Raleigh's Happy Tail....

July 2008 Update – Caesar Has Settled In!

Caesar came to us after searching for several months for just the right "rescue." Our family lost our little mini-schnauzer, Dolly Llama, suddenly in October to a brain tumor and found ourselves searching all of the local internet sights for something to fill the void that her loss left us with. Then came the call from Barbara Keepes about a very special rescue. A little boy that needed someone that really needed him. Yes, it was love at first bite, and since I could not spell his name the same way twice, Caesar became Raleigh - Rawls for short!

Our day begins in the morning when he walks up from the end of the bed and stands on my chest to see if my eyes are open. If he really wants me to get up and my eyes are still closed, he runs one of those dry little paws down my face and that gets me up real fast. As soon as my feet hit the floor he is chewing on them and we fight all the way to the door to go outside. He just doesn't understand why big brothers Milo and Monty don’t run for the door like he does. Raleigh is down the stairs and all the way across the backyard and into the orchard scaring anything and everything in his path. A really good day would be if he sees deer in the field next to his orchard. That high-pitched bark/scream reminds me that the neighbors might not love him as much as we do if left to bark at his leisure.

Rawls has always been a picky eater but he is amazingly at a good weight. He and brother, Monty, a 5 year-old, basenji/shepherd mix either; chase, chew on each other, or sleep. He loves his cats and is an expert gooser. He has been known to goose the same cat more than ten yards before the cat decides to leave the scene. Sophie, the smallest cat and most vocal, complains the entire distance. I am convinced she likes the attention. The first night Raleigh was with us all five cats were in attendance trying to figure out what this crazy whirling dervish was that looked like Dolly but definitely was moving way faster then she ever did. He definitely does not discriminate – he gooses then all!

The only thing that Raleigh dislikes is riding in the car. He gets very sick even if traveling on an empty stomach. Instead of getting better it has actually gotten to the point that I have had to rethink his current doggie training class - a 30 to 45-minute ride across Portland through rush-hour traffic. He is really a very good boy. He sits very nice but shoots straight up in the air when I tell him to "stay". I don't know where I went wrong on that one...

Raleigh does not know or act like he is sick. He has not shown any of the symptoms of heart failure even though he has undergone valvuloplasty twice. We visit Dr. Bulmer at Oregon State University Vet School again on August 4th for an echocardiogram recheck. He is currently taking atenolol and will continue to take it for the rest of his life. It kept the left side of his heart from suffering any damage making the second valvuloplasty possible. There are no options at this point for the ventricular septal defect which is bi-directional. Dr. Bulmer promised that he would keep searching for a possible solution.

Just like Dolly Llama, Raleigh's mission in life is to be my shadow. If I could duck tape him to my body he would certainly be in seventh heaven. He is an endearing little soul that has added much laughter and love to all of our lives. We are so lucky to have found him.

Raleigh (formerly Caesar) [Click image for larger view]

And now for the best news . . . April 15, 2008 Caesar has been welcomed into an adoptive family and has been renamed Raleigh. Affectionately referred to as Rawls, he is participating in obedience training and is already well loved and an integral part of his new family.

Raleigh's family is committed to continuing his medical care and addressing any future needs.

The efforts made by MSR to secure a happy and healthy future for Raleigh was successful only because so many people contributed to his medical fund and worked so tirelessly to secure his future. Miniature Schnauzer Rescue and Raleigh's new family will always be grateful to all who helped. Thank you!

April 15, 2008 Update – Caesar's Progress

Since his surgery 6 weeks ago, our little Caesar is continuing his progress toward becoming a healthy little dog. Caesar's energy level is good and there have been no coughing or respiratory problems. Although he has become a bit of a finicky eater, he has continued to grow and gain weight.

On April 2, Caesar underwent an extensive recheck which included an echocardiogram to evaluate the results of the valvuloplasty performed on February 27. Unfortunately, there is still severe pulmonic stenosis. Additionally, there is a "dynamic right ventricular obstruction" which is the heart muscle squeezing before the blood gets to the pulmonic valve. That is why it is termed an obstruction. Caesar's heart developed this way to compensate for the pulmonic stenosis and is still operating the way it was before the procedure to open the pulmonic artery. To help Caesar's heart relearn how to function properly, he has been put on a medication to relax the heart muscle; allowing it to pump at the correct time and not quite so hard. If Caesar's heart does not relearn to pump correctly, a second balloon procedure may be needed.

While this recheck on Caesar is somewhat disappointing, we are trying to be realistic and understand that this is a fine balancing act. We refuse to consider anything but a bright and healthy future for Caesar.

February 28, 2008 Update – Successful Surgery for Caesar

The power of love and the generosity of so many people saw Caesar through successful correction of the Pulmonic Stenosis yesterday, February 27th at the Oregon State College of Veterinary Medicine. There were no surprises and as planned, the doctors used a 12mm balloon to open Caesar's pulmonary artery. He was on a heart monitor for about 24 hours after surgery and with the exception of a couple of small arrhythmic episodes which were to be expected, he did very well. Tonight Caesar is resting comfortably; safe and snug in the love of so many people.

We were able to get several photos of Caesar with the medical staff, during the procedure itself and in recovery. Unfortunately, an old fashioned film camera had to be used so we will post the pictures, a further update on his condition and more information about the procedure itself, as soon as possible.

It has been about 12 weeks of work, worry and hope for Caesar. He has touched many lives and we are so relieved tonight that his prognosis and future are bright. Thank you to all who contributed to a successful outcome for Caesar. Whether it be financially, emotionally or through your volunteer efforts, YOU helped to change the world for one little dog.

Click on small images (below) to view larger version with caption on right.
	Caesar at drop off

February 12, 2008 Update on Caesar

February 7, 2008 Update on Caesar

Thank you to all who have donated to Caesar's surgery fund and inquired about his condition. This little boy continues to flourish and weights about 12 pounds now. As you can see, he is enjoying life with his foster brother Monte and by this picture, has yet to be neutered!! Caesar has been blessed with a guardian angel that has come forward and committed to making up the difference between what MSR is able to raise and the cost of his surgery and aftercare. With this commitment, we are able to announce that his surgery has been schedule for February 13th at the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Life for Caesar right now is like that of any other 6-month old. He is learning leash manners & basic commands, socializing with other dogs, adjusting to car rides (although he still gets car sick), playing with his toys and his foster siblings including the cat and when all that is done, enjoys a good nap in the winter sun. Please keep Caesar in your thoughts on February 13th. We’ll post an update as soon after his surgery as we can.

Caesar with foster brother, Monty Caesar and Monty snoozing

January 23, 2008 Update on Caesar

Caesar went to the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine yesterday where he underwent further examination and testing. We learned from Dr Barret Bulmer that Caesar is a good candidate for surgical correction of the Pulmonic Stenosis (narrowing of the pulmonary artery). The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter and the placement of a balloon at the narrowed opening of the pulmonary artery. The surgery, which normally lasts about 2 hours, places a balloon inflated to a predetermined size allowing proper blood flow through the pulmonary artery. During the procedure, the doctors can monitor Caesar and adjust the inflation level of the balloon to give him the greatest benefit. Correction of Caesar's Ventricular Septal Defect (hole in the heart) involves complete open-heart surgery including putting Caesar on a heart by-pass machine. The size of the hole is such that surgery poses a greater risk than leaving the hole as is and just correcting the pulmonic stenosis. Not to mention the cost and availability of canine open heart surgery. Dr Bulmer believes that while any surgery has risks, Caesar’s prognosis with the balloon procedure is quite good and that he will live a normal, happy and active life. Although we have not reached our fund-raising goals, surgery needs to be done sooner rather than later and will probably be scheduled for mid to late February. Caesar is acting like a puppy who doesn’t know he’s seriously ill. He is active, playful, curious and energetic; loving life and learning all about being a dog. We are working with him on socialization and basic commands. So far he is showing himself as eager to please and a smart little Schnauzer boy.

Thank you to all who have contributed to his surgery fund.

Caesar's Story

Caesar was adopted from a local "breeder" by an very nice senior gentleman. When Caesar's owner took him to the veterinarian for a well-puppy check, the doctor discovered a significant (grade 5) heart murmur. In a puppy so young, that can only mean the presence of a congenital heart defect. The gentleman called the breeder who offered to take the puppy back or if the owner could find another home for Caesar, he was welcome to keep him. Knowing he could never afford the medical expenses Caesar would need, the owner turned him into a local shelter who in turn asked if we could help. We took Caesar into our care and immediately made an appointment with Dr Gary Wood at Cardiology Northwest.

After a day of tests, Dr Wood diagnosed Caesar with Pulmonic Stenosis, a narrowing of the pulmonary artery AND Ventricular Septal Defect, a hole in the heart. The combination of these two defects is extremely rare and can only be corrected by surgery at one of two veterinary teaching hospitals in Oregon and Washington. After consulting with the Oregon State College of Veterinary Medicine, we know that correcting the Pulmonic Stenois will cost approximately $3000 and correction of the Ventricular Septal Defect has not yet been estimated. While Dr Wood was very generous to Miniature Schnauzer Rescue, Ceasar's medical care is likely to approach or exceed $5000.

Caesar will suffer congestive heart failure within the next 18 months if these issues are not addressed soon. In the meantime, he is doing well and enjoying life as a puppy. We hope he can continue to live a normal and active life but only with your help will Caesar live to be the wonderful companion and beautiful Schnauzer he's destined to be.

And this is how it all started for me....

Hello my name is Caesar and I was born with a defective heart.

Although I am only 6 months old I had to have major heart surgery if I am going to live to lead the active life I am dreaming of.

You can read about my progress above, and, big news: I have an adoptive family!