You may recognize Elf, an older shepherd mix that we spotlighted in our recent newsletter. When Elf arrived at our shelter, he was struggling with an internal battle against a deadly parasite that kills slowly from the inside out. One single bite from a mosquito was all it took to pass heartworm larvae into Elf's bloodstream. Without a dose of heartworm preventative that month, the heartworms soon traveled to his heart where they took up residence and began growing bigger and bigger.
By the time Elf began his heartworm treatment, he was already showing symptoms and coughing up blood. We weren't sure if the expensive treatment would save his life at this point, but we knew we had to at least try. He deserved it.
Heartworms infecting a canine heart
Although Elf did survive his heartworm treatment and the parasites were cleared from his battered body, his symptoms were still not improving and x-rays showed that the parasite had already caused too much damage. His heart was dangerously enlarged and his lungs were terribly scarred. There was no option of his body healing from the effects of this awful, preventable disease. As badly as we wanted to save Elf's life, the heartworms had already taken it from him.
Elf's x-rays showing his enlarged heart
We had to make the devastating yet selfless decision to free Elf from his suffering. He spent his last days being spoiled rotten and showered with love. We appreciate everyone who donated towards his treatment and helped make his last days the best he ever had.
Did you know that every dog at Lenawee Humane Society is kept on monthly heartworm preventative in order to prevent this awful disease from taking another life? Monthly preventative for one dog costs roughly the same as a value meal from your favorite fast food joint. Please consider making a donation today so that no other lives are lost to this easily preventable killer.
