Meet Christopher
Meet Christopher - 2023
In September, Christopher was found as a helpless stray with a badly broken leg. At the time, he was estimated to be under a year old and weighed a mere 5-6 pounds. His small stature hinted at a possible Chihuahua/Yorkie mix, but his journey had only just begun.
Swift action was taken, and he underwent emergency surgery to repair his broken leg, complete with plates and screws. He was transferred to a shelter, where his resilience shone through as he endured the healing process. However, as the cast came off, it was revealed that his other front leg was twisted, and he hesitated to put weight on it. X-rays uncovered serious abnormalities, prompting veterinarians to consider the possibility of another surgery or even amputation.
As if that wasn't enough, additional challenges emerged. Elevated kidney values hinted at potential kidney disease, demanding further investigation. Recognizing the severity of his condition and the long road ahead, Christopher was entrusted to our care.
Scheduled to meet our orthopedic surgeon in December, Christopher faces the prospect of more medical interventions. Tests to delve into his kidney issues, vet visits and treatments, even trips to our holistic vet where we've witnessed success in treating similar cases in the past.
Christopher’s journey towards recovery is far from over. Neuter surgery (complicated due to his cryptorchidism) and a dental procedure to remove his baby teeth are also on the horizon.
Despite these challenges, Christopher remains a very sweet and playful boy, proving that his indomitable spirit triumphs over adversity. His bad leg doesn't hinder his zest for life, and he continues to embrace the joys of puppyhood.
How can you make a difference in Christopher’s life? Glad you asked. Please consider donating towards his extensive and costly care. Your support will contribute to his ongoing healing journey, ensuring that he receives the love and medical attention he deserves. Together, we can help Chrisopher embark on a new chapter filled with hope, health, and happiness.
Update - December 2023
Here at BUTTONNOSES Rescue we’re just so grateful to have Christopher in our care but it’s hard to imagine that this sweet boy has been through so much already, in his young, puppy life. From a badly broken leg on the left which has now been fixed, to a badly injured & dis-jointed elbow/leg on the right, you can say that Christopher has experienced his fair share of bodily pain. As for the rest of his story, we know that it hasn’t been easy for him but what we do know is this little guy has shown unconditional love, playfulness and unparalleled resilience throughout!!
December 8:
Little Christopher met with our vet and had a bunch of tests done to address his kidneys (Bloodwork, urinalysis and culture, xrays). Unfortunately these tests have shown that his kidney values have gone up even higher than before and we won’t know why until he has his ultrasound appointment, which is scheduled for December 21. In the meantime, we’ve started him on a course of antibiotics in case we’re dealing with a major kidney infection. We’re also using fresh nutritious foods and holistic care to better support Christopher’s body and assist in bringing his kidney values down.
December 12:
Christopher met with our orthopedic surgeon. Looks like his right elbow is badly disjointed and needs corrective surgery plus lots of rehab afterwards (physio, water therapy, laser, etc) to make that leg functional. If we get everything cleared up & healed up with Christopher’s kidney values, we can then proceed with his scheduled surgery for his leg on January 12th, 2024. Christopher will also be neutered & have dental extractions done the same day. We hope and pray Christopher’s surgery will be a go, as we don’t want this boy in anymore discomfort & pain.
As you know with any medical issue, there can be unexpected costs that come up along the way and in the case of Christopher, we have extra costs associated with diagnostics and treatments for his kidneys now that weren’t accounted for. We have upped our fundraising goal and with your continued support we can easily achieve that goal in no time at all! We are working hard to spread the word regarding Christopher with everyone we can. We would truely appreciate your help with spreading the word and helping us reach our goal to help Christopher.
Please note that you can also send us an e-transfer to info@buttonnoses.com if you prefer (that will also save us the GoFundMe fees).
You can also make a donation directly to our vet or orthopedic surgeon. Please contact us for more info.
Update - January 2024
Friends, little Christopher has an update for you.
As you all know, Christopher is a sweet and tiny Chihuahua x young boy (possibly around a year old), that was found as a stray with a badly broken left arm, and transferred to our care after he had surgery on that arm. Since his arrival, we have discovered that 1) his right arm is also deformed and twisted which prevents him from putting much weight on it, and 2) his kidney values have been elevated.
We had initially booked him for a surgery on Christopher’s right arm, while investigating the status of the kidneys. After x-rays, ultrasound, and multiple blood and urine tests, it has been concluded that unfortunately Christopher is now in stage 2, borderline stage 3, out of 4 stages of chronic kidney disease. To add to the severity of his condition, he also has protein leakage (UPC) which gives him a poorer prognosis.
Christopher’s failing kidneys don’t make him a good candidate for his orthopedic surgery and unfortunately we had to put that on hold. In the meantime here is a plan for Christopher as per his wonderful team of vets and specialists:
1. He has started taking an ACE-inhibitor (Enalapril) to try and decrease the protein leakage through urine.
2. He’s also put on another medication (Clopidogrel) to reduce the chance of blood clots.
3. We will have to repeat blood and urine tests a few times in the next few weeks to see how he is responding to the meds, if his dosage needs adjustment, and how fast his kidneys are declining.
4. We are currently looking into getting Christopher set up for rehab and physio to make sure his arm is as comfortable and pain free as possible.
5. Christopher will continue to receive holistic treatments like acupuncture and homeopathy for his kidneys as we have had great success with these treatments for other dogs with similar conditions in the past.
We truly appreciate each and every one of you for your love and support for Christopher through his journey. Please continue checking for updates here, and supporting him by sharing his GoFundMe page, and sending donations his way. No amount is too little. And he can use every bit of help to continue to receive his ongoing treatments, tests, rehab, and special food and supplements to keep his kidneys going for as long as possible.
Christopher is a sweet, loving, and adorable young boy who has just started his life, and was unfortunately dealt a very rough hand. But despite all that, this little angel exudes love and joy every minute of his days. And is determined to enjoy life to the fullest with your ongoing help.
You can also use our donation page for other ways of donating towards Christopher’s care.