Vet bills have always been high at Holly Hedge as we never refuse veterinary treatment to make our rescues pain free and whole again so they can enjoy a good quality of life. Sometimes due to age or the gravity of their condition we can often give palliative care with medication in foster homes for as long as they are well and happy in themselves.

In recent years Holly Hedge has experienced increasing numbers of dogs coming to us needing urgent and extensive veterinary treatment and major surgery, mainly because of bad breeding. In particular, breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, British and Old Tyme Bulldogs to name but a few. More often than not, intricate surgery is essential, such as elongated soft palate surgery, and widening of the nostrils (stenotic nare resection) so they can breathe properly, enjoy exercise, play, and be normal dogs without struggling to catch their breath or passing out. Both these surgeries, along with narrowing of the trachea and other airway complications come under Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Not only do some of them suffer with airway difficulties, but with excess folds of skin which are subjected to sore and debilitating infections. Another common problem is bulbous eyes which are prone to dry eye and painful infections, necessitating soothing eye drops for the rest of their lives. Then there are dental issues, sometimes at a young age as their teeth are crammed into such a tiny space, causing undershot and overshot jaws and painful overlapping teeth which must be removed on humanitarian grounds.

It is shameful that irresponsible breeders can get away with the suffering they cause from the day these animals are born. Sadly, many of these poor dogs cannot even give birth in the normal way and have no choice other than to undergo a C-section with each litter or they will die. This type of bad breeding is not conducive to good animal welfare and cannot be justified. It is heartrending to see the state of some of these dogs deliberately bred to look this way.

Others with excessive folds of skin needing surgery such as Shar Pei’s, some of whom are almost blind with the folds covering their eyes and unable to see properly. When they undergo surgery to lift the skin away, the transformation is so heartwarming to see as they become normal happy dogs and far less wary of humans. Yet again, being bred in such a callous way they are prone to uncomfortable, painful and itchy infections.

Many breeds come to us with inherent problems, but the above breeds have been highlighted because of their increasing popularity. Sadly, when owners cannot afford vet bills and want to give them up, that is when Holly Hedge become their lifeline, and irrespective of cost we will do whatever is necessary to make their lives happy and enjoyable, something many haven’t experienced until then. A great deal of aftercare is needed at additional costs, and Holly Hedge pledge to support these ongoing expenses.  Please rest assured that the adoption fee for a pedigree dog is the same as for a cross breed as in our eyes they all have the same worth.  

Of course we take in mostly cross breeds, some of whom also need veterinary treatment and surgery with ongoing aftercare as well. Hydrotherapy is often crucial in the rehabilitation of orthopaedic surgery which is expensive but highly beneficial to hasten recovery and strengthen muscle tone. No animal will ever be denied the help necessary to give them a new lease of life and we will never begrudge spending whatever it takes to give them their lives back. 

That said we desperately need funding to help keep up with the ongoing demands and high cost of veterinary treatment which is a huge drain on the Charity’s resources.

Our wonderful staff and volunteers work tirelessly to put them back together again, and ultimately find their forever homes.  Our rescues are very much loved by us all, and we want only the best for them. Since the beginning of April 2022 to June 2024 our vet bills have reached a staggering £251,898.81 to enable our rescues to enjoy a new lease of life. Many more will enter our gates needing urgent help and we cannot let them down.

Click here to read just some of our success stories, who have been made whole again at great cost, but our rescues are priceless to us. Vet bills have soared dramatically in these challenging times, and we are struggling. We also support our adopted animals who have ongoing medical issues so they can live happily in a cosy home environment.

If you would like to contribute to Holly Hedge's designated funds veterinary appeal, please donate via the link below to help us save precious lives.

We mend broken hearts, broken limbs and broken spirits, and with your help we will always be here to pick up the pieces.

Thank you for caring.

Pauline Leeson 

Founder of Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary.