Glen Highland | Senior Border Collie Rescue & Sanctuary

PATCHES HEALTH UPDATE
February 2025

Our newest addition to rescue in 2025, PATCHES, 8yrs old, is clearly best served as a SANCTUARY RESIDENT.

No matter how sweet and adorable she is which she TRULY is…

Patches is a BIG medical challenge top to bottom - now and in the future.

We will be devoting one Caretaker’s focus on her needs as we unravel the complex combination of unregulated diabetes with pancreatic enzyme disorder and bi-lateral cataracts caused from her failing metabolism.

This is a very delicate, constantly evolving process of care.

We are optimistic that Patches will do well with constant diagnostic monitoring and specialists on her case. However at her age, she IS a vulnerable dog because we are getting started so late in her life.

Sadly, this lovely Border Collie was really dealt a blow in the original home that neglected her. She slid down to 19 pounds and should have been a 45 pound girl… the root of her present problems stem from neglect long ago.

On Monday February 10, Patches received a sensor attached to her body so we can finally have accurate measurements via a continuous glucose monitoring system. Then we begin the long process of balancing her urine findings with her glucose levels and appropriate insulin amounts. Once she is stable, only then can we tackle her blindness which is progressing.

Everyone at Glen Highland and Animal Care of Gloucester is crazy in love with this great girl and we so appreciate the donations that support her needs.

We so hope she has many years ahead…

Patches has an incredible joy for life, even as sick as she is…amazing!!!!!!

An 8 year old Border Collie, Patches is a sweetheart through and through. This joyful girl loves everyone she meets and is up for any activity! Patches will invent all kinds of games with toys or sticks or anything else she finds! A totally tuned-in, smart and adorable Border Collie, no one would ever guess she has a medical challenge.

Diabetes and EPI often occur together when the pancreas is not functioning properly.

Additionally, diabetes often leads to cataracts which Patches now has resulting in limited sight. If all goes as we expect, Patches will then undergo cataract surgery. She is a great candidate for the operation, hopefully in mid to end of March. Then, three to four months post surgery, it will be clear if her eyesight permanently returns to normal.

Sadly, Patches original guardian did not have the means to handle her care, so a Border Collie lover stepped in and took Patches in August 2024. Patches went from a mere 20 pounds to about 35 pounds and of course, a much happier dog. Due to the activity level of toddlers in the home, it was best for Patches to make a move to rescue. Patches came to Glen Highland from Tennessee.

We accepted Patches into Glen Highland knowing we were likely her only chance to have a good life, long-term. Getting her medical care in proper order requires funds that many rescues do not have nor would adopters want to spend. So, we agreed to help her.

She arrived just in time...

Patches needed emergency monitoring of her glucose levels on arrival since she was not fully regulated. To date, at GH, we have spent $2000 on rebalancing her glucose/insulin needs. The upcoming cataract surgery will be $5000, which includes post-op monitoring.

We are very committed to helping this wonderful Border Collie have a great life with stable health and appreciate the financial support to make this happen!