Born just a little over 2 years ago, this baby blue brindle boy was rescued by Regap on November 30th from Florida. When I visited him at the vets, I was struck by a very tired and sad look on this young grey's handsome face.His blue fur was very thin with missing patches of fur all over his body and open sores and an ear infection.

This was a very sick and neglected dog, but we could never have imagined the damage that had been done deep in his heart. Our vet suspected a heart murmer upon Tramp's initial checkup. An animal heart specialist was brought in who performed a heart echocardiogram. The diagnosis was that Tramp's heart had been damaged due to Bacterial Endocarditis; an infection that damaged the heart muscle and Mitral Valve, known as Moderate Mitral Regurgitation. As explained by our vet, the heart valves normally push blood through the heart and "close the door" behind the blood flow so that it all pushes out to nourish the body. But Tramp's heart valves aren't closing enough so some blood goes backwards, which denies his body proper blood nourishment.

The heart specialist suspects that dirty needles used to administer steroids at the track are the culprit in Tramp's bacterial infection, which attacked his heart. The thin fur and much of his unhealthy appearance are side affects of an untreated heart problem in any animal. But now Tramp is on heart medication that makes it easier for the heart to pump proper amounts of blood into the body. He must have a heart Echo every 6 months and blood work every 3 months to monitor his kidney and liver functions.

The happy news is that Tramp is in the midst of being adopted by a loving home! And in true greythound fashion, he is beginning to flourish from good food and medication, eating like a champ and playing with other dogs and children. He is very sweet and friendly! His new home will be dedicated to giving him daily medication and regular vet visits, and of course lots of hugs.

Regap will continue to assist with Tramp's medical costs for life. This will be done through generous donations and our continued philosophy that every greyhound deserves our help. The prognosis for precious Tramp is guarded. We have no idea how long he will live. This is the tragic end result of humans wanting something bigger, better and faster. But what's better than a beautiful greyhound lying on a pillow with his head on his paws, looking up at you?