AboutNicole Expertise I can and will answer any question pertaining to volunteering, fostering and/or adopting a rescued dog. I can also help with the behavioral and health issues that abound with shelter and rescue canines.
I am able to help you decide if volunteering is the right path for you and what type of volunteer work you may be best suited for. I have experienced and witnessed volunteer 'burn-out' and can be your sounding board if you're feeling a bit stressed.
Re-homing your dog is always a big decision...please talk to me before you make it! People often re-home dogs with behavioral or health issues because they feel they are out of options. Let's discuss it and see what we can come up with!
Experience I've worked with dog rescue for the past 6 years and currently direct/own a rescue. I have been an intake coordinator, application processor, volunteer cordinator and assistant director prior to running a rescue. I am the guardian of 5 adopted dogs.
Education/Credentials Certified obedience instructor and current director of a non-profit, 501(c)3 rescue organization.
Expert: Nicole Date: 1/4/2008 Subject: health of adopted dog
Question QUESTION: This last Saturday we adopted a 9 month old unaltered Havanese puppy from a reputable shelter. He was rescued from a hoarding situation with 25 other Havanese. He was not abused but had no attention. My husband and I and our 3 children visited with him for a long time at the shelter and he was a sweet little guy, shy but curious, he would come up if we were gentle and held out our hand. The shelter worker said the previous six puppies from his home had warmed up at their homes and were doing well. My question has to do with his health. The first day he was at our home he ate well, drank quite a bit of water, and seemed okay. Second and third day he was more withdrawn and ate and drank less. He would perk up when going outside to potty, but run to crate when back in the house. I took him to the vet this Monday and she thought he was fine, gave him worming medication. He had received first shots on 12/26. The next day he was worse, would not eat or drink. I took him to emergency and he tested positive for Parvo. Brought him back to regular vet and not all signs pointed to Parvo. No diarrhea, high white blood count. Shelter worker said she sees quite often Parvo test positive after first shots, but not Parvo. Also no siblings are sick. Today he is still at the vet and will not eat. Is on IVs. They don't quite know what is wrong. Could this be only stress of adoption? We tried to be very gentle with him, but he had so many changes: shelter, hair shaved, adopted, we cut nails and trimmed matted hair, cleaned eyes, to the vet, to another vet, back to another vet. They won't let us visit because of the Parvo possibility, so I have not seen his demeanor. We really are already attached to this lovely dog and are so worried. Have you seen dogs physically ill just from stress? Thanks so much.
ANSWER: Hi Jeannine,
I'm sorry to hear your guy is ill. I'm sure it's heartwrenching for your family.
You made a point to call the shelter reputable. When people have to make a point about something that should be obvious, it's often because they are having thoughts to the contrary. Are you? Is there something setting off bells?
Unless there was a medical reason not to do so, the majority of 'reputable' shelters will not place a dog into a home until it has been altered. Were you given a reason as to why this wasn't done? Is this normal for the shelter? My concern is that you aren't getting all the information you should be with regards to his health.
False parvo positives in vaccinated dogs are often seen within 3-14 days of vaccinations. It's because the parvo virus from the vaccine is present in the feces. If he has no diarrhea, no vomitting and his white count is normal, I highly doubt it's parvo. The problem with some emergency vets is that they give an immediate diagnosis and prey upon stressed out, worried owners.
Has the regular vet done any other testing? Blood panels? Urinalysis?
Not eating can be a sign of stress, yes. However, a healthy dog will not starve. Most dogs under stress may skip meals but if this goes on for more than 3 days, something else is wrong.
I think you may have jumped the gun in taking him to the ER. I'm sure you were very worried but now, because he was 'diagnosed' with parvo, his regular vet can't take any chances. It's highly contagious, as I'm sure you've been told.
It's very likely that he only needed to be left alone and given the chance to get used to things. You are quite right that he's had many changes in a short period of time.
I hope that the vet is able to give you some answers very soon. Have they given you a timeline? If not, I would ask for one. What further testing will be done and when? If he refuses to eat what will be the next step? How long are they giving him to eat on his own? When, if he presents with no symptoms, can you bring him home? Etc.
If I can help you further, please let me know.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you so much for your response. I guess I don't know that this was a reputable shelter. I had several emails back and forth about the puppy and they were forthcoming. Also they were honest about the background of the puppy at the shelter. I did not know about the neutering issue. They gave us a spay/neuter coupon for a local veterinarian for that purpose.
Also, I probably did jump the gun on the ER, and I regret that now. However, I failed to mention that our pup was vomiting and was becoming listless and dehydrated. He seemed very sick. He did not vomit at the local vet until today, but when they offered food, he vomited this afternoon.
Your advice is right on re: the vet now. I will press for answers on other testing. He was given a blood panel at the ER. I will find out about urinalysis and further bloodwork.
If he does not eat, what to do? Has he lost the will to live? I feel like the offering of food made him vomit so he must be nauseous.
Thank you so much for your time. I REALLY appreciate it.
Jeannine
Answer You DID fail to mention those things. :) Lethargy and vomitting aren't good signs. Are you positive that he didn't get into anything? Garbage? Something outside?
Stress presents itself in different ways but truthfully, vomitting, lethargy, etc. aren't typical. You would expect to see hiding, reluctance to play, those types of behaviors. Sort of a standoffidness...not a malady of illnesses.
I've had dozens of fosters in and out and I usually take in the behaviorally challenged. ;) None have been so physically ill.
Dogs don't react in the same ways as humans. Be very careful not to humanize him because you feel sorry for him. Offering food will not cause vomitting. There's something wrong with him.
He WILL eat if he's healthy. If he refuses food for more than 3 days, get a second opinion (or 3rd or 4th). Like I said before, a healthy dog will not starve to death. A sad dog won't starve to death. An ill dog will.
Keep me posted...I'm curious as to what's going on with this guy!
