Glen Highland Farm
Glen Highland Farm
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HEALTH UPDATE

February 2023: Mick has had two episodes of vestibular disease leaving him a bit wobbly with a head tilt. He has gained his strength and focus back almost to normal, thankfully, but we are carefully monitoring him moving forward. Anti-nausea medications and appetite stimulants have greatly helped him. Most Border Collies we’ve seen with vestibular recover really well.

Vestibular disease causes sudden loss of balance and coordination, among other symptoms. Its onset is very sudden, and symptoms traditionally do not progress or worsen over time. Dogs show the worst symptoms of the disease within the first 48 hours and typically improve over two to three weeks.

MICKS' HISTORY

MICK is a very special Border Collie and to be honest, a lucky one, too, with safe refuge for the rest of his life as a RESIDENT.

He came to us in the summer of 2021 from a VA shelter, at age 10, so skinny with medical issues that had not been addressed in the shelter and clearly not in the previous home either (his guardian died). Diagnostic results pointed to Mick’s liver. He went on a liver supplement that helped and it seemed he might be able to be adopted within a few months.

Then, months later he was VERY sick and gall bladder issues arose which required an emergency operation. During his recovery, Mick began to eat so much better and gained weight and seemed to be on the road to adoption. He was a much happier boy.

Then, kidney issues emerged even though he was looking and acting so much better. Seemingly reasonable to address, another issue had been building.

Mick grew weary of being handled for vet work. He grumbles and growls and will defend himself if pushed so while his vet needs must continue to be addressed, we can see he is not a safe candidate for a normal home. In our setting, we can design everything around him and also know his triggers. He may bite when stimulated improperly or when he is too fatigued and sometimes, unpredictably for no reason except he is agitated.

While we regret Mick can’t be the shining star in someone’s life, we are certainly in love with him and give him 100% of our care, time and attention. Mick loves his truck rides into town and hikes on the property acreage and is very content!

 

HEALTH CHALLENGES:
After gall bladder surgery in 2022, Mick still had abnormal liver values that returned to normal using meds and Denamarin, a liver supplement. Mick has chronic Kidney Disease so has been on a special diet low in protein to take some pressure off the kidneys and hopefully slow the disease process. We continue to monitor his kidney and liver values closely. He is on Gabapentin, pain medication for back-end issues. Mick also had a bout of vestibular disease symptoms but has recovered well enough to be mobile.

Hugs, Mick! Here's to more Chick-fil-A runs! - Vicki Buono & GH alum Cookie

Debra Moe, in memory of my beloved senior, Elvis

Pete & Renate Goodloe, in memory of GH Alums Doc & Rosie

Gregg, Jodi and GHF Alums Dexter and Mia, In Memory of Rave who left us way to young. His brilliance and sweet loving nature put a smile on the faces of everyone who met him. May his eternal energy be with us always. Miss you my Blue Boy!!

For Mick, who reminds us to keep on trucking - Heather and the clan