That in itself is not something unusual of course, especially since we collaborate so closely with the local Humane Society. But there was something else about them...
No signs of trauma, normal temperature, wagging their tails... but on sternal recumbency and over all....no muscle tonus. The consistency of a kitchen rag. And mildly dehydrated.
But...both of them??? In the same time?
They were quiet and sweet. But what is wrong?
However, before I got to panic and put the worse in front and started a more complicated treatment, Dr. Brenda was around. A very experienced practitioner, she said...Oh, it looks like a case of botulism! Maybe they both ate a rotten chicken or something!
And turns out, she was right. That's because with nothing but supportive care, they gained more strenght every passing day, and now, about a week later, they actually stand up and even started walking. By the time I get back in tomorrow they might even be running around:)
As treatment, there is a specific serum out there but we didn't have it in the clinic (well...it's the first case I have seen ever and the first one there in almost a year of work. And they seem to do dandy fine even without it). So we just gave them oral antibiotics, corrected dehydration (with fluids SC even, as they resumed quickly eating and drinking provided it was...very available) and supportive care.
And before you know it, they'll be up for adoption!
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