A New "Star" at the ADL
Categories: Opt to Adopt, Pet Spotlight
Have you ever had one of THOSE DAYS, when it just seems like a rain cloud is traveling over your head? Well that happened to me quite literally last week. . . .
Have you ever had one of THOSE DAYS, when it just seems like a rain cloud is traveling over your head? Well that happened to me quite literally last week. . . .
Through our partnership with Animal Care Services (ACS) we immediately transferred Hercules into our shelter. Hercules is a gentle and calm 7 year-old Mastiff mix. Unfortunately, Hercules was surrendered to ACS with a noticeable hole below his left eye. Our hospital vet team sedated him for a more complete exam and discovered a very large defect in his palate. The hole goes through his hard palate (top of the back of his mouth), which extends through his sinus cavity and under his eye. When you look through the hole, you can actually see his tongue. The hole is causing food to enter his sinus cavity (like having food stuck up your nose) when he eats. Left uncorrected, this can result in recurrent respiratory tract infections and possible aspiration pneumonia.
Hercules was taken to Town & Country Veterinary Hospital where Dr. Bunning performed a CT scan to assess the damage to his palate and skull. Given the amount of damage to his mouth and nose, the veterinarians consulting with us believed this injury appeared more consistent with a gunshot wound. The CT scan was then sent to Dr. James Giles at BluePearl for review and to develop a plan to correct the facial defects. Hercules will require specialized surgery to close the large defect in his palate and then facial reconstruction to repair the defect in the bone of the maxilla under the eye and /donation/on the left side of the face.
May 18, 2018
Hercules surgery is estimated to cost over $3,400. With the help of many compassionate donors the total raised for Hercules was $4,250! We can’t thank everyone who donate enough! The amount exceeding our original goal will go towards Hercules’ additional vetting needs including heartworm treatment, neutering, vaccinations, and more.
Hercules’ surgery was a success! The cost of the surgery turned out to be more than we had anticipated, so we are incredibly grateful for the surplus of funds we’ve received over the past few weeks. Although he has some swelling, he is doing very well. According to our lead veterinarian, he is eager to play, cuddle, and simply be himself again! Until then, he is on mandatory kennel rest to ensure he heals safely and successfully. Stay tuned as we will continue to post updates as he progresses!
It’s been a long road to recovery for Hercules. In August, Hercules needed surgery to remove his eye but he has since healed quickly. He’s still working on gaining some more weight but is looking much better!
After many months of surgeries and healing, Hercules is now ready to find his forever home! If you’re interested in adopting this gentle big guy, then stop by our main campus and ask to meet Hercules!
Bubbles is a 1 year old, female, Terrier mix who is currently being treated in the Animal Defense League Veterinary Hospital. ADL has confirmed with Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine that Bubbles’ has Transmissible Venereal Tumors—or TVTs.
We highlighted Bubbles’ case to bring awareness to this disease. It’s likely that most of the public is unaware of TVT, and the fact that it exists in the surrounding area. This canine tumor has increased prevalence in the southern U.S. largely due to the extensive stray/roaming dog population.
While the tumors tend to be more commonly seen in intact/breeding animals, ANY dog is at risk of contracting TVT if it comes in contact with an infected dog. Yes, that is correct! This tumor is unique because it is spread through touch…simple dog-to-dog contact. (Keep in mind how dogs greet each other and say hello!)
While most cases of TVT present with one or more localized tumors on the face, hind end, or the external reproductive tract of an infected dog, animals with weakened immune systems are at risk of the tumor spreading in a cancer-like fashion, all over the body. This, unfortunately, is what has occurred in Bubbles’ case.
Currently, the Animal Defense League Veterinary Hospital has two confirmed TVT cases undergoing treatment. ADL will carry out six or more weeks of regular chemotherapy treatments to cure TVT—which is the veterinarian prescribed treatment. The good news is that Bubbles has already received two treatments!
We hope that highlighting Bubbles’ case will help dog-owners understand the importance of not allowing their pets to roam freely. Please keep pets safe in a fenced-in yard away from roaming dogs, get to know your dog’s furry friends, and take your pets to the vet regularly. Most importantly, please spay and neuter!!!
ADL thanks all of you for your continued support as we work towards saving many more lives! Bubbles is on the road to recovery! We’ll be posting updates on this sweet girl’s journey to a healthier life.
Bubbles last day of chemo is Oct 18! It’s hard to believe how she looked when she first came in two months ago. The good news is Bubbles is now doing much better and looking better too! She is currently in our hospital as she finishes her chemo but will be available for adoption very soon!
After two months in the hospital and 9 days officially available for adoption, Bubbles was adopted by a wonderful family on November 3, 2018! Bubbles is now ready to put the past behind her and is ready for a bright future with her family!
Bubbles is one of the many pets at ADL needing extra care. Your donation can help us with the next Bubbles.
We are celebrating our big “Diamond & Sapphire” 85th anniversary with a fabulous Fiesta 2019 commemorative medal! ADL’s 85th anniversary Fiesta 2019 medal is just $10. Order yours today!
There is a limited supply of our special medals, so get them while you can. Order online by clicking on the button below, and you can pick up your fiesta medal at ADL Main Campus at 11300 Nacogdoches Rd, SA, TX 78217 at the Adoption Center.
Date: Feb 22, 2017
Come by the Animal Defense League of Texas this weekend to find a furry friend who will lasso your heart! Adoption fees will only be $25 for select pets that are 1 years old or older. Starting tomorrow Feb 24th – 26th. We have many wonderful pets waiting to meet you at both locations!
Spay/neuter surgery, age appropriate vaccinations, microchip, internal and external parasite treatment, heartworm prevention, 30 days of 24PetWatch Pet Insurance, a starter bag of Heritage Ranch by H-E-B pet food and more! Fees may be different during adoption specials. Call 210-655-1481 for details or view our Calendar of Events for current specials!
Animal Defense League of Texas (Main Campus)
11300 Nacogdoches Rd.
San Antonio Texas 78217
Open daily: 11am – 7pm
Paul Jolly Center for Pet Adoptions
210 Tuleta Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78212
(across from the zoo)
Open daily: 11am – 7pm