A good Samaritan brought T-bone to the shelter as a stray with an unknown history. Shortly after his arrival, he started experiencing mouth and stomach pain, regurgitation of food and fluid. T-bone has subsequently been diagnosed with ulceration to his tongue, oral cavity and stomach. Without history, the medical staff had to work out what was going on with T-bone through many days of medical support, including intravenous fluid therapy, pain medications, gastric protectants and anti-inflammatories.

After some initial improvement, his symptoms unfortunately returned!

The veterinary staff performed a sedated oral exam and biopsies of the affected tissues. Ultimately, the biopsies confirmed the suspicion that he may have swallowed a substance that caused burning/trauma to his mouth and stomach. It’s also very possible that T-bone could require lifelong medication and care for his condition. In an effort to get a diagnosis for T-bone, the medical team also completed x-rays, blood tests, and many follow-ups to make sure he was on the right track to recovery. If all this wasn’t enough, T-bone also suffered from dental disease and received a dental procedure, including dental radiographs and no less than 13 surgical extractions!

T-Bone’s confidence and social personality shone through despite all his troubles, and he soon became a shelter favorite. A huge shout out to his foster, who not only provided a comfortable space for him to recover but gave us close monitoring and updates on his progress. We also learned that he loves tug of war, stealing snacks even if they are up high, and spending quality nap time with his canine friends. T-bone is currently available for adoption. If you, or someone you know, is interested in adopting T-bone, please send an email to frontdesk@auburnvalleyhs.org to receive the online application via the shelter website so we can schedule a visit with one of our veterinarians to go over his ongoing medical needs.

It costs $785 to care & treat an animal before it gets adopted!

Because of your generosity and kindness, AVHS & NWSNC is able to feed, shelter, provide basic medical and dental care, and provide low-cost spay/neuter, dentistry, and wellness services to animals in need in our community!

• $15 provides for enrichment toy or treats for shelter animals

• $100 provides nutritious formula, food, warming discs, bottles, and scale to infant kittens and puppies growing up in foster care

• $250 supports the life of a senior dog & sponsors 2 senior adoptions

• $500 supports animal lifesaving care for 5 dogs from underserved and overpopulated animal shelters

• $1000 provides for the cost of spay/neuter for 5 cats or dogs, reducing overpopulation and eliminating risk of certain cancers