Canelo Needs Specialist & New Foster Home!

It's confirmed. Canelo needs to see a specialist.

Canelo went back to my vet today to see how he's doing on the prednisone. Unfortunately, his breathing is still quite labored. Just terrible. And you can hear the wheezing and whistling in his lungs just by putting your ear near his chest. He also had a coughing spell while we were waiting in the lobby--I described it as a coughing spasm to the vet. He just couldn't stop.

His energy level is low and can't go on walks. He was more playful today, his foster told me, which was good news. Although, he is still thin, he has gained a pound since we got him out of the shelter, so luckily, he is no longer skeletal.

My vet confirmed today that he needs to have the BAL (Bronchoalveolar lavage) with a fiber optic scope as quickly as possible. They'll use a brush to brush the lungs and gather a sample for culture.

Some of you have donated already for Canelo, and this is so appreciated. However, we need to raise about $1,200 to $1,800 just to have the BAL, and so far, we've raised about $300. If anyone knows of a specialist for lung issues like this, and who might do the BAL for a lower cost, please let me know.

We also need a new foster for Canelo by Wednesday (in Orange County or Long Beach). His current fosters love him very much, but they were only able to keep him for three weeks, and it's been more than that. They're going out of town on vacation on Thursday.

Canelo is an easy little dog. He loves to be petted and he gets along with dogs and cats, too. Because of his labored breathing, he shouldn't be taken on walks yet.

Canelo is one of the nicest, gentlest little dogs I've had the privilege to meet.