a left tibial fracture after being struck by a car. A type 1A medial external afixator was placed on the medial aspect of the left tibia with three pins in the proximal fracture segment and three pins in the distal fracture fragment. Patient recovered very well and was discharged 24 hours after surgery.

"Max" had traumatically luxated his right coxofemoral joint approximately four weeks prior to hospitalization for a right femoral ostectomy. Max underwent surgery and recovered very well. Max was discharged home one day after surgery.

"Rally" presented for repair of an abdominal wall hernia and exploratory laparotomy. He had suffered an unknown trauma and was clinically depressed, anorexic and lethargic. Exploration of the abdomen revealed a small amount of serosanguinous, cloudy effusion and a distal colonic tear with omental adhesions and fecal contaminations of the abdomen. The colon was repaired, the abdomen liberally lavaged and a closed suction drain was placed. He recovered well on fluids and was discharged home.

“Shanti" is a 6 month old female Chihuahua that presented on May 6th to our ER for a right proximal ulnar fracture with severe soft tissue damage, loss and infection. A right forequarter amputation of the right front limb was performed. "Shanti" did very well and was discharged home.

“Taylor” is a 1 ½ year old boxer that ingested rat poison resulting in anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity with pulmonary hemorrhage. Taylor was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for immediate treatment and was successfully discharged in four days to a very happy family. Taylor is now his normal self bringing continued joy to his family.

“Snow” is a 7 year old Bichon Frise that was hit by a car resulting in multiple trauma including luxated left elbow, multiple rib fractures, multiple abrasions and pulmonary contusions. Snow was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for treatment of her injuries. After 7 days of aggressive treatment and hospitalization Snow was discharged home and is doing very well.

“Puti” is a 6 year old Shepard Mix that presented in the Emergency Room due to acute inability back leg paralysis. After evaluation by the Neurologist Puti condition was determine to be a compression of the spinal cord. Puti underwent surgical intervention, did extremely well and was discharged home within 3 days and is continuing to do extremely well.

"Chi Chi", a Chihuahua puppy, fell off the couch and began limping on his left hind limb. Chi Chi came to Veterinary Specialty Hospital, where radiographs were taken. The radiographs showed a fractured left femoral head and neck, a part of the thigh bone which forms part of the hip joint. Surgery was performed to remove the damaged part of the femur. Chi Chi recovered well and was able to return home happy and able to walk again.

“Sammy” is a 2 year old femal Bullmasitiff that was hit by a car resulting in multiple mandibular fractures. Sammy underwent surgical intervention to repair the fractures and was discharged home after 7 days of hospitalization. Sammy is doing extremely well and his parents are very happy to have him back to normal.

“Casey” is a 2 year old Pit Bull Terrier that was referred to Veterinary Specialty Hospital for evaluation of persistent right coxofemoral luxation. Due to underlying condition a total hip replacement was performed to preserve hip function. An excellent prognosis was anticipated. Casey was discharged home after surgery, is doing extremely well and using the operated hip as expected.

“Tutoo” is a 5 month old feline that presented to the Emergency Room after being attacked by a dog. Her condition included a proptosed right eye, with severe conjunctival and third eyelid swelling. Tutoo underwent a temporary tarsorrhaphy to save her eye. Tutoo was hospitalized over night following the procedure and discharged home. Tutoo is doing very well post surgically.

“Coconut” is an 8 month old female sheltie sheepdog that injured her leg by jumping out of the arms of her owner. She presented to the Emergency Department and was evaluated by a surgeon. After evaluation it was determined that Coconut had sustained a right thoracic limb fracture. Coconut underwent surgery where the fracture was reduced and fixed with a 7 hold bone plate and screws. Coconut recovery was uneventful and she was discharged the following day. Coconut’s limb is functioning extremely well with no lameness or pain and she is doing extremely well at home.

“Aaron” is a 6 year old Greyhound that presented with left pelvic limb lameness. After evaluation by a surgeon Aaron’s condition was diagnosed as a type 3 central tarsal bone fracture of the left limb. Surgical intervention was performed to correct Aaron’s condition. Aaron was discharged home after surgery and is doing very well.

“Delihia” is a 1 year old Domestic Short Hair that presented with a fractured maxilla and fractured right distal femur as a result of falling from a second story home. Delihia underwent surgery to correct her fractures and her recovery from surgery was uneventful. Delihia is doing extremely well at home.

“Endo” Presented to the hospital on March 7th, 2008 for evaluation of right pelvic limb plantar laceration. A horizontal laceration was present over the plantar surface of the right pelvic limb, just distal to the tarsal pad. Endo was anesthetized and the wound cleaned. There was a 1 to 1.5 cm deep laceration to the epidermis with no evidence of tendon rupture. The laceration was closed, soft bandaged and splinted to prevent tension-induced closure failure. Endo was observed overnight and discharged with a good prognosis.

“Kyli” presented to the hospital with extreme neck pain. A CT of her spine showed hyperattenuating material in the spinal canal at C2-C3, primarily ventral and right sided. A ventral slot was performed at C2-C3 with fenestration C2-C3 through C5-C6. Kyli was monitored post operatively in the hospital and discharged the following day with a good prognosis.

“Mavis” admitted to hospital on January 8, 2008 for evaluation of acute onset of hypersalivation and dyspnea. Mavis subsequently underwent an emergency endoscopy. Mavis recovered well, was monitored overnight in the hospital and discharged with medications. Mavis’s prognosis was good.

“Mr. Whiskers” presented with a history of 5 days of vomiting, lethargy and inappetance. Abdominal radiographs revealed a gastrointestinal obstruction with foreign material. A distal jejunal and ileal obstruction was found on abdominal exploration and the obstructive material was removed via a single enterotomy. He recovered well from surgery and was discharged to owner with a good prognosis.

“Oso” presented to the Emergency Department for evaluation of multiple pelvic fractures sustained after being hit by a car. There was mild sacroiliac subluxation on the right side, a long oblique fracture of the left ilial body and bilateral pubic and ischial fractures. Surgery was performed to resolve the body fracture without any complications. Patient was monitored for 2 days and discharged with a very good prognosis.

“Santana” presented to the hospital for surgical removal of a mast cell tumor. The tumor was surgically removed including an additional lipoma from the left flank. Santana was monitored overnight and discharged the following day with a good prognosis.

For more information about FACE, please contact Frank La Bonte at (858) 875-7500 extension 272.