WE CONTINUE TO BE URGENTLY IN NEED OF DONATIONS!!

After 15 days of hospitalization, and the continuing medical intervention that Tiny Sprout’s return to health will depend upon, your donations are an essential part of Sprout’s road to recovery!!

If you’d like to help out Tiny Sprout today, there are a few ways:

1) Check out the AH-dorable Tiny Sprout Fan Club tees for sale in our Bonfire store here:

https://www.bonfire.com/store/campcocker/

Orders are being taken until Jan. 2nd, then Bonfire makes the shirts and ships them out directly to you.

2) Buy anything from the Camp Cocker online store and all proceeds are going to Sprout. We have some sweet calendars and some nice quality rescue bracelets.

Here is our online store: IHeartCockerSpaniels.com

3) OR - just donate to Sprout! Those $5 donations can add up, so when we say no donation is too small, we really sincerely mean it!

Donating to Sprout is super easy, right here:

https://donorbox.org/tinysprout-fb

3/5/2022 UPDATE

* WE HAVE SOME GREAT NEWS TO SHARE! *

*** TINY SPROUT HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!! ***

Early on in our process of rescuing Sprout, a lovely couple in the LA area filled out our application, offering to foster him! Turns out they have quite a bit of Frenchie experience, and felt that they were up to the task to care for him, and help him through the multiple surgeries that awaited him. They patiently fed & medicated Sprout around the clock, followed the surgeon’s post-op instructions perfectly, and provided him with oodles of love and attention! Even though he’s making progress, he’s not yet completely out of the woods - but, his foster parents have asked to adopt him - and we are over the moon for our Tiny Sprout and this dream-come-true happy ending!

** RECENT UPDATES **

** 1/3/2022 - THE LATEST NEWS ON TINY SPROUT IS THAT HE IS SCHEDULED FOR HIATAL HERNIA REPAIR AND NEUTERING ON FEBRUARY 16, 2022! ONCE HE HAS RECOVERED FROM THOSE SURGERIES, AND WE HAVE A BETTER IDEA OF HIS DIGESTIVE STATUS, WE WILL BEGIN CONSIDERING APPLICATIONS TO ADOPT SPROUT! PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TOWARD HIS SURGERY RIGHT HERE IF YOU CAN! **

** 2/17/2022 - GREAT NEWS!! SPROUT IS RECOVERING NICELY FROM YESTERDAY’S SURGERY, AND WILL BE SENT BACK TO HIS FOSTER HOME THIS EVENING! HE WAS FED THREE TIMES OVERNIGHT WITHOUT REGURGITATION. PAWS CROSSED & HEARTS EVER HOPEFUL!! **

** 2/25/2022 - NINE DAYS POST-OP, AND NO REGURGITATION! SPROUT’S PLAYING WITH HIS FOSTER FRENCHIES, AND IS LOOKING MUCH IMPROVED! IN THE DAYS & WEEKS TO COME, HE’LL BE HAVING HIS SURGICAL STITCHES REMOVED, AND ONE OF THE TWO MEDICATIONS THAT HE’S STILL ON WILL BE D/C’D. PAWS CROSSED THAT ALL CONTINUES TO GO WELL IN THE EXPERT & CARING HANDS OF HIS LOVING FOSTER FAMILY! **

- THE STORY OF TINY SPROUT -

Sprout is indeed tiny, currently weighing in at 15 pounds, and underweight. This little French Bulldog was just rescued on Tuesday, November 23, as an owner-relinquish from the Downey Shelter. He is very friendly and very sweet - but is unfortunately suffering with significant digestive difficulties. He loves to eat, but routinely regurgitates his undigested meal within minutes. Digestive issues are not uncommon in brachycephalic breeds - sometimes referred to as dogs with pushed-in faces - and we are fast-tracking him to the appropriate veterinary specialists for medical diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, we’re also investigating the possibility of a “Bailey Chair” for him, which will help to place him in an upright position that may assist him during meals.

Please stay tuned as we learn more about what’s going on with Sprout, and what we can do to help restore his health. He’s an adorable, sweet boy, about 1 year old, and we anticipate a great deal of interest in him. Check back here for updates, more photos, and videos. Learn more about our adoption process here: www.campcocker.com/adoptionprocess

Surgical intervention will likely be required, and donations are needed! Thank you to all who are able to help!

11/24 UPDATE: Sprout has been taken emergently to the specialty hospital ER today. He’s not drinking any water, and he’s unable to keep food down. Fortunately, we were able to get Sprout admitted for IV fluids and monitoring while he waits to be seen by a specialist. Regarding the Bailey Chair mentioned above, we were advised that it may be contraindicated if Sprout is diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, so we'll await the diagnosis and the recommended treatments. The ER doctor explained that Sprout may need a series of surgical interventions, beginning with opening the bronchial airway, depending on his diagnosis.

11/24 PM UPDATE: The ER vet that admitted Tiny Sprout called this evening and confirmed that they suspect hiatal hernia. The plans are for a surgical consult on Monday, with the goal of surgery on Tuesday.

11/25 UPDATE: The surgeon was able to see Sprout today, and says that he will first need bronchial airway surgery. This surgery may even help to resolve the hernia. Sprout will be discharged tomorrow, Friday, with the primary goal of helping him to gain weight. He is an anesthesia risk until he can gain an appropriate amount of weight. We have been instructed on how to feed him in tiny bites that will allow him to keep “some” of the food down, and how to intermittently provide him with small amounts of water to keep him hydrated. He will also be started on some GI meds. The surgeon would like to see him in mid-December in hopes of seeing some weight gain. He will then need a CT scan and radiology report, which should provide the information to stage the surgeries. The CT scan will confirm whether or not he has a hiatal hernia. In any case, the surgeon will start with the airway surgery.

11/25 PM UPDATE: When you take a critically ill dog in for emergent care on a holiday weekend, things can get a little crazy! Tiny Sprout’s surgeon called us again this evening, after observing his regurgitation of anything he tries to ingest - even the tiniest amounts! It has now been decided that Internal Medicine will take over Sprout’s case, and they will be keeping him at the hospital on IV fluids and under medical supervision - at least through the long weekend. We know we have the best board-certified specialists in his corner, and it's definitely a relief that Sprout will remain in the best hands to handle this medical emergency, but right now, we’re so very worried about him!

11/26 UPDATE: The Internal Medicine vet is covering Sprout’s case. They’ve ruled out early pneumonia. They performed an abdominal ultrasound and everything looks normal, except for an enlarged gallbladder which can be related to the starvation. Sprout is now on two gastro tract meds as well as an antacid. They are offering him a small amount of blended food, every four hours, and today he was able to keep two of those tiny meals down. He has some nasal discharge and they started him on antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection that has just started. They also sent out an extended respiratory panel to rule out anything like canine flu or something more serious. He is on IV fluids as well. The vet said that the meds might be helping him to keep the food down. We’re grateful that Sprout is the hands of good medical specialty care.

11/27 UPDATE: The internist that is overseeing Tiny Sprout’s case right now called this morning. She said that he regurgitated a couple of times overnight and they are trying to switch up the meds and feeding him tiny meatballs again, as well as the blended foods. Just 10 ML of food every four hours (that is barely anything) in an effort to get it to stay down. They switched his antibiotic as well to keep the upper respiratory infection from getting any worse. The hope now is that if they can clear him for any respiratory illness and keep him stable, then he is better off with the risk of anesthesia for surgery. He isn't going to be able to keep his food down completely until he has the surgery. They say he is bright and alert and gives kisses to everyone. We are SO pulling for you, sweet little boy!

11/27 PM UPDATE: Tiny Sprout’s Internist just called with an update. She switched his antibiotics for the upper respiratory infection, It seems to be getting milder. She added another medication for the gastro tract as well. The staff is feeding him every two hours, 10ml of a liquid food substitute. He has not regurgitated since this morning 🤞🏼. She says they take him outside every six hours to go potty and he seems to enjoy it. Has not pottied in his medical cage.

11/28 UPDATE: The Internist called from the hospital this morning. Sprout has not regurgitated since yesterday morning! They are going to increase his liquid food to a higher volume. He is getting fed every two hours. If he does well for another twenty four hours, they may be able to do the CT Scan and anesthesia for that. Such great news!

11/29 UPDATE: Tiny Sprout’s surgeon is back at work today and the Internist that oversaw Sprout's treatment since Friday is now off - but they have been in direct communication with one another about Sprout's care.   Sprout has not regurgitated since Saturday morning.   He is on a lot of meds for gastro and as well as antibiotics. He’s being fed a liquid diet every two hours, and continues on IV fluids.  He still has some clear nasal discharge today, and they are awaiting the results of the respiratory panel that was sent out on Thursday and could take up to five days (not sure if the holiday slowed that down?). The plan is to keep him hospitalized with the ongoing treatment, and await the results of the respiratory panel.  If by Wednesday, Sprout is not regurgitating - and the respiratory panel doesn't come back with anything serious like canine flu - then the surgeon plans to provide anesthesia and, instead of a CT Scan, do an endoscopy.  An endoscope is a flexible tube with a video camera attachment that is inserted into the stomach through the mouth.  Using an endoscope, the doctor can identify abnormalities such as inflammation, abnormal swelling, or areas of scarring or stricture (abnormal narrowing). 

Sprout’s surgeon has shared his concerns about rushing to surgery because often these bulldogs crash and don't survive post-op. If anything in the body is slightly compromised, it elevates the risk.   However, getting Sprout to a state of health may not be possible without surgery, so it's a risk that we may have to take. If the endoscopy gives them all the information they need, they may possibly perform brachycephalic surgery on Wednesday.   This will involve opening up Sprout’s airway which can also help to resolve the hiatal hernia.  He does not think keeping Sprout under anesthesia for too long is wise, as it's going to be risky to place him on any anesthesia right now. Sprout’s health and well-being are truly one day at a time!

11/30 UPDATE: Our surgeon just called to report that Tiny Sprout is doing well! With no regurgitation in 3 days, he’s tolerating the liquid diet!! He does still has some nasal discharge. The plan is to continue hospitalization & IV antibiotics today - followed by an endoscopy and surgery of the airway tomorrow afternoon! The surgeon stressed that overall, Sprout is doing well. Things are moving quickly now, and our hearts are hopeful!

12/1 AM UPDATE: No regurgitating overnight - they fasted him in preparation for anesthesia today. Sprout is going to get an endoscopy first, for a look around with a tiny camera. They may only see the hiatal hernia, and if that is the case they will move forward with the bronchial airway surgery while he is still under anesthesia. They are also hoping to rule out something called a pyloric hypertrophy which is a blockage in the stomach near the intestines where food gets backed up. The surgeon says that if it turns out to be this, the surgery is much more complicated with higher risks. Let's hope that Sprout only needs the bronchial airways surgery and no abdominal surgery. Your entire village will be with you today, Tiny Sprout!

12/1 NOON UPDATE: The surgeon just called, the endoscopy is done, and Sprout does have Pyloric Hypertrophy. They are taking him into surgery right now. They are going to do both the Plyoric Hypertrophy repair, which is considered a major abdominal surgery. Then they will also do the Brachycephalic airway surgery. Sprout will stay hospitalized for at least two days post op (I am going to ask for an extra day or two, if there is any chance he could have post op complications). The surgeon says that if the surgery is going to fail, there will be indications of this, two to three days post op. The next few days will be so stressful as we await good news for our sweet little buddy!

12/1 PM UPDATE: The surgeon just called, surgery is done. The abdominal surgery was difficult, but he is hoping for the best. The bronchial airway surgery went easier. So he wants Sprout to be discharged on Friday, pending on how he is doing. I'm quite nervous about bringing Sprout back to my house (I will set him up in my guest room for him to be calm, and rest). I asked the doctor what to look for if the surgery fails, how will I know? He explained that how the surgery could fail is the internal sutures can fall apart and there is no hope to go back in and repair it again. He said that I will know if the sutures have fallen apart by Sprout's behavior. He will get lethargic, not want to eat, may start vomiting, will have no energy. He said it will be obvious to me, the behavior will be drastically different (because up until now, Sprout has seemed to have normal peppy energy, happy and not lethargic at all. I asked the doctor if the sutures fall apart, if euthanasia is the only outcome and he said unfortunately, yes. So, positive energy is the very best thing for Sprout right now - as we all focus on a positive outcome for him!

12/2 AM UPDATE: The surgeon called us this morning, Sprout started regurgitating overnight and we are all so worried about him. Please, if you have time today, send him positive healing thoughts?

12/2 PM UPDATE: Tiny Sprout’s surgeon just called. They took chest x-rays today and the radiologist believes he has pneumonia. He regurgitated four hours ago. His last liquid food was two hours ago, and they just gave him another small amount of liquid food. The surgeon says he is "cautiously optimistic." We’re so grateful for the medical staff’s care and expertise. All of your love and healing energies are also very much appreciated!

12/3 AM UPDATE: The critical care veterinarian on duty today just called - our surgeon is off for a couple of days. Sprout has been regurgitating overnight. They have him on all sorts of GI medications and they are hoping for the post-op inflammation to go down to help him to be able to keep his food down. He had his first small bowel movement yesterday. The vet sounded concerned and didn't use the words "cautiously optimistic" like the surgeon used yesterday. She said they are continuing to monitor his care closely. The internal medicine department and the surgical department are both continuing to be consulted.

12/4 AM UPDATE: The Internist called this morning. Sprout continues to regurgitate, and he is eating like he is starved. The pneumonia is unchanged. The doctor says that it seems like Sprout is in a "holding zone" - not improving, not declining. I asked him at what point do we make a decision about continuing on. He said that if something quickly declines, then that will make our decision for us. If things don't improve and everything stays in the same pattern of eating and regurgitating - then we will likely have to set some sort of timeline of when we decide to let him go. Today is day eleven of the hospitalization and three days post-op. It might be reasonable to give him another two days or three days, but another week would not be reasonable, not if Sprout's condition remains the same. Our hearts are breaking over Tiny Sprout’s incredible struggle.

12/4 PM UPDATE: The Internal Medicine Specialist just called. No dramatic change since this morning, but two very tiny bowel movements. Regurgitation continues, there may "possibly" be a slight decrease in the amount he is regurgitating, but very subtle if any at all. Sprout continues to eat like he is starving, he is so hungry. 😥

12/5 AM UPDATE: The regurgitation continues and the Internist on staff today just called (she is the vet that did the endoscopy). She says the hospital staff has been discussing what to do about Sprout, and between the surgical department and the internal medicine department, they are coming to the conclusion (this is a guess based on ruling everything else out) . . . that perhaps because Sprout had been regurgitating for months and months, that his esophagus has so much scar tissue that it can't recover. They've never seen a dog this sick before, although they are accustomed to pet owners bringing their pets in pro-actively with this kind of chronic regurgitating. I told her that the former owner had admitted to the shelter that the regurgitating had been going on since he was a puppy, although I suspect it has increased in severity over time. Otherwise I can't imagine how Sprout could even be alive if it had been this severe since he was a puppy. There is one last thing they can try to address the regurgitating, and that is some steroid injections to try to reduce the inflammation in the esophagus. It is a sort of Hail Mary and the internist said if it is going to help in any way, they would see some results in two to three days. She does not sound hopeful however, based on his history and that the regurgitating has not just been recent. I don't know what type of life he may have if he needs to be on lifelong steroids for the scar tissue in his esophagus. We now need to make the decision whether to put him through another two to three days with steroid injections, or make the decision to let him go. This whole situation is incredibly heartbreaking. 💔💔💔

12/5 AM UPDATE #2: We’ve had further communications with the Internist this morning about options for Sprout. We asked about a feeding tube, and the Internist explained that a feeding tube through the nares was not a safe idea following his airway surgery, and that other points of insertion (neck or abdomen) would require anesthesia and would not be a good idea at this point. We also asked about the medication Sprout was on during the 3 days prior to his surgery, when he had stopped regurgitating, and the Internist assured us that he is currently on the same regimen of medication. The current complications seem to point to post-surgical inflammation and/or possible esophageal scarring - and it’s possible that IV steroids could be helpful. The Internist, who will be on duty for the next several days, suggested a one day at a time approach for the next few days, and we’ve agreed with that plan in hopes that the steroid treatment will give Sprout the opportunity to recover.

12/6 AM UPDATE: Tiny Sprout regurgitated only two times last night as compared to eight times the night before. Some improvement! They are trying to introduce soft food every two hours instead of liquid diet. He has not had a bowel movement in two days. This is what they are looking for - the food to get through. 🤞🏼🤞🏼

12/6 PM UPDATE: Don’t miss the latest video from our 12/6 afternoon visit with Sprout this afternoon. This sweet boy is SO loved & adored by all who meet him!

12/6 EVENING UPDATE: Tonight’s pictures are worth thousands and thousands of words! It looks like our Tiny Sprout is beginning to turn a very important corner! We are beyond excited!

12/7 PM UPDATE: Dr. Harvey (the Internist on Sprout’s case today) called to say that he has not regurgitated in over 24 hours. He is on an extremely high dosage of steriods right now and at some point, it needs to be tapered down or tapered off. They are feeding him every three hours now, in preparation for him to be discharged. If he doesn't regurgitate, he can be discharged, although that in no way indicates he is healthy or better. It just means that he can come off IV fluids and get out of the mental boredom of being in a hospital. A Bailey Chair might be something to consider, even though he does not have mesaesophagus, it might help, it might not. He can't use one while he still has stitches in his abdominal area. His pneumonia is asymptomatic currently, and he is on anti-biotics for ten more days. He will get chest x-rays repeated when he gets his stitches out (mid next week?). We currently don't have anywhere to put him, but to continue to hospitalize him is so expensive - especially if he can come off the fluids and be in a home environment. I may end up bringing him to my house temporarily while we see if the people that applied to foster him will be available. They are going out of town this weekend. Sprout’s long-term prognosis is "guarded." The question is, what will Sprout's "normal" be? Will it be manageable? Will he ever be able to keep his food down without steroids? .If he needs steroids for life, there will be other health issues as a result, as daily steroids suppresses the immune system. He could get pancreatitis, skin problems, ear problems, he will be more prone to getting respiratory illnesses, etc. If he can eventually be weaned off the steroids without regurgitating, or minimal regurgitating, that would be the ideal. If he can't be weaned off the steroids, our fear is his quality of life is going to always be susceptible to other illnesses because of the effects steroids will have on his body. So for today, euthanasia is off the table, but that could change in a week, two weeks, a month. It all depends on how long the steroids are necessary to control the regurgitating.

12/8 AM UPDATE: Tiny Sprout’s Internist reports that he is tolerating the every-4-hour feedings well overall.  He did regurgitate a very small amount twice overnight.  Otherwise, per the doctor, he is looking good!  

12/8 PM UPDATE: Sprout is being discharged tomorrow!  His Internist reports that he has had 2 bowel movements in the last 48 hours.  The first one was very small, but this morning he had more of a normal looking one.  He will be going home with me (Cathy) for continuing care until we can find a foster home. It is still very early in what is hopefully his healing process. We are so grateful for everything his village has contributed to give him this chance! Please keep those positive energies coming our way! ❤️

12/9 PM UPDATE: One big step at a time . . . Sprout has left the hospital - with loads of medication and lots of care instruction! He’s at Cathy’s house for now while we wait for a foster home. Cathy fed him once they arrived at her house, and so far, he has not regurgitated. These next few days are so important in determining how well Sprout will adjust to a non-critical-care environment - with no IV’s for hydration & medication administration, and no critical care specialists to jump in if something goes wrong. As the Sprout story continues, we continue to ask his village to continue sending your own healing energies, in whatever form works for you. We feel a deep sense of gratitude for all of you!

12/11 UPDATE: Sprout is doing better in his foster home environment over the past two days. He continues to tolerate his feedings well, with smaller and fewer regurgitations. He’s peeing and pooping regularly, in good amounts, as well. That tells us that food is able to transit his digestive tract. His care is very challenging as he needs to be fed and medicated every few hours around the clock! He’s currently receiving 7 medications, all with different schedules - so the math gets very complicated! Some of the meds need to be accompanied by food, and others don’t. When he does regurgitate, it probably means he’s losing some of the medication. Until Sprout’s surgical stitches are removed, we won’t be able to use a Bailey Chair to hold him in a more upright position which should help reduce regurgitation - but right now we’re MacGyvering ways for him to maintain a semi-upright position while he takes his food from a syringe. Just holding him in an upright position is difficult for one person, as he is very wriggly - and pushing his food through the syringe generally requires both hands! His demeanor is alert, he’s interested in his surroundings, he loves attention, he doesn’t bark or whine, he just doesn’t complain! He is the sweetest and bestest boy ever! You can find more frequent updates on Sprout’s progress on our Facebook page.

12/16 UPDATE: Today is Tiny Sprout’s 8th day out of the hospital, and in foster care - and he is slowly recovering. He’s gaining weight, regurgitating much less, and pooping more - all good things! His care continues to be time-consuming, and around the clock, with the goal of getting him to an optimal weight in about 6 months, and regurgitating no more than 2x/day by that time. His stitches have been removed and he’s now allowed to get some outdoor walks/exercise. Now that his stitches are out, he may be able to use a Bailey Chair in order to keep him in an upright position during and immediately after eating. That should help to further reduce regurgitation.

Sprout has not yet been officially listed for adoption, due to the amount of time & care he currently requires. Thankfully, we have a wonderful foster family, experienced with Frenchies, who recently applied to volunteer as fosters, and are willing to continue his prescribed course of care. Much gratitude for them - and paws crossed for all!

12/26 UPDATE: Thank you to Daisy and her dog mom for donating her Bailey chair to Tiny Sprout. Daisy is an eighteen month old Frenchie who lives in Michigan. She had the same exact surgery as Sprout when she was four months old and the chair helped her post op.

Tiny Sprout has been trying out a new foster home for the last week and things are going better than expected!

His new foster home has two Frenchies and they welcomed Sprout into their home with open paws and they even have a wrapped gift for him under their Christmas tree . . . awwww!

Sprout is getting six tiny meals every twenty four hours and he is pooping most of it, with some regurgitation, but he is on the right track to gaining weight.

He gained .9 of a pound so far, whoo hooo! The surgeon says that over the next six months, he would like to see Sprout get to between 18 and 19 pounds (he is currently 13.9 pounds).

Sprout tried out his new donated Bailey chair and guess what that little puppy monkey did? He climbed right out of it! omg! He MUST be feeling good to be able to do that!

WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE PERIODIC UPDATES HERE - AND ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!

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