help with an abused animal
Written by ThomasFisher
Hi everyone. My neighbors recently brought home an animal they found near a relatives home, that has clearly been abused. They've taken her to the vet to get her problems treated.
She is a very sweet, but very shy animal. She is missing an eye, because someone shot at her. My neighbors would be willing to give her a good home except for one thing.
It seems that during the abuse she suffered, her sphincter has become damaged. When she shakes little droplets of feces fall on the floor, or splash around the room. Sometimes, when she is just laying out on the porch, little bits leak out of her behind. I'm not sure if they knew this when they went to the vet, as they hadn't had her that long when they took her for his vet visit.
Does anyone know if this is a problem that can be corrected? Her bowel movements aren't loose; its not diahrreah (sp?) but it is disconcerning because we live in the south, and its just too hot to leave her outside. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Hi Thomas, how very kind of your neighbors to take in this dog, it sounds like she really needs some TLC. I don't know if the problem with the control of bm's can be corrected or not. I would seek out a veterinary specialist, a neurologist, in your area and see if they could help.
As far as the shyness and shaking, it may be helpful to slowly try and socialize her with people. If there is a treat she likes, having different people give her one while out for a walk for example. A small obedience class is a great way to socialize. Stopping by the vet for a cookie and to just say hello to the staff is another idea.
If the dog is experiencing a lot of anxiety, there are some herbs in oil form by Bach that can be very helpful. Use 3 or 4 drops directly in her mouth twice a day. The effect may take a few days and will be subtle but it works. Another product that may be helpful is the Anxiety Wrap. I have not used it myself but I know someone that had great luck with it for a greyhound.
I really hope this helps! Please let us know if you have more questions and we would love to hear how the dog is doing.
PetDoc.com
Marcie,
Thanks for your reply. After a week or so Motley (as she came to be named) really did turn out to be a very social and loving dog. I followed your advice, and advised my neighbors to take her to another vet (as they didn't like the first one very much) who could give her a neurological work-up. They did so, and we found out that in addition to the various other abuses she had suffered, her spine had been craked. The vet said that it was a miracle that she could still walk. This was what was causing the problem with her lack of bowel control. He also told them that as time went on, Motley's condition would continue to deteriorate, and she would eventually lose her ability to move her hind legs. His recommendation was that she be put to sleep, instead of continuing to suffer.
So, with a heavy heart, Tina (my neighbor) left her at the vet last Tuesday. We're just thankful that Motley's last days could be filled with people who loved and cared for her, instead of her suffering further at the hands of her abusers. We're still very somber about the whole ordeal, and wish there was something more we could have done. We can't save them all, but we sure don't mind trying.
Thanks again Marcie!
Thomas