Rex arrived at HSLM with open sores all over his body, and had a staggered and stiff gait. The team knew that Rex would require significant veterinary care. At HSLM, we’re committed to caring for animals like Rex, even when it takes significant resources.
We don’t turn an animal away because of the care they may require. We believe that second chances are important and we are committed to making them happen for animals like Rex.
Rex’s journey with HSLM is what we consider a “long track”. This means Rex will be in the care of HSLM for a series of weeks before he will be ready for adoption.
For long-track animals like Rex, it isn’t as easy as a spay or neuter and vaccinations. In fact, for Rex his neuter will be the end of his medical journey and not the beginning. Rex’s sores were substantial under his body, including his groin area and an incision for his neuter would pose a significant risk of bacteria entering his body.
Although it is unknown why Rex was covered in sores, our animal health team suspects he may have been confined for long periods of time to a small area with hard surfaces. This would account for the sores and his stiff gait. In fact, Rex’s stiff gait improved quickly once in shelter care. Walks and regular movement improved his stiffness tremendously.
Our partner veterinarian began Rex’s medical care by running a series of blood and urine tests, which came back clear. Rex began antibiotics which greatly improved both his skin and his eyes.
Rex still has a ways to go until he will be ready to find his new home, but today he is much healthier, and happier!
For long-track animals like Rex, having an onsite companion animal hospital (veterinary clinic) will provide a multitude of benefits, such as more timely treatments, onsite diagnostics, and streamlined follow-ups. Onsite veterinarian care allows these animals to be adopted sooner! With continued donor support, we look forward to making this possible in our new home.
All animals at HSLM depend on donor support to provide them with the care they require. We thank our donors for helping animals like Rex, and we ask for continued support to ensure we can continue our lifesaving work for our communities’ most at-risk animals.