Austin is a 4-year-old Hound mix in Bella Vista, who needs $1,013 for Liver Disease Treatment.

We adopted Austin from the Bella Vista Animal Shelter when he was about 6 months old. He is now 4 and up until now, he has never suffered any health problems with the exception of hookworms once. We own a home in Bella Vista with a fenced in back yard. Austin is one of many rescues we own. We have a total of 4 rescue cats and 3 rescue dogs and 1 recent foster fail dog.

There are 4 humans in the home. Myself, my significant other, and two 13 year old boys. Austin, or Moose as we often call him, is our boys' favorite dog. We take Moose and his siblings on hikes, to the creek, or on the grandparents boat as frequently as possible. I work from home and am with my dogs all day. My significant other is disabled and also at home with them daily.

Austin is special to us because he is a sweet, gentle guy. As a hound mix, he does love to talk, especially when the boys get home from school! We had another female dog that was his best friend and we tragically lost her about 2 years ago. Since then, we adopted another female that is best friends with Austin. I couldn't handle the boys losing their favorite dog at such a young age.

Out of nowhere, Austin started acting lethargic about 2 weeks ago and couldn't keep his breakfast down but could eat his dinner. One day while lying next to him on the bed, I decided to check his capillary refill (I have worked or been around dogs my whole life) and immediately noticed he was jaundiced. I rushed him to the vet after calling ahead. He stayed overnight and came back for bloodwork.

Austin is doing better although we don't know what spurred the liver disease. He is improving but has to remain on a hepatic diet and 5 medications for now. I am picking up him and the second vet bill today.