Help Hudson on his Medical Journey
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About this campaign
Hudson is my sweet, goofy Cocker Spaniel and such an important part of my family. He has the most expressive eyes, the biggest personality, and a way of making me smile even on the hardest days. He loves being close to his people, playing with his toys, and being wherever the action is. Hudson isn’t “just a dog” to me — he’s family, my companion, and one of the biggest pieces of my heart.
Hudson has serious neurological symptoms and was diagnosed with high ammonia levels, suspected hepatic encephalopathy, and liver abnormalities. He is undergoing specialized liver bloodwork and an abdominal ultrasound at NorthStar VETS. Depending on the results, he may also need a CT scan, brain MRI, and additional neurological testing.
Hudson is more than a pet—he’s family and one of my greatest sources of love and comfort. The night he became ill, I truly thought I might lose him. I’m incredibly grateful he’s still here, and I’m determined to find answers, get him the care he needs, and give my boy every opportunity for many more happy, healthy years. ❤️🐾
Hudson’s emergency care and ongoing specialty testing have become financially overwhelming, especially after recent veterinary expenses for Sadie. Asking for help isn’t easy, but I can’t let finances keep Hudson from getting the answers and care he needs. ❤️🐾
Updates
October 3, 2026
🐾❤️ HUDSON UPDATE — We have another important piece of the puzzle.
We received the results of Hudson’s specialized liver bloodwork, and unfortunately they are very abnormal.
His bile acids were:
Pre-meal: 460.1 (normal is 0–14.9)
Post-meal: 178.5 (normal is 0–29.9)The results were so elevated that the laboratory verified them with repeat analysis.
In simple terms, this test helps evaluate how well Hudson’s liver is functioning. His results show significant liver dysfunction, although this test alone cannot tell us exactly what is causing it.
When we put this together with his elevated ammonia, neurological symptoms, small liver, and the abnormal blood vessel found on ultrasound, his doctors are very concerned about a possible portosystemic liver shunt (PSS).
A liver shunt can allow blood to bypass the liver instead of being properly filtered, potentially allowing toxins such as ammonia to build up and affect the brain. We’re getting closer to answers, but we’re not there yet.
Hudson will most likely need a CT angiogram next to map the abnormal blood vessel and help his specialists determine exactly what we’re dealing with and what treatment may be possible.
Hudson is home, taking his medications, and will be transitioning to his special diet while we work toward the next step.
I cannot thank everyone enough who has donated, shared, prayed, checked on Hudson, or simply followed his journey. Your support has already helped us get the testing that uncovered these abnormalities.
We finally have pieces of the puzzle beginning to fit together. Now we need to find out exactly what they mean and what can be done to help our little boy.
- Location
- Manchester, NJ
- Species:
- Dog
- Breed:
- English Cocker Spaniel
- Age:
- 3 years old
- Sex:
- Male