Ashley

Jack

WideAwake

- Jack Loses His Battle With Heart Worms

(see details below)

Sanctuary

WideAwake

Jack Loses His Battle

     When Jack came to WideAwake on June 1st of this year, it was very obvious that he had experienced severe trauma in his life. He had damage to his left eye, which made it useless and he was quick to snap and bite, when he was cornered or afraid. He was paired with Pride and the two seemed to have a budding relationship, even though Pride took all the initiative to form the bonds. His personality and striking good looks earned him the nickname of Captain Jack Sparrow.
     On Thursday, December 7th we received a call from the volunteer at WideAwake reporting that there was some bloody spots in Jack and Pride’s enclosure. It also appeared that there was some bloody stool as well. On top of that Jack was not walking correctly on his rear right leg as his toes were knuckling under. A team was dispatched to WideAwake to check out the situation.
     It was very obvious that Jack was having difficulties and he was caught up without a struggle and transported to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for further evaluation. Preliminary tests showed significant amounts of blood in his stool and poorly oxygenated blood. The first goal became to stabilize his condition. He was put on intravenous fluids, tested for a blood transfusion and placed into an oxygen controlled kennel. He then received the transfusions. He was responding very well to this treatment and resting comfortably. It was now pushing 10:00 pm and the decision was made to continue to stabilize and monitor him through the night and run additional tests in the morning.
     He did very well through the night and received chest and abdominal x-rays and ultrasound tests Friday morning. By early afternoon the picture was becoming sadly clear. A portion of one of his lungs had a blockage, an area of his intestines was necrotic due to a blood clot and the right heart was failing. The diagnosis was not good — he was suffering from Vena Caval Syndrome. These complications were from the most serious stage of heart worm infestation. It occurs when adult heart worms are excessive and as they die naturally, their remains start clogging blood vessels. The only potential solution would be open-heart surgery and even then the chances would be slim that all the problems could be rectified or that he would even recover from the surgery itself.
     After double-checking on the options available, we began making arrangements to bring Jack to WideAwake so he could see his mate one more time before being euthanized. He would then be euthanized where his companion could understand what was happening and aid in her closure as well. We believe strongly that this approach to an animal’s passing is the most appropriate for both of the individuals involved. In the middle of working out these logistics, another phone call informed us that Jack was digressing rapidly. He was again having trouble breathing and it was felt that he was developing additional clots that were affecting his ability to even stay alive long enough to make the trip to WideAwake.
     One of the cofounders and one of our volunteers visited with Jack, looking for him to communicate the correct answer. It was very obvious that he was ready to go. It was also very obvious that even his short time with humans who treated him well had made a difference. During his treatment at the hospital, he seemed to appreciate being scratched and even put his head on the laps of those caring for him. Not once did he attempt to bite at anyone. Several other volunteers arrived and joined the cofounder as they took Jack outside into the snow and helped him pass. His remains were brought up to WideAwake the next day for Pride and others to say their farewells.
     Although we had diagnosed 15 out of the 18 animals rescued from Wisconsin as having heart worm, we have tried to remain optimistic about their chances for survival. As the remainder of the animals continue with their treatment for this disease, we still remain hopeful.