Benny- A Critically Ill Dog Completely Recovered

Last December Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) responded to a call about a dog in distress and found Benny severely emaciated and unable to walk. The ACPS veterinarian diagnosed Benny with Caval Syndrome, the final (and usually deadly) stage of heartworm disease, where a mass of heartworms blocks blood flow to the heart. This could have been easily prevented with monthly heartworm medication, but sadly, Benny was neglected. Dr. Willson and the vet staff at ACPS did an amazing job stabilizing him, but he needed help fast.

We've helped dogs with Caval Syndrome before, so we knew we had to step in when we saw ACPS's plea for help. Valerie Losego immediately arranged to pick him up, with help from Lynda Gridley and Franny Buffa.

Even though it was a Sunday, Dr. Bissell at Sandbridge Veterinary Center saw him right away. We repeated radiographs and bloodwork there, and Dr. Bissell agreed that Benny had Caval Syndrome or possible heart failure secondary to a heavy load of heartworms.

Valerie rushed Benny to Dr. Seymour at Jackson Veterinary Clinic, who has done several successful emergency heartworm extractions for us before. He said Benny was stable enough that he didn't recommend the risky extraction surgery, so we started on a very cautious plan to treat his heartworms. Valerie's mom Mercia Noble fostered him and cared for him through his entire heartworm treatment with Dr. Bissell at Sandbridge.

WIth a lot of love and TLC, Benny has now completed treatment. We brought him to see Dr. Bartles at ECoVETS for an echocardiogram just to make sure he's ok. Through it all, Benny has been sweet and loving, and we're happy to report that this charming boy is now adoptable.

𝗙𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺
Sick and injured animals need help fast. Every donation helps, but Monthly donors give us flexibility to respond immediately when there is an emergency. When there is a hoarding case or a hurricane, a dog with a gunshot wound or a cruelty case, we have to act quickly. We don't have time to do a fundraiser, and wait for those funds to get to us. Your monthly donation can help us save lives again and again. 

To Donate:
— Credit Card: www.floridaurgentrescue.org/donate
— Venmo: @FloridaUrgentRescue
— PayPal: floridaurgentrescue@gmail.com
— Mail: Florida Urgent Rescue
7643 Gate Parkway #104-27
Jacksonville, FL 32256

About FUR:
Florida Urgent Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and FUR earned a Four-Star Rating on Charity Navigator with a score of 100% for the 2nd year in a row. This is the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator, and less than 1/10th of 1% of nonprofits receive a 100% rating. FUR also received a 2024 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency by Guidestar, which is also awarded to less than 1/10th of 1% of all nonprofits. Finally, Florida Urgent Rescue is once again listed by Great Nonprofits as a "Top Nonprofit" organization. Learn more about FUR at: www.floridaurgentrescue.org