Like any other living creature, dogs can experience several unique disorders that affect their health. While the masses easily understand many common health conditions, others can create deformities that most people aren't capable of treating.
In this story, rescuers discover a dog with severe ascites. Ascites is a condition that causes fluids to collect in spaces within the abdomen, resulting in a bloated and pregnant-like appearance. In dogs, ascites can be debilitating. In this case, the dog was left abandoned, unable to lie down comfortably due to its inflated abdomen.
Luckily, rescuers didn't turn a blind eye to this dog in distress. They recognized the pain and suffering in its eyes, taking it off the streets and to an animal hospital for help.
Gettting Much-Needed Help
The dog waited patiently in the car, looking warily at his rescuers. Upon arrival, several hospital staff members had to lift the dog. Its bloated demeanor made walking nearly impossible, so the team had to do the heavy lifting to get it inside.
Once inside, they were shocked by the true extent of the dog's condition. It had substantial weight, but signs of malnutrition stumped the veterinarians. How could such thin and weak limbs support an abdomen so inflated?
While scared, the dog quickly realized the rescuers were not there to hurt him. He calmed down and allowed the veterinarians to proceed with treatment.
The team carefully inserted needles into the fluid-filled pockets, allowing them to drain slowly into a nearby basin. As the fluids drained out of the dog's body, it ate as a distraction. Ultimately, the team drained three full basins of liquid from the dog's abdomen.
A Dog Reborn
It took several months for the dog's condition to stabilize. Unfortunately, ascites aren't always curable. However, there are ways to manage it and live comfortably. The dog stayed with the rescuers for over three months as veterinarians worked hard to get the condition under control.
With every visit, the dog became more and more affectionate, showing its appreciation for the work those kind strangers did.
Eventually, the dog was able to move into a shelter! The transformation was outstanding. The once-inflated dog was now healthy. When rescuers found it, the dog couldn't even lay down. However, it could now run and play.
The dog made many friends at the shelter. It's part of an extended canine family with human caretakers who support it. The dog spends its days running and staying healthy. Meanwhile, the rescuers helped modify its diet and lifestyle to keep the condition under control.
The dog has a newfound freedom, and it shows with every smile! It has a new chance at life, going beyond the confines of its health condition to live to the fullest.
Image and Video Credit: Caring Animal Shelter
