Copper's Emergency Surgery

Anyone who has met Copper (aka CopperBob) knows what he means to me. He’s the happiest, cuddliest, and sweetest dog you will ever meet. Not a day has passed since adopting Copper 5 years ago that he hasn’t made me smile.

As I very frequently describe Copper, he has an extra heart where his brain should be. Which is probably how he ended up following Blueberry's (his sister's) lead in an attempt to swallow underwear. Only he managed to actually do it.

When I came home on Tuesday afternoon, Copper had been sick all day. Around midnight. I realized he wasn’t able to consume anything. I video chatted with the after-hours emergency vet, and we decided to take away food and water to help his stomach heal. After calling around the next morning I couldn’t find a vet that could get him in right away since it didn’t seem too urgent to anyone. It sounds ridiculous but the fact that he wasn’t pacing, jumping, or crying in the car freaked me out and I knew he was actually hurting. I got to the Webster animal urgent care the minute they opened. They were able to do blood testing and a urinalysis, which seemed completely normal besides the expected dehydration. I had them give copper some hydrating and anti-nausea injections and the plan was to withhold food and water for 8 more hours. After we got home he became increasingly lethargic. He got to a point where he was barely moving. When I tried reintroducing food and water, the water hurt him to drink and he immediately threw it up again. I was mainly concerned when he was completely uninterested in the food we cooked or anything else we tried offering him. I mean, this guy rejected pizza crust. I called the emergency vet for the second time to get him in, but they didn’t think it seemed too urgent. A few minutes later he was lying down and started having trouble breathing. I called again and was able to rush him in 20 minutes before close.

They took Copper and eventually called me to let me know he generally looked healthy, but the hydrating treatment didn’t work and he had severe stomach pain. Around 1 am they were able to do X-rays and found a rope-like obstruction that was bunching up and damaging his intestines. I had to leave last night/this morning without my best friend. Copper received overnight treatment and the vets were able to rehydrate him enough to receive the surgery first thing this morning. Of course everyone who has called to keep me updated has made comments about how great of a dog Copper is.

His surgery went so well. They were able to remove the obstruction with only an incision in his stomach. He didn’t need any section of his intestines removed. His intestines are very bruised but it seems like he is going to fully heal. I won’t be able to see Copper for another 1-3 days, after that he’ll be on bedrest for a few weeks but he will be okay. He has to be because I told him he has to be and he’s a pretty good listener… for a beagle.

I am so very thankful Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services allowed me to rush him in that night and that I went with my gut feeling that it was more than just a stomach bug. I am so grateful for everyone there who helped with his surgery. I love that dog and I would do absolutely anything for him.

With all of that being said, I was quoted $6,000-$10,000 for the surgery and recovery. I am going into my 2nd year of law school, and I’m not in a great position to pay all of this off. I cannot thank anyone enough for any help with the cost of his care. I don’t think I can put into words how much this dog and your help keeping him healthy means to me.

Gratefully,

Hannah LaDuca (Copper’s Mom)