Valentina, a 12-week-old chocolate Lab puppy, was sick and could not keep food down. Due to her increasing medical needs, Valentina's breeder surrendered her to a local private veterinary practice.
Once at the private clinic, staff discovered that Valentina had a vascular ring anomaly, which causes entrapment and constriction of the esophagus and requires surgery to correct it to allow the dog to eat normally.
Despite Valentina's need, the private Arizona clinic couldn't help her — they simply didn't have the funds. Moreover, the clinic didn't have the necessary surgical expertise nor the capacity to assist with her post-operative care and adoption.
It was soon apparent that the Arizona clinic might have to consider humane euthanasia — that is, until one of the staff vets reached out to her former classmate, MSPCA-Angell surgical resident Dr. Katie Heidgerd for help. Dr. Heidgerd and the Angell team jumped in to help Valentina in her time of need.
“As one of just a few organizations in the country capable of handling diagnosis, surgery, post-op recovery, and adoption, we're in a unique position when it comes to helping animals like Valentina,” explained Mike Keiley, MSPCA-Angell Director of Adoption Centers and Programs. “We immediately knew we were going to do everything we could to get her here and get her the help she needed, whatever it took.”
When Valentina and the Arizona veterinarian arrived in Boston on February 9, the MSPCA-Angell's Community Outreach team set the puppy up to complete the required 48-hour quarantine before she could undergo testing.
“It was quite a journey for such a young puppy, but Valentina was unstoppable,” Keiley added. “She was friendly, sweet, and wiggly when she arrived. She wouldn't let anything get her down.”
On February 17, Valentina underwent advanced diagnostic testing, which confirmed her condition. Dr. Sue Casale, a board-certified surgeon at the MSPCA-Angell, performed the surgery later that day.
“Valentina's condition was not common, but it was treatable,” explained Keiley. “We expect her to live a full, happy, and healthy life following surgery, which would not have been possible if she hadn't been brought to Angell.”
Valentina began her recovery with the help of a foster family, which provided her with more support and time to heal. And in the end, that same family decided Valentina was to become a permanent member of their family.
