Collaboration between Wellness Waggin’ and Boston Veterinary Care Saves the Life of an 11-Year-Old Chihuahua
Starting off the year 2021 on a positive note, an 11-year-old Chihuahua named Delilah received life-saving assistance through a partnership between two programs of the Animal Rescυe League of Boston (ARL).
Delilah’s owner brought her to ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ for a thorough examination and necessary vaccines just before the New Year.
During the examination, the veterinary team at ARL noticed a significant dental disease and a large inguinal hernia.
Inguinal hernias are relatively common and occur in the area near a dog’s groin where the hind leg connects to the body. Symptoms of this condition include swelling, vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy. If left untreated, it can pose a life-threatening risk.
Considering the size of the hernia, the Wellness Waggin’ team referred Delilah’s owner to Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) for further evaluation. The dog needed hernia surgery and dental treatment, but the cost was a concern for the owner.
Fortunately, Delilah’s owner qualified for the Alice T. Whitney Helping Hands Fund, which covered the expenses associated with the procedures.
Delilah underwent spaying, hernia repair, and received much-needed dental care.
Dr. Nicole Breda, the Medical Director of BVC, expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration between ARL programs. She emphasized the seriousness of Delilah’s hernia and the risk of her jaw fracturing due to the extent of the dental infection. The successful partnership between BVC and the Alice T. Whitney Helping Hands Fund made Delilah’s recovery possible.
Delilah’s owners are immensely grateful to ARL for providing the necessary resources to restore their beloved pet’s health and happiness. Delilah made a swift recovery.
This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the significance of maintaining good dental health in pets. February, recognized as National Pet Dental Health Month, serves as an opportune time to schedule a dental check-up with your veterinarian. Just like humans, proper dental hygiene for pets can prevent potentially severe health issues in the future, including infections, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Poor oral hygiene can cause periodontal disease, leading to a decrease in appetite, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies.
If you have concerns about your pet’s dental health, consult your primary veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
The Alice T. Whitney Helping Hands Fund was established by Jane Whitney Marshall, a dedicated supporter and former Board member of ARL, in memory of her grandmother. This fund aims to remove financial obstacles that might otherwise prevent pet owners from accessing essential care for treatable medical emergencies. Many families face difficult choices when confronted with significant veterinary expenses, and this fund helps ensure that pets can receive the necessary treatment, thus keeping them with their families.
