2nd April 2008

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we have to post the following update, but as a charity, we believe in honesty and transparency and we know that many of our supporters are following Socs' story and would wish to know the truth about him.

We took the decision to consult another vet and gain a second opinion on Socs' condition, both his asthma and the neurological problems, as the vet he had been seeing seemed unable to give us adequate answers to the questions we had regards Socs' prognosis. On Friday 14th March, Socs was examined by two vets at a different practice. They felt his asthma was severe, but that the medication he has been prescribed was good and the best for him. They observed the eye shake and also noted a head shake. Socs also 'jumps' on occasion, as if he is frightened, but when there is no cause or reason for the behaviour. The vets felt that all these symptoms suggest that Socs is having mini strokes and that if this is the case, there is no cure and no treatment. They advised that any head scan would cost upwards of £4000, that Socs would need to go to the Royal Veterinary College at Cambridge for this procedure and that a GA would be necessary. The vets feel that there would be nothing to gain from having him scanned, given their opinion about the cause of the eye shake etc. and that given the severity of his asthma that he would be at great risk of dying during the procedure. The vet feels that Socs is a very unwell Raggie and that the prognosis is very poor. It is likely that he will either have a severe asthma attack, which will lead to his death or that he will have a major stroke. The vet cannot say how long Socs has, but we are to expect his life to be cut very short.

So all there is left for us to do is make sure Socs has his medication and in addition, for us to provide palliative care, ensuring that what time he has left is as happy and comfortable as possible. He has a very good quality of life, in that he is not suffering pain, is eating well, is playing and loves his fusses and cuddles. In every sense, Socs acts like a normal, happy Raggie. With Kelly and Steve, he has everything he needs and is loved as if he were one of their own Raggies. The UKRCC remain committed to funding his needs and making sure he is provided with the very best of veterinary and foster care, for the rest of his life. Should there come a time when Socs is suffering, then the UKRCC will ensure that the right thing is done by him.

We all feel so saddened that there is nothing more we can do to secure Socs the long, happy life we had hoped for him and which he deserves, but we will ensure he knows nothing but love and care for the rest of his life. We hope that he is able to have many more happy times yet and that just maybe, for Socs, there will be a miracle and he will prove the vets wrong.

Please keep this very, special little man in your thoughts.

Heart felt thanks to all those who have donated towards Socs’ fund. The money raised will be used to continue to fund his medication and other veterinary expenses, as well as anything else Socs needs to make his life more comfortable. We shall provide Socs with the very best of everything, so that during whatever time he has left, he knows nothing but love, comfort and care. If you would like to help us in caring for Socs, then you can still make a donation via our donation page. Every penny will be used to support him in his foster home.