Thurs 8 Nov: Supporting HKDR's veterinary costs

New boy Greyson was desperate for cuddles

Out of the five larger-sized adult dogs we took from AFCD Sheung Shui today, four tested positive for heartworm while one of the two poodles needs corrective surgery on both knees.  The two dogs that came from AFCD Pokfulam recently were surprisingly heartworm-free, but being older they also have some health problems which need investigating and treating, and almost all of the ex-breeder dogs that end up at HKDR, whether they come via AFCD or directly, have multiple health issues. Even the baby pup, now with the name of Perry, had to have a leg amputated, so age is not a factor when it comes to requiring veterinary care, one of our major monthly expenses.

We know our supporters understand that HKDR will always do whatever is necessary to help the dogs, and that means paying for good and experienced vets, so to help make donating towards such costs simpler we have set up a dedicated website page: https://hongkongdogrescue.com/vet-fund-donation-form/

We also have a new volunteer, Dana, who will be specifically helping with providing information about individual cases, the treatment and follow up, so donors will know that their help has been worthwhile.

Today's poodles are  only 2 years and 4 years old.

Aiden, 4 years, male

Today's heartworm cases are two German shepherds, Paisley (nine years) and Aiden (four years) as well as two mixed breeds, Jayden and Greyson, both young adults.  Depending on the severity of the infection and whether the lungs are affected, either two or three injections to kill the worms will be needed, with pre and post-medication also essential.

Piasley, 9 years, female

All of the new dogs are lovely, and what makes me very sad is seeing those like Greyson and Jayden and knowing that they must have been adopted as cute puppies not that long ago.  Obviously whoever was taking care of them before must have treated them well as they are so friendly, but that didn't include any heartworm prevention, something which is absolutely essential in the New Territories.  It's pretty much guaranteed that without prevention any dog will be infected from an early age, just as happened to these two boys.

I had another passenger with me today, my Lamma boy Murphy, who is already quite well known to many of you.  I was taking part in a radio show on Tuesday, and while talking Murphy could be heard in the background demanding treats as usual, but on Wednesday he was suddenly very different and completely disorientated.  I guessed it was something like a human stroke although the symptoms were hard to describe to Dr Tony, and at seventeen years old it's hardly surprising that things should start to go wrong.  Murphy had a full blood test only a few months ago and everything was totally fine, but while his liver, kidneys and heart are still functioning well, it's his brain that is now in trouble.  I just hope he can adjust to his new circumstances, or that when his time comes it will be fast and painless.