08/21/2024
Wonderful work by Fuzzy Texan Animal Rescue !
Note my comments also pasted here below. Telling the difference between congenital, genetic, “environmentally caused disease can be difficult. I will be interested to see if these puppies actually tested positive the MCHR2 genetic variant. I will hope not and that their issues were due to their many parasites and can be cleared up with proper treatment.
Wow! Thank you to all of your dedication and hard work.
Regarding 1. and 2. Not all dogs with megaesophagus can be detected with genetic testing.
1. I wanted to clarify-did you submit genetic testing on any of the puppies or did they test positive for megaesophagus via diagnostic testing?
I would love to share the genetic testing results if they have been done. If they have not been-I would love to assist as this would be valuable information if positive
https://news.clemson.edu/researchers-discover-genetic-cause-of-sometimes-deadly-esophageal-disorder-in-dogs/ #:~:text=The%20MCHR2%20variant%2C%20along%20with,(s)%20their%20dog%20inherited.
2. If they are diagnosed with megaesophagus via clinical testing only-I would like to share a story on the importance of worming. I took a litter of Briard puppies to A&M for evaluation for megaesophagus/developmental ring anomaly. This was an early litter and I was trying to raise my puppies as “naturally” as possible so did not do routine “puppy worming” because I was not convinced they needed this.
Ultimately-my puppies symptoms were due to hook or round works and cleared up completely once properly wormed. I will hope that the surviving puppies turn out to have “megaesophagus” due to worms and there health issues will resolve once properly treated for parasites.
You sound like a wonderful group. Thank you again for all of your hard work and dedication to dogs in need.
**Update on the Labs**
As many of you know, we recently took in six Labrador puppies, approximately eight weeks old, surrendered by a breeder. Unfortunately, the information we received about their health was not entirely accurate, leading to a series of unexpected challenges. We spent several thousand dollars on testing—PCR tests, scopes, x-rays, barium swallow tests—trying to figure out what was going on. The results? Positive for mycoplasma, coccidia, and roundworms. Thankfully, they were negative for Parvo, but despite anti-nausea medications, the pups continued to struggle. The most significant finding was that all six puppies tested positive for megaesophagus, a condition that is extremely difficult to manage and places a heavy burden on our foster volunteers.
We don’t mind stepping in to help a breeder, especially when the alternative might be euthanasia or a trip to the shelter. In fact, we’ve built strong relationships with some breeders who genuinely want to learn from the education we provide. However, this situation felt like a gut punch—not just to our bank account, but to the volunteers who poured their hearts into caring for these pups.
**A Public Service Announcement to Breeders:**
1. **Genetic Testing**: If you’re running a breeding program, please ensure both the male and female are genetically tested. This can prevent the passing on of severe conditions like megaesophagus.
2. **Deworming**: Every animal in your care should be dewormed, starting puppies on a strict schedule at two weeks of age.
3. **Vaccinations**: Educate yourself on vaccines—what to give, when to start, and how to prevent diseases like Parvo or kennel cough. No puppy without three rounds of vaccines should ever touch the ground.
4. **Kennel Hygiene**: Properly treat conditions like coccidia and Giardia, and maintain a clean kennel to prevent the spread of these parasites.
If these precautions are taken, many health issues could be avoided, along with the resulting costly medical bills and heartache.
Finally, if you’re going to surrender an animal to a rescue, be 100% honest about its health upfront. Withholding information leads to unnecessary medical expenses that could have been used to help other animals in need. Being smart and honest is all we ask.
We wholeheartedly thank every single one of you that volunteered to help these babies. Sadly, we have lost three of them and our hearts go out to those families who became so involved and loved them while in their care. To those of you that donated, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts we know that in this economy, it’s not easy to part with funds.
We have three that continue to struggle, one stronger than the rest. Please continue to keep them in your prayers, and if you feel moved to contribute towards their medical care, we would be forever grateful.
PayPal: [email protected]
Venmo:
Cash app: $ftarescue
Zelle: [email protected]
