There are many local residents in Santa Cruz who are a constant source of inspiration. Nathalie, a regular client of Darwin Animal Doctors, is always on the lookout for cats and dogs that may be sick, homeless or in urgent need of veterinary attention. One week ago, Nathalie rescued ‘Snoopy’ from a situation so dire, the 4 week old puppy didn’t have more than 24 hours to live.
So weak he was unable to walk, stand, eat, drink, or keep his eyes open. Snoopy was rushed to the DAD Clinic in Puerto Ayora. Dr. Jose Galecio discovered the little puppy was riddled with ‘hundreds’ of fleas, covered in flea faeces, suffering from terrible dermatitis, critically dehydrated, had chronic diarrhea, toxocaras, and his tiny stomach was engorged with so many worms you could see the bloating from the outside. Probably the most concerning however, was the diagnosis of Rickets, a debilitating but curable bone disease caused by severe malnutrition and lack of Calcium.
It is hard to believe or imagine such a tiny baby enduring such a hard beginning to life, filled with suffering and devoid of sustenance, a warm bed and loving arms.
Both Nathalie and Dr Jose were fearful he wouldn’t last the night, but vigorous fluid therapy, antibiotics and de-worming treatment give him the best chance.
The next day, the little miracle was still alive but very weak and could not yet walk. Nathalie kept him swaddled in fluffy blankets and next to a hot water bottle just hoping he would keep improving.
After what has been 7 days of treatment now by Dr Jose, and Nathalie’s loving care, Snoopy scampered in to the clinic this morning, chubbier, alert and energetic. I couldn’t believe the transformation, I was sure he wouldn’t make it at such a young age. It was critical that Dr Jose had been there for both Snoopy and Nathalie, on call 24/7 to do anything he could to save him. Stories such as this remind us how many animals would suffer alone if not for Darwin Animal Doctors. The photos in this document were taken today, showing both Snoopy and Nathalie glowing with happiness.
Vet’s Report
Patient: Snoopy Age: 4 Weeks Weight: 1 pound
Owner: Natalia Montalvo
Date: 13th September
History: Caquexia, weakness, aged approximately 4 weeks
Positive toxocaras sp at microscope examination
Dehydration, infestation with fleas
Temperature: 38.5
Diarrhea, can’t stand, can’t walk
Owner referred she have the puppy since that day, and he is very weak, and she asked what she can use to feed it.
Treatment:
Pirantel + praziquantel 0.2
Fluid Sub cutaneous (LRS)
Antibiotics (IM)
Feed the puppy with milk replace for puppies.
And Fluids orally
Date: 14th September
Owner referred, patient eliminated a lot of worms in the faeces,
Patient is still dehydrated and weak, it has been fed with the milk replace formula ad orally hydrated. Temperature 37.8 degrees Celsius.
Treatment:
LRS Subcutaneous (SQ)
Ivermectine SQ
Advantage
Wormed in the place.
Date: 15th September
Owner referred it is better and with more appetite, still give fluids orally, no diahorrea
Temperature: 38.5, still a light de hydration
Treatment:
LRS, Dextromin (vitamins + aminoacids) SQ
Antibiotics IM
Vitamin D & E orally. For home.
Date: 19th september
Checking the state of patient, he is better, no dehydration, no diahorrea.
Come back 20th September next dose of de-wormer.
Snoopy on the mend and her beaming owner Nathalie.
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