14 dogs, one big concern
On July 3rd, we received a call from the Animal Ambulance. A lady had passed away, leaving behind 14 dogs. The question was whether we could take these animals in.
That same afternoon, the Animal Ambulance brought the animals to us. The 14 dogs were given their own hallway, divided across five kennels. This way, they could be together during the day and had a quiet place to sleep at night with three dogs per kennel.
It immediately became clear that the dogs were in urgent need of care. They were very dirty, and for a large number of the dogs, their fur was completely matted. Because of this, several dogs had to be shaved. Additionally, they all had very, and we mean really, long nails, were overweight, and had fleas and ear mites. It was also immediately apparent that all their teeth were in serious need of a dental cleaning.
In the following days, we visited our own vet with all the animals. A personal action plan was drawn up for every dog. All the dogs needed a dental cleaning, their ears had to be flushed, and X-rays had to be taken to further assess their health. To our great sorrow, we had to say goodbye to three little dogs for medical reasons.
Because the owner passed away and the dogs ended up with us as a result, we are now also responsible for their substantial medical costs.
Of course, we will ensure that all 11 dogs receive the medical care they need. However, the medical bills are mounting up very quickly.
Would you like to help us cover these medical costs? Then please donate via the button below!
Every contribution, large or small, helps us give these dogs the care and attention they deserve.
To give you a better idea of who these special dogs are, we are putting our two biggest special-care cases in the spotlight!
Moppie
We got to know Moppie as an incredibly happy cuddle bug. Upon arrival, we were told she had a bladder infection. Because she was also urinating blood, we immediately started her on Metaxx, which acts as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory. An ultrasound of her bladder and kidneys was performed. This showed that Moppie had a thickened bladder wall and bladder stones. Our vet’s advice was to start a Urinary diet with plenty of water and to help her lose weight. Additionally, she received antibiotic injections, anti-struvite tablets, and pain relief.
Unfortunately, Moppie absolutely refused to eat. No matter what kibble we offered her, she turned up her nose and refused every meal. She was quickly scheduled with the vet for her dental cleaning, ear flushing, and cleaning of her nose fold. Prior to the treatment, X-rays were taken. These showed, among other things, that Moppie has HD in both hips, that a large bladder stone was present, and that her bladder wall was significantly thickened.
When Moppie was on the X-ray table, she gave us quite a scare. A brown, watery, and flaky discharge came out of her nose. Because her teeth were in such poor condition, our vets thought there might be an abscess that had burst. But… a little spoiler: that turned out not to be the case. When Moppie was moved from the X-ray table to the operating table and we could take a good look at her teeth, it became truly clear how bad the situation was. It wasn’t surprising that she didn’t want to eat. In total, no fewer than 11 teeth and molars were extracted. Her ears were also flushed, and her nose fold was thoroughly cleaned.
Because pugs are known for their sensitive and often narrow airways, Moppie was monitored extra closely after the anesthesia. She woke up with the intubation tube still in her throat. This is only removed when a dog is awake enough to breathe properly on their own again. Fortunately, this went very smoothly, and Moppie was soon able to go to the infirmary to recover further.
But there, things turned out to be wrong again. In her kennel lay black, watery stool that strongly resembled the discharge that had previously come out of her nose. A new diagnosis followed: a stomach ulcer. Therefore, Moppie’s treatment plan was adjusted again. She no longer received Metaxx, anti-struvite tablets, and the Urinary diet, but she did continue with the antibiotic injections. Additionally, she received a whole load of new medications: pain relief via injection twice a day, an anti-nausea injection once a day, a stomach protector twice a day, and an antacid twice a day. Moppie also had to eat easily digestible food. That’s why we made a special meal for her consisting of whiting with Intestinal canned food.
We can probably all imagine how miserable Moppie must have felt at that moment. But luckily, when we came in the next morning, she had eaten her bowl of fish completely! From that moment on, she perked up a little more every day.
Two weeks later, another surgery was scheduled. This time it was time to remove the large bladder stone. Fortunately, the surgery went very well, and the stone was completely removed.
After her final urine test, Moppie was finally allowed back to all her friends in the kennel. The reunion with Toetje, our other pug, was especially lovely for both of them. Both ladies would very much like to be rehomed together.
For now, we have a clear plan for Moppie: a special diet, plenty of water, definitely losing a bit more weight, and finding a home together with Toetje!
Patsy
When Patsy first came to us, she mostly sat huddled in her bed. She was incredibly scared and found everything around her frightening. As soon as we tried to get near her, she would run away and then completely curl up. Because her fur was matted, the clippers and scissors had to be used for Patsy as well.
During her first medical check-up, we kept finding new issues. Her teeth were in poor condition, her nails were incredibly long, and some were even ingrown. She also turned out to have sensitive hips and a sensitive back. Additionally, Patsy had to be scheduled for a heart ultrasound because the vet heard a murmur.
Since Patsy is over 10 years old, we also had her blood tested and her urine checked. These are standard checks for dogs of her age, but for Patsy, they were extra important to get a good picture of her health.
In the period between her first medical check-up and the heart ultrasound, we meanwhile focused on something at least as important: winning her trust. Patsy sits behind our reception desk almost daily with her friends Raya and Merida. There, she could quietly get used to all the sounds, smells, and people around her. Slowly but surely, she dared to make more contact with our colleague Irma, and after some time, they became best friends. By now, she has even earned the nickname ‘Teeth,’ because she always comes up to you for cuddles very happily, with her teeth visible! What big steps she has taken! While Patsy initially stayed safely at a distance, she started coming to take a look for herself more and more often. She is becoming more curious and dares to seek contact.
By now, Patsy’s teeth and ears have been cleaned, her urine has been tested, and her blood values have been checked. These blood values showed that her liver levels were somewhat elevated. For this reason, we performed an ultrasound. On this, we could see that she has something in her liver, but it’s not clear what. We do know, by having repeated the ultrasound, that it isn’t growing, so it is stable. Because her lower jaw is not strong, it’s important for Patsy to continue eating soft food. Her kibble is therefore lovingly soaked every day.
Now that her medical condition is known, our vet has cleared her to look for her own home.
For Patsy, we are looking for a safe lap of her own to lie on. A lovely place with a garden where she can truly enjoy her golden years!
Together, we give them a new start.
Will you help us cover their medical costs? Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference!
On behalf of us and Pops, Moppie, Toetje, Raya, Merida, Patsy, Mulan, Charly, Belle, Aurora, and Tiana: thank you!
Donate now
14 honden, 1 grote zorg
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