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Jonah recovers after his shunt
was secured in a second surgery. |
December 24 Update: We are happy to announce that Jonah has been adopted! After months of care his foster mother, an emergency and critical care veterinary technician, has officially adopted him; ensuring that Jonah will receive expert care around the clock. In addition, the MSPCA will cover any future diagnostic, medical and surgery cost for Jonah that is related to his prior diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus and subsequent shunt surgery.
Thank you to everyone who supported Jonah through his surgery and recovery with your donations, offers of adoption and prayers.
December 3 Update: Jonah is recuperating in foster care. He is alert and active while gaining strength every day. People from around the world continue to follow his story and send their wishes for a speedy recovery.
November 12 Update: A second surgery was performed today after Jonah's shunt had come out of his brain. The shunt was reinserted during the 25 minute procedure and further secured using silk sutures. Jonah was up and eating within one hour of the surgery's completion and he has experienced no setbacks. Jonah will again enter foster care to be monitored during his recovery.
November 4 Update: Jonah is now recovering in foster care with members of Angell's Neurology Service. Dr. Andrew Farabaugh continues to monitor Jonah during his recovery and has noticed an increasing level of alertness in the small Chihuahua. Jonah is walking better since the surgery as his motor skills improve. In addition to his physical recovery, Jonah remains upbeat and frequently plays with the dogs in his foster placements.
October 26 Update: Jonah continues to receive around-the-clock care in Angell's Emergency and Critical Care Unit. The neurology team is keeping a close watch on his shunt and checking for obstructions. Once he is given the "all clear" he will enter foster care to continue his recovery.
October 16 Update: Jonah underwent a successful brain surgery at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. The two-and-a-half hour operation took place on the morning of October 15 and Jonah is currently recovering in Angell-Boston's Emergency and Critical Care Unit. Jonah now faces a recovery period during which he will be monitored around the clock. He will also be evaluated over the next several days to determine if he can regain additional motor skills. Several photos from the surgery and his recovery are at the bottom of this page. News regarding Jonah's recovery will continue to be posted on this page as well as on the MSPCA-Angell Twitter page.
Jonah, the blind Chihuahua puppy who underwent successful brain surgery at Angell on Thursday, October 15, continues to recover at Angell’s Emergency and Critical Care Unit. After learning of Jonah’s story through international media coverage, animal lovers from around the world contacted the MSPCA-Angell with their support in the form of donations, adoption inquiries and prayers for his full recovery.
Angell Animal Medical Center received donations that will cover the cost of Jonah’s surgery and recovery as well as help provide care for many animals like Jonah at the Boston based veterinary center.
A decision regarding Jonah’s permanent adoptive home will be made following his recovery in the upcoming weeks. During this recovery, Jonah is scheduled to once again enter foster care with members of Angell’s neurology service, and in some cases foster providers wish to adopt animals in their care after forming a strong bond.
In addition to donations made for Jonah and animals like him, Angell also received dozens of supportive emails from concerned animal lovers. One of these emails came from a family who is already caring for a Chihuahua that underwent an identical surgery to Jonah’s. Another email came from a supporter who provides assistance to “bottle babies” (unweaned, motherless kittens) and numerous others came from people who have adopted from shelters or cared for animals who had been abused or severely injured.*
Nearly 80 veterinarians in 14 specialties provide care for more than 50,000 animals each year at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. Angell is fortunate to offer financial assistance to pet owners who struggle financially. Please consider making a donation to the Angell Animal Medical Center’s General Fund to help animals like Jonah who require life-saving care every day.
*We deeply appreciate these inspiring notes and offers of help, and it is this support that has saved Jonah’s life. |
