2022 Success Stories Samson

Sadly, we learned that Samson passed away after receiving a blood transfusion.
​He is deeply missed by his loved ones. 

This boy is Samson, a 7-year-old English Bulldog/Staffy mix. His mom moved to Gillette not too long ago, and was helping take care of her aging father, which was her full-time job. She recently found a full-time job, is a single mom taking care of her kids, when her beloved boy Samson started acting sick. 

Samson’s stomach was distended, he wasn't eating, and she knew he felt crummy. Just getting back on her feet, she scraped up the funds she had to bring Samson in to the vet on an emergency visit, when she found out that Samson had Splenic Torsion (also know as “twisted spleen”) and needed emergency surgery to save his life. According to the veterinary team, Samson’s spleen was three times the size it should of been!

For those who don’t know, a splenic torsion is a condition where the spleen twists around blood vessels, cutting off blood flow either partially or completely and leading to the enlargement of the spleen. According to Wag!, the symptoms of a twisted spleen are very similar to other conditions, making diagnosis by a vet extremely important. Signs include:

• Abdominal distention and pain 
• Lack of energy 
• Pale gums
• Retching (making the sound and movement of vomiting) and vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Weakness or collapse

A splenic torsion most commonly occurs in large breed dogs with a deep chest (think Great Danes, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, among others). It’s believed to happen more frequently when the spleen moves within the body, such as during physical activity. 

Samson’s mom applied with Fur Kids Foundation for help with his emergency veterinary care. We are very happy to report that Samson had his emergency surgery and is already feeling tremendously better!

No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later.

Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation via PayPal or signing up to become a volunteer. Read more Success Stories.

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