2021 Success Story Samson

This beautiful boy is Samson, a 7-year-old English Bulldog/Staffy (Staffordshire Bull Terrier) mix.

Samson’s mom recently moved to Gillette, and was helping take care of her aging father, which was her full-time job. She recently found a full-time job, and is a single mom taking care of her kids, when her beloved boy Samson started acting sick. His stomach was distended, he wasn't eating, and she knew that he felt crummy.

Just getting back on her feet financially, she scraped up what funds she had to bring Samson in on an emergency vet visit. At the clinic, tests indicated that Samson had a splenic torsion (or a twisted spleen) and needed emergency surgery to save his life. 

Splenic torsion occurs when the blood supply to the spleen twists on itself, which prevents blood drainage, causing an enlargement of the spleen. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, signs of splenic torsion include:  

• abdominal distension
• abdominal pain
• excessive drinking and urination
• lack of appetite 
• pale gums 
• red to brown colored urine
• vomiting
• weight loss

Knowing that she couldn't afford the cost of Samson's emergency vet visit on her own, she applied to Fur Kids Foundation for help, and we were happy to help this family keep their treasured fur kid. Samson had his emergency surgery that consisted of removing his spleen, which was three times the size it should have been! We are so happy to say that he is recovering wonderfully and getting back to his normal self.

According to PetMD, dogs are rarely affected by an abnormality such as splenic torsion. However, it is more commonly seen in large-breed, deep-chested dogs such as German shepherds, standard poodles, and great Danes.  

About Fur Kids Foundation
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.