Riley is our Jack Russell Terrier and he needs emergency surgery to save his life. We recently noticed that Riley was having a hard time breathing. After x-rays were done, our veterinarian told us that one of Riley's lungs were being crushed by his heart and intestines. We were referred to UT Veterinarian Animal Hospital, where we were told that Riley likely has a congenital condition known as peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia. Riley is a very special dog, we brought him home for our 19 year old daughter Kristian, who was dying of cancer. Ever since Kristian passed away, Riley has helped us cope with the loss of our beloved daughter. Riley's personality is so much like our daughter's, both sweet and sassy. Sometimes it feels like Kristian chose to leave a part of herself behind, with Riley, to watch over us. Losing Riley would also mean losing our last part of Kristian. Riley is currently in ICU at UT and will require surgery or he will die of suffocation.
