Have you ever heard of epiglottis retroversion? Neither had we until Aggie was diagnosed with it in September. Epiglottic retroversion (ER) is actually a rare condition in dogs where the epiglottis blocks the airway. The epiglottis is a small, movable "lid" at the back of your tongue that prevents food and drink from entering the windpipe when we eat and drink. In dogs with ER, the epiglottis blocks the airway.
This means Aggie’s “lid” was constantly blocking her airway. ER led to breathing difficulties and exercise intolerance for Aggie for a while before we were able to finally diagnose her rare condition. She even underwent a different surgery in March for an elongated soft palate that we had hoped would help solve her breathing issues. Unfortunately, it only provided temporary relief and we were back to square one looking for answers again.
After more vet visits and looking for second opinions, Aggie’s foster mom took her to specialists at WVRC-Waukesha. They ran some tests and were finally able to diagnose her with ER. The wonderful staff at WVRC were then able to perform surgery the same day they diagnosed it!
Aggie is fully healed now and just recently got the all-clear to return to normal activity and it’s incredible what a difference it made! We love Aggie’s little piggy grunts and are glad they haven’t fully gone away. But she's like a new dog now!
This surgery did not come without a price tag. Without Canine Cupids and her amazing foster mom’s quick observations, it's likely Aggie would not be here with us today. She was losing a lot of oxygen and needed immediate attention. Aggie’s second surgery alone cost approximately $3,000. This doesn’t include follow up or continued care. Most recently, the veterinarian recommended she start aquatherapy to get back to full speed, which also costs money. This is where you can help!
Most of the dogs that come through Canine Cupids cost well over their adoption fee in medical vetting. That’s not counting just the big issues, like Aggie’s. The only way we can keep taking in dogs that need extensive medical care is because of generous donors like you! Help us continue to save more dogs and donate to Canine Cupids this #GivingTuesday! For every dollar donated, up to $2,000, we have a generous, anonymous donor willing to match your gift! Make your donation go twice as far and donate today!
Interested in adopting Aggie? Read her full bio and apply to adopt her.