Bruiser’s Emergency Surgery

Emotional support animal (ESA) and best friend Bruiser needs an emergency surgery to save his life!

Bruiser was rushed to the vet for inability to urinate, lethargy and vomiting, and X-rays presented a huge mass near his spleen, filling his abdominal cavity. This is the first known symptom of any issue, and he went from 100% happy dog to ER patient in a few hours.  

Additionally, he has an enlarged prostate and a other unidentified masses.  He required a catheter over the weekend to void, which saved his life. The mass is pushing on his bladder and internal organs which caused emergency intervention. He needs surgery to remove the mass(es) and neuter him to aid in prostate size reduction. These are likely two separate issues and two surgeries that can be done at the same time.

Bruiser’s treatment will require a hospital stay both before and after, in order to stabilize him. The doctor needs to be skilled, as any work near the spleen can cause him to bleed out if done improperly. The initial diagnosis is that he will die a painful and certain death if these issues go untreated, and time is of the essence. Most important is that the mass does not rupture. 

Once the giant mass is removed, it will need to be sent for cancer screening. Follow up treatment may be needed if cancer is detected in the mass.

I am active duty military, and my military family is supporting two households across the country due to orders locations. DOGS ON DEPLOYMENT (and amazing charity for service members’ pets) has offered a grant (amount TBD) to help offset Bruiser’s treatment, and every bit helps! 

Bruiser is my registered ESA and true best friend. He has been with me before and after multiple deployments and seen my troops off for deployments over the past 9 years. Bruiser has been by my side as I rescued, fostered and helped rehabilitate Pit Bulls for nearly a decade, and is both big and little brother for two rescues. 

Bruiser is a true breed ambassador, and has helped change many minds on what Pit Bulls are like. I am completely devastated over this news, and my family and I cannot imagine our life without him. 

Bruiser’s passing would be excruciating for him physically if the mass ruptured or goes untreated, and I am heartbroken that he is, and would continue to suffer in such an unfair and lonely way. The world is definitely better with our best friends in it.

Thank you for helping us save this sweet boy!