On Wednesday June 1st, after experiencing excessive vomitting, severe lethargy, no appetite and excessive drinking our sweet boy Hugo was rushed to our vet. After many medical treatments, it was suggested to do an x-ray to investigate what might be causing the problem. The x-ray revealed that Hugo had a foreign object wedged in his intestines. We were then told we'd have to wait for an ultrasound to confirm the blockage (even though this had been done by performing the x-ray). During this time, Hugo was unable to eat as he was so uncomfortable and if he drank, the fluids came right back up causing him to projectile vomitt. It was so difficult to witness. Our sweet boy was in pain and couldn't tell us.

Finally on Thursday June 2nd late afternoon, the ultrasound was performed. The blockage was then, once again confirmed. That afternoon/evening, our original vet still insisted on trying to remove the blockage through conventional therapies. IV fluids were administered, enemas, cerenia to stop the vomitting, appetite stimulants to attempt to get him to eat (even though he was blocked), antibiotics (even though there wasn't an infection), laxatives (to encourage a bowel movement even though there was a blockage) etc. As owners, we trusted the vets judgment and agreed to try and let Hugo pass the blockage independently through the night.

Late Thursday afternoon and throughout the night, we stayed awake with him watching in horror as Hugo continued to projectile vomitt, was unable to eat, couldn't toilet, was unable to rest and get comfortable, paced the floors and became weaker and weaker. Finally at 5am we made the call to the vet that Hugo was in agony and he needed treatment asap! Being under the impression that our original vet of 12 years would be following up with Hugo's care and performing the surgery to remove the object, we were sent an unexpected text that he was unable to perform the necessary life saving surgery Hugo so desperately needed. We were told we needed to find assistance and guidance elsewhere through another vet who was completely unaware of our situation. This being the only emergency/surgery veterinarian from here to Guelph. You can imagine our surprise, stress, upset and pure panic upon receiving this information. After speaking with the new to us animal hospital, we were told they knew nothing about Hugo's situation and that the case would need to be transferred to them by his previous vet before going forward. Again, we had to wait hours for the original vet to open and transfer Hugo's case...by this point, we were a mess to say the least. One cannot explain the shock and fear we experienced while watching our beloved dog suffer in pain and not being able to help.

Finally after receiving word that we were able to bring him to the emergency hospital, we arrived having to wait hours more to be seen by a vet. Once Hugo was seen, poked and prodded again by a vet we didn't know and hadn't built a rapport with, we were told exactly what we had known since Wednesday...that Hugo needed immediate emergency surgery.

Hugo was in surgery approximately 3 hours while we waited at home patiently by the phone. Words can't express the thoughts and scenarios that go through one's mind during the horrific wait.

Finally, Hugo was out, had survived the surgery and was resting. The next 72 hours were touch and go. Hugo was regurgitating alot of fluid which was to be expected from a bracycephalic breed. We were informed that the vet had removed approximately 4 inches from his intestine that was black and blue from the object (strange rubber washer we'd never seen before. Possibly found outdoors 2"x2")passing through because of all the prior, unnecessary procedures done by our trusted vet. Hugo rested and was cared for in recovery for Friday and Saturday. We were informed Saturday that the regurgitation was still an issue but wasn't as important as it was getting him to eat. We visited Saturday morning and afternoon with a home cooked meal of finely chopped chicken and rice (as requested by the vet). Hugo refused to eat. He slept face first in his empty water bowl only wanting to drink and protesting food in his stubborn Frenchie way lol. We cuddled and continuously attempted to feed him with no luck. We continued through Saturday into Sunday with no avail. We returned Sunday morning to find out Hugo has eaten for one of the staff and was able to be discharged home. We were ecstatic to say the least! We had all of our meds and instructions and off we went. Sunday evening, Hugo was happy to be home with his family, carried his bone everywhere, shook his bum, happy and content but again refusing food. We assumed it could be the excitement of returning home and let him relax and sleep the night away. Upon waking Monday morning and expecting Hugo to want to get up, toilet and eat we were shocked to see that he refused to move, lethargic, his eyes glossy and watering, When he did barely get up to drink, he regurgitated everything including the whole food from the night before. We immediately returned to the emergency animal hospital. We were given an script for another medication to help with the motility of the intestines and returned home. Hugo rested and was up, once again regurgitating and vomitting but now blood. We were terrified. Rushed back to the ER vet and were told we'd need to hospitalize Hugo for observation.

It was hours later that we received the worst call we could have imagined. After another x-ray, ultrasound and blood work it was confirmed that Hugo had gone septic. His intestines had gone necrotic and leaked into the body and bloodstream causing him to go septic. We were given the agonizing decision to either attempt to save him by going in, repairing the intestines, flushing out the infection and praying this worked or to euthanize. The answer was simple...I couldn't give up on my spunky, chonky butt beautiful boy. He's only 2...a baby. I rushed...and I mean sped to the ER vet, help my boy and sobbed. Hugo looked up at me as if to say, " mom, I'm not ready to go" and in that moment, the papers were signed the $5500 treatment plan in place and Hugo whisked off to surgery. I refused to leave. I waited 4 hours while they removed 6 more inches of dead intestines, flushed him with 4 litres of saline, performed leakage testing and finally closed him up. The surgery had gone well, but Hugo is in critical condition. They snuck me in for a quick kiss and an "I love you" before I was ordered home for some rest. As of Tuesday morning, Hugo is resting but continues to have excess fluid build up that they are suctioning, is in pain, and is totally drugged to keep him comfortable. Hugo is in critical condition. My sweet, beautiful, brindle boy lays fighting for his life.

As you can imagine, our vet bills have added up so quickly $2000 with our original vet, $5000 for the initial surgery, $900 to readmit to the ER for observation and then $5500 for the second and latest surgery. We are committed to continuing care for Hugo until he recovers. His prognosis is fair, quality of life good and full recovery possible if we can continue his fight to get him everything he needs. In order to do so, we really need financial assistance.

We understand if you cannot contribute financially, please know you can also help us by sharing our story, keeping Hugo in your prayers and sending hugs for Hugo.

If you're interested in donating directly to the emergency animal hospital that is also an option. Please message us for details.

Your kindness, generosity and support is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Hugo's family.