A Special Appeal
GRIFFIN'S STORY ~ Can You Help?

On December 12, 2011 Griffin underwent a multi-view CT angiogram of his abdomen to confirm and specifically identify:

1. The type of liver shunt or shunts
2. The location (whether inside or outside the liver)
3. The number of liver shunts present.
4. The severity of the liver shunt/ shunts
5. Whether or not the liver shunts are operable, enabling Griffin's survival.

Outcome:
Fortunately Griffin was found to have only 1 large shunt but it is severe and will fatally damage his liver and kidneys if not surgically closed soon. It is also fortunate that the shunt is on the outside of the liver and is therefore completely operable.

During the CT procedure a second congenital defect was identified, as a retained testicle located in his abdomen, which must be removed to ensure his future health.

Griffin’s chronic bladder infections and mineral deposits (stemming from his liver disorder) have not caused irreversible damage yet.

Because he is so young and is in relatively good health his projected outcome is excellent providing he has the liver shunt surgery as soon as possible.

Griffin has his owner Daniela, a single parent, and her daughter to thank for maintaining him in the best possible health given what he has been through in the past year. They cook a very specialized diet for him and have made sure his medications are always given and on schedule. Griffin is as important a family member as his 2 humans, they cannot imagine life without him and will continue to do everything possible for him but financially this family is strapped and there is no extended family to help them. Griffin and his family continue to need donations toward his life saving surgery.

Griffin is the youngest member of a close and loving family that is committed to saving him but they cannot do this without your help.

At the age of 1 year Griffin began to show symptoms such as seizures and severe urinary infections and was rushed to the Emergency Veterinary Clinic. In the following months he was seen by veterinarians and veterinary specialists who performed extensive tests, X-rays, sonograms determining that he was born with a life threatening congenital condition known as liver shunting . In addition to this condition Griffin also has testicular and prostate malformations that are causing bladder crystals and stones leading to severe urinary infections.

Griffin's family has incurred over $5,000 in debt over the past year in the process of diagnosis, treatment and care for him. Griffin's medication and special dietary needs alone cost about $100 per month.

Now that his general diagnosis is known he needs one more test, a CT scan to determine what type of shunt he has and if it is operable, this CT will cost between $1200 and $1500. If his condition is operable, and that is our greatest hope, he will require a $4000 to $7000 surgery to correct the liver shunt, bladder, prostate and testicular malformations. Griffin cannot survive without these medical interventions.

Griffin's short life has been punctuated by much suffering and great devotion on the part of his family. Sadly, when confronted with the medical evidence of Griffin's congenital disabilities the breeder he was purchased from refused to take responsibility or to help in any way with his expenses.

Griffin's owner also provided all documentation to the breeder's registry with the same result. Griffin was purchased from :

Gems Rat Terriers, Vincent and Janet Lawless of Long Island, NY

This sweet boy is a very sensitive, tender hearted little fellow who is loving and playful when he is not sick and his family is committed to doing everything they can to resolve his medical problems but their limited means have been exhausted by the necessary diagnostic procedures and there is still some distance to go for him.

If you can donate any amount, your help will be very gratefully received. American Rat Terrier Rescue Corp. is a registered 501(c)3 charity, 100% of all donations on Griffin's behalf will be paid to his veterinarians and your donation is entirely tax deductible.

Please consider sending a donation on Griffin's behalf to:

American Rat Terrier Rescue Corporation (ARTR Corp.)/ Griffin’s Fund
P.O.Box 785
Isleton, CA 95641