Dogs
Autistic boy’s service dog starts having serious nosebleeds then family realize sons lifeline is sick
Gavin's service dog Caspian can smell seizures and detect them before they occur so his being sick affects Gavin significantly.
D.G. Sciortino
07.07.20

Dogs these days not only make incredible companions but they also are trained to save lives.

Dogs are able to assist humans and perform jobs that even humans can’t do.

Some dogs can even detect seizures before they occur.

Pixabay
Source:
Pixabay

According to French researchers who conducted a study published in Scientific Reports for Medical Mutts, an organization that trains seizure alert dogs, dogs can detect a seizure up to 45 minutes before they actually occur.

Catching the seizure before it occurs can alert people to take medication that could prevent or limit the severity of their seizure.

It can also help them move into a safe place where they won’t be injured in the event of a seizure.

Source: Science Insider

The study had collected breath samples and sweat from people with different forms of epilepsy.

Some were taken right after a seizure occurred, while others were taken after exercise or rest.

The dogs were then trained to stop and stand still if they smelled a seizure and given a treat if they correctly detected it. Three dogs sniffed with 100 percent accuracy while the other two, who had less training time, were correct two-thirds of the time.

Pixabay
Source:
Pixabay

The study explains that dogs are able to do this because they possess 300 million olfactory receptors, which makes a dog’s nose up to a thousand times strong than a human’s.

Scientists are actually trying to recreate an electronic nose similar to that of a dog that will be able to sniff out diseases.

Caspian is a 6-year-old service dog that can smell seizures and aids a 14-year-old boy named Gavin a non-verbal autistic boy who has seizures.

Posted by Brooke Wright onMonday, July 6, 2020

Capsian and Gavin have been friends for years.

He alerts Gavin’s family when he senses that Gavin might have a seizure.

Caspian stays by Gavin’s side whenever he senses a seizure coming on.

Posted by Brooke Wright onSunday, May 1, 2016

Unfortunately, Caspian hasn’t been feeling well. He’s been getting lots of bad bloody noses.

Gavin’s seizures have also increased in frequency during this time.

Gavin’s family have taken Caspian to the emergency veterinarian and to lots of specialists to find out what’s going on with their beloved service dog.

Posted by Brooke Wright onMonday, July 6, 2020

They are waiting on Caspian’s pathology biopsy from his nasal passage.

Caspian’s condition has left him unable to detect oncoming seizures.

But that still doesn’t mean he doesn’t help Gavin in other ways.

Posted by Brooke Wright onMonday, April 6, 2020

Dogs like Caspian help autistic children to socialize better with their peers and help nonverbal children to vocalize since they have to use their service dog’s commands.

And, of course, they’re great as a cuddly companion which can help calm and provide children comfort.

In the meantime, hospital bills are piling up. Just one of Caspian’s veterinarian bills has cost $5,000.

Posted by Brooke Wright onSaturday, July 4, 2020

Gavin’s family will be able to pay this bill thanks to the kindness of strangers.

A GoFundMe campaign was started for the family and donations starting pouring in after the story was published on FOX 5 Atlanta.

So far, $10,400 of the campaign’s $12,000 goal has been reached.

GoFundMe Screenshot
Source:
GoFundMe Screenshot

“Please help us save Gavin’s service dog Caspian! Gavin has severe non-verbal autism and Caspian helps alleviate stress and is trained to smell seizures,” the fundraiser’s page reads. “Caspian recently started having nosebleeds and clots. His vet referred him to a specialist but the cost is astronomical. It has been recommended for Caspian to have a CT of the head, chest x-ray, and nasal scope. If you can give any amount it would be greatly appreciated.”

GoFundMe Screenshot
Source:
GoFundMe Screenshot

You can learn more about Caspian’s story below and donate to the GoFundMe account here.

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