When an animal is old and sick...

When an animal is old and sick...
2010.05.16.

Our dog Nanuk came under our care 28 November 2009. He was found in the 17th district. Even though he was very old and blind we were sure that his original owner would be found – he is a pure Spitz, very much human-oriented, friendly, a dog who probably lived with a family once.

Housing blind dogs in the shelter is usually quite difficult as their reactions to other dogs are different. These animals are usually timid and untrusting towards other animals and people. But not Nanuk! He became a fully functional member of our yard and he learned to orient himself so perfectly that our visitors sometimes doubted his blindness. He was on good terms with other dogs and quickly became a favourite of our volunteers and visitors.

A few days ago Nanuk got a stroke.

A stroke is usually caused by a disturbance of the blood supply of the brain. Blood gets into the brain tissues from the vessels and a hemorrhage occurs. It depends on the amount of blood in the brain tissues whether brain damage occurs. The usual symptoms are the inability to move one or more limbs on one side of the body, the inability to see one side of the visual field, and the damage of the eyesight. How serious these are, however, depends on the size and location of the affected brain tissues. Untreated stroke usually leads to death. Nevertheless, some damages can be irreversible even when medical treatment is provided. In human patients, the hemorrhage is usually removed by surgery.

Unfortunately, in veterinary medicine such surgical methods are not yet used. Nanuk was taken to the vet immediately but the bleeding couldn’t be stopped, and therefore his treatment was limited to easing the symptoms and preventing further damage. After several days of infusion Nanuk seemed to get better, but unfortunately only temporarily.

We hoped for his recovery, consulted our vets about the prospects, but they did not see any chance for improvement. We observed Nanuk for some days and then decided that as long as he is not in pain and has appetite, we’ll take care of him and he’ll get everything he needs, including a chance to a happy life. Nanuk has lost much of his intellect, his movements are uncoordinated and clumsy, however, he has never had such an appetite, he’s still happy about cuddling and he hasn’t lost his nice manners.

This is what makes the Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter different! We gave him a chance when he got to us blind and old, and we are still on his side...