3/25/16: Please welcome Bilbo! He is one of six bullies to join GEBR from a breeder. The breeder is facing some health issues and can no longer care for him or his litter mates. The person the breeder trusted to care for the puppies while she was ill did not take very good care of them. They spent a month living in crates and they were not fed or exercised properly. Bilbo is suffering from a skin infection, malnutrion, double cherry eyes and he has a heart murmur. He are not certain of his vaccine history so we are starting from the beginning with all vaccinations. He will see the cardiologist and orthopedic specialist next week for evaluation. He is 6 1/2 months old. He likes others dogs but we do not know if he likes cats.
Update 4/1/16: Bilbo saw the cardiologist today and was diagnosed with severe pulmonic stenosis. Pulmonic stenosis is a congenital heart defect of the semilunar valve that is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery (great vessel that takes blood to the lungs). The leaflets of this valve are thickened and/or partially fused together.His pulmonic valve pressure gradient measured at 122 mmHG (a dog with no heart issues measures at 25 mmHG). He will begin taking the medication Atenolol today to help control his heart rate and attempt to lower his pressure gradient. At the end of the month he will have surgery at UGA vet school to attempt to open the valves so blood can flow properly and further reduce his pressure gradient. A 50% reduction in pressure gradient is considered a successful surgery.
Update 4/5/16: Bilbo saw the orthopedic specialist today. He has mild luxating patellas is both legs but surgery is not recommended.
Update 4/26/16: Bilbo had a check up today and his pulmonic valve pressure gradient measured at 90 mmHG. But since he has gained five pounds we will be increasing his dose of medication today in hopes of an even larger reduction in is pressure gradients before surgery in two weeks.
Update 5/10/16: Bilbo had balloon valvuloplasty surgery today. They were able to insert the balloon to repair his stenotic vessel. Before his surgery his pressure gradient measured at 62 mmHG and after surgery it measured at 30 mmHg, reflecting an approximately 50% reduction in gradient. There is still a 20% chance that the vessel with close again from scar tissue. He will see the cardiologist again in three months for a check up. If all is good at that time he should be cleared for his next surgery (neuter, double cherry eye repair and palate). He is happy, playful and loving his new life. His heart issues is not keeping him down one bit!
Update 6/24/16: Bilbo had surgery today and all went well. He was neutered, had his cherry eyes repaired and had his palate shortened.
Update 12/28/16: Bilbo has been adopted. Congrats Bilbo and Derek!
February 14, 2023 – Bilbo crossed over the Rainbow Bridge today. Please keep his dad your thoughts.
Rest In Peace Bilbo
