Save Valentino the critically ill British bulldog

Co-organized

Rajat Mukherjee and Priyanka Naidoo are organizing this fundraiser to benefit Friends of RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre.

Valentino is a gorgeous dog who was rescued by a charity after being abandoned by his owner. He was in a pitiful condition . For privacy reasons we cannot give out much of his past history but he has been through a traumatic time for sure. Yet he remains a cheeky, kind loving soul with a great character who is full of life. He is currently in a foster home where he can be closely monitored and longer term has a forever home to move into.

Valentino has had several health issues including skin, infections, vision threatening eye problems (melting corneal ulcers)and most worryingly he went onto develop a nasty immune mediated disease called ITP (Immune mediated Thrombocytopenia). This is a condition where the body attacks its own platelets leaving the patient vulnerable to life. threatening bleeding.

Valentino initially responded to treatment but his steroid immuno-suppressive therapy caused a severe skin condition called calcinosis cutis. This has led to ulceration of skin on his back and the steroids had to be stopped. He has had 4 different types of immuno-suppressive drugs and then his spleen removed to try and halt the ITP but sadly this has not been effective. Because he has such a low platelet count, the lining of his stomach, intestines and bladder could start to bleed on its own at any moment - and this could be life threatening. .

Valentino needs a type of therapy called IVIG (Intravenous immunoglobulins) which is an antibody product made from human blood. The cost of the IVIG is £900 per treatment and we anticipate he needs at least 3 treatments.

Information on IVIG for ITP in dogs - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17708388/

Without this treatment Valentino's prognosis is very poor.

Thousands of pounds have been spent on Valentino to date, now we need to fund raise for the one other treatment available that might help him. We are requesting all animal lovers to donate towards his care - any amount small or large - it will all help. As with all complicated medical conditions there is no guarantee that this treatment will be successful however as Valentino has such a thirst for life, we want to give him a chance of a future.

Time is of the essence - Valentino's disease is a ticking time bomb which could go off any day. He is in dire need of this therapy to try and prevent a fatal hemorrhage. Please forward this to everyone you think might be interested.

If funds above that which is needed to treat Valentino are raised- the excess will go towards treating or helping other abandoned neglected or abused animals.

Valentino's ulcerated back due to his steroids which have been stopped. This is his back at his worst, it is now much better, beginning to heal and coming under control!