Summer Lamb

Summer is a 5 month old lamb who came into care 2 weeks ago as she was failing to thrive. Weighing less than 10 kg, emaciated and full of worms she was weak and very unwell.  After treating her worms a full blood examination was performed where it has been discovered her liver is not working properly. The veterinary team believe Summer has a rare and complex disorder known as a Portasystemic Shunt. (A portosystemic shunt (PSS) is an abnormal vein connecting the blood supply returning from the intestines to the vein returning blood to the heart, bypassing the liver (shunting). Portosystemic shunts can be either congenital (present at birth) or acquired.) In dogs and cats a simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis but in ruminants it cannot.

In order to get a confirmed diagnosis Summer needs some specialised imaging (MRI, Ultrasound and possibly CT Scan) These scans are very expensive, but we cannot move ahead with a treatment plan for her until we know exactly what is going on so this testing is crucial to her future. 

Summer is an incredibly resilient little lamb.  Despite her health she shows great interest in life. She eats with gusto and loves to be around her other lamb friends. We have no doubt she is not ready to leave this world.  In order to help her we need to ask you for your help. Please if you can donate anything at all it will be so appreciated.