Infirmary
The following Boxers are rescues who come to us in pretty bad shape and require extra medical attention. We will post periodic updates on our patients. As always, donations toward their medical care are greatly appreciated.
Camillia
Late yesterday afternoon, we received an urgent call that a female boxer was just turned into animal control with parvo. Unless we went to get her right away, she would be euthanized so that she wouldn’t infect the other dogs at the shelter. ABR didn’t hesitate to get a volunteer over to the shelter. When our volunteer arrived to pick her up, she was sitting outside in a crate, panting but not moving otherwise. Rightfully so, the shelter couldn’t bring her inside and risk infecting the other animals. Our volunteer scooped her up and drove her straight to the vet for intensive care. We named her Camillia, meaning warrior. Camillia (or Cami for short) had a 106 degree fever when she arrived at the vet. She was dehydrated and had a low white cell count. The vet thinks she is at least a few days into the parvovirus infection.
We received an update this morning that Cami made it through the night, but is still very sick. She is getting fluids and antibiotics. The most concerning thing for her at this point is the low white cell count. We are still very much in wait and see with her, but she is fighting.
Cami’s vet bills will be expensive, but we wanted to give her the chance to live. We would greatly appreciate any donations for Cami’s veterinary expenses. If you could even spare even $5, it would make a difference!!
Thank you, and please keep up the prayers and good thoughts for Cami!
Abby
Abby is a young, sweet girl who is at serious risk of becoming paralyzed without major reconstructive surgery on her legs. When Abby came into our rescue, we knew something wasn't quite right with her hind legs. Because the rest of this little girl is so perfect, we knew we had to save her immediately and worry about her legs later.
What exactly is wrong with Abby's legs? Well it's a bit complicated, but here it goes. We'll start at the top and work out way down...
Abby's femurs never fully developed in length. The muscles that she uses to extend her legs (extensors) have compensated by becoming her flexors. Her flexors don't work at all because the extensors do their job. Imagine your hamstrings doing the work of your quads and your quads not working at all! To add to the problem, her kneecaps are on the outside of her thighs. All of the muscular and skeletal deficiencies will eventually cause enough strain on her pelvis to effect her spine and lead to paralysis.
Abby's legs need an "Extreme Boxer Makeover" to be functional and not threaten her life. The reconstruction is a very expensive surgery. If you were able to meet her for 2 minutes, you would agree she is worth every penny! Please let us know if you can help by donating? Dollar by dollar, Abby will be able to walk, run, and play without restrictions or pain. Abby says thank you!
Old Man Otis
This adorable senior boy is a recent addition to Atlanta Boxer Rescue! He came to us covered in tumors, with many even in his mouth. He had over $600 in surgery and vetting this week to remove all the lumps and bumps, and he's now on the ...mend. He will meet his foster mom soon, who will name him and help continue his recovery.
Dogs like this sweet senior boy are often overlooked in the shelters due to age or health issues. When we saw him, we just couldn't look away! Of course, we are only able to help this precious boy because of the generosity of all our friends! If you would like to donate to help cover his vetting expenses, you can click the link below. Thank you!!!
Baxter
Meet Baxter, a severely emaciated bundle of love who is a recent addition to ABR. Baxter came to Animal Control as a stray, and his little waist measured just 3-4 inches across! ABR rescued him, and took him straight to the vet. Baxter needs to put on a good 20 pounds, he has heartworms, hookworms and whipworms, there are scars/sores all over his hind area, and his hips are tender to touch. Plus his rear leg is swollen, and we think he may have an eye ulcer. Despite his condition, Baxter wants nothing more than to give sweet little kisses and boxer wiggles to everyone he meets. Baxter already made many new friends at the vet office, because he is such a sweet and loving boy. Baxter will be with ABR for a while, and is already receiving some of the rest and veterinary care he desperately needs. If you would like to donate to his ongoing care, please donate here.
HEARTWORMS
Adult heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected dogs. They survive up to 5 years and during this time, the female produces millions of baby worms (microfilaria). These microfilaria live in the bloodstream, mainly in the small blood vessels.
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. The female mosquito bites the infected dog and ingests the microfilariae during a blood meal. The microfilariae develop further for 10-30 days in the mosquito and then enter the mouth parts of the mosquito. The mosquito bites another dog and transmits the disease to that other dog.
When fully developed, the infective larvae enter the bloodstream and move to the heart and adjacent vessels, where they grow to maturity in 2 to 3 months and start reproducing.
Adult worms cause disease by clogging the heart and major blood vessels leading from the heart. They interfere with the valve action in the heart. By clogging the main blood vessels, the blood supply to other organs of the body is reduced, particularly the lungs, liver and kidneys, leading to malfunction of these organs.
A lot of dogs infected with heartworms do not show any signs of disease for as long as two years. Unfortunately, by the time signs are seen, the disease is well advanced. The obvious signs of the disease are a soft, dry, chronic cough, shortness of breath, weakness, nervousness, listlessness and loss of stamina. A lot of these signs are most noticeable following exercise where dogs can faint from the lack of air passing through their lungs.
There is some risk involved in treating dogs with heartworms. The treatment to kill adult worms is an injectable drug that will kill the worms in the heart and adjacent vessels over a period of about 30 – 45 days.
Complete rest is essential after treatment: some adult worms die in a few days and start to decompose; the remainder will die during the 30-45 days. As they break up, they are carried to the lungs, where they lodge in the small blood vessels and are eventually reabsorbed by the body. This is a dangerous period, and is it essential that the dog be kept quiet and not be allowed to exercise. The first couple of weeks after the injections are very critical because the worms are dying. A cough is noticeable for 7 to 8 weeks after treatment in heavily infected dogs.
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Demodex Mange
  
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Demodectic mange (also known as red mange, follicular mange, or puppy mange) is a skin disease, generally of young dogs, caused by the mite, Demodex canis. All dogs raised normally by their mothers possess this mite as mites are transferred from mother to pup via cuddling during the first few days of life. Most dogs live in harmony with their mites, never suffering any consequences from being parasitized. If, however, conditions change to upset the natural equilibrium (such as some kind of suppression of the dog's immune system), the Demodex mites may "gain the upper hand." The mites proliferate and can cause serious skin disease
The lesions and signs of demodectic mange usually involve hair loss; crusty, red skin; and at times, a greasy or moist appearance. The mites prefer to live in the hair follicles, so in most cases, hair loss is the first noted sign. Usually, hair loss begins around the muzzle, eyes, and other areas on the head. The lesions may or may not itch. In localized mange, a few circular crusty areas will be noted, most frequently on the head and forelegs of young dogs 3-6 months of age. Most of these lesions will self heal as the puppies become older and develop their own immunity. Persistent lesions will need treatment. In cases in which the whole body is involved (generalized mange), there will be areas of hair loss over the entire coat, including the head, neck, abdomen, legs, and feet. The skin along the head, side, and back will be crusty and oftentimes inflamed. It will often crack and ooze a clear fluid. Hair will be scant, but the skin itself will often be oily to the touch. There is usually a secondary bacterial infection. Some animals can become quite ill and develop a fever, lose their appetite, and become lethargic. Patients with generalized demodectic mange need immediate vigorous treatment.
The treatment of Demodectic mange is usually accomplished with lotions, dips, and shampoos. Fortunately, 90% of demodectic mange cases are localized, in which only a few small areas are involved and can often be treated topically.
Thanks to all of you who step forward to help save these sweet babies!
We couldn't do it without you!
*Any funds collected above and beyond an individual dog's vetting expenses will be directed to other ABR dogs in need.