Bucky came to AAR last June as an abandoned 14 week old beagle puppy suffering from a swollen abdomen. His problem was initially thought to be a liver shunt, but a trip to Blue Pearl Vets in
Arden Hills, where he had a CT scan, showed a hepatic arterial venous malformation which is a knot of arteries and veins in his liver. Because of this problem his liver is very small and as he grows his liver will not be able to keep up metabolizing wastes in his system, which causes fluid to build up in his abdomen. Since June he’s been eating special food, getting various medications, and getting fluid drained from his abdomen (abdominocentesis) every 3-5 weeks.
Blue Pearl said his case is terminal, but that we should let him live a happy puppyhood as long as he feels well. Dr. Oleg Broyton at the Lake County Veterinary Clinic contacted the U of MN vet school and a veterinary cardiologist has offered us a solution to Bucky’s problem. There’s a new drug called ‘ONYX’ that can be injected into these vessels and plug them up, causing his body to grow new vessels and new liver tissue. If this procedure is successful, he can lead a normal, long life.
This, of course, is an expensive surgery. We have an estimate range of $5,414 to $6,261. Any amount you can donate for Bucky is greatly appreciated. The vet school has a fund we can apply for to help with the cost, but more is needed.
Bucky is a happy go lucky guy who doesn’t know how ill he is. We do not want to euthanize him, but his time is running short. Please help us help Bucky! Any amount helps! Please contact Arrowhead Animal Rescue at: PO Box 1274, Grand Marais, MN 55604 for Bucky’s success.
