Huskies on the Way to Better Health

The Huskies have been in our care for nearly two weeks now and continue to receive exceptional and compassionate medical care. This week is one of more physical examinations, surgeries, and a greater HOPE for full recoveries.

Viking’s test results returned from Cornell University and with them came helpful news. Viking, who was brought to us in severe respiratory distress which ultimately led to him being humanely euthanized, tested negative for distemper. Our worst fears have been avoided. His respiratory panel was only positive for mycoplasma, a bacterium which can infect humans and animals alike. Mycoplasma can be found in completely healthy dogs, and most infections are treatable. However, Viking’s overall state of poor health, including multiple parasitic infections, weakened his ability to combat the mycoplasma bacteria. Stress from his 4-hour trip from North Carolina to Hampton Roads may have also played a part in his inability to fight off the bacterial infection. Viking would likely still be alive had he received even the base level of veterinary care from his neglectful and exploitative breeder.
Scout (top) and Bonnie (bottom) both underwent intensive physical examinations and spay/neuter surgeries on Wednesday.
Scout and Bonnie were the next Huskies to undergo extensive physical examinations and spay/neuter surgeries. Dr. Hemmings performed both procedures on Wednesday, and both are in reasonably stable condition. Eliminating fleas has been an ongoing effort since taking these dogs in, and Bonnie showed no signs of fleas while Scout was still infested. The skin around Bonnie’s elbows were red and calloused from many long days and nights spent on nothing but a hard concrete pad. 
Top: The red and calloused skin around Bonnie's elbows are a clear sign of neglect. Middle: Veterinarian in Charge Dr. Rita Hemmings and Clinic Manager Meagan prep Scout for surgery. Bottom: Dr. Hemmings and Medical Care Manager Nicole finish up Bonnie's procedure.
X-rays and preliminary blood work showed extensive heartworm infections in both Bonnie and Scout, and their spay/neuter operations went off without a hitch. Both continue to rest comfortably in the clinic and received complimentary nail trims. Clinic Manager Meagan also gave Scout a much-needed brushing.
Scout receives some needed grooming from Clinic Supervisor Megan. The end result is pictured on the left.
Lillian continues to rest and recover following her procedures last Thursday. The mammary masses were on the small side, but surrounding tissue appeared discolored and unhealthy and was removed as well with a sample sent off for biopsy. Additionally, Lillian’s chest x-rays showed several areas of possible cancerous metastasis on top of a severe heartworm infection. Fortunately for Lillian, the biopsy results were clean, the masses were not cancerous and were fully removed. She presented signs of pneumonia but has been asymptomatic. Her risk for cancer remains high, so she will be closely monitored for the rest of her life. 
The mammary masses removed from Lillian proved benign. She will require close monitoring for cancer for the rest of her life.
The Norfolk SPCA is grateful for the continued HOPE Fund donations to aid in the recovery of these deserving Huskies. The positive medical updates we have recently received on the recovery of the Huskies is owed directly to our HOPE Fund donors, and it is a pleasure and an inspiration to share the good news with you.

Continue to follow along as their journeys are not over. A happy update on Ziggy, the puppy, is coming shortly.