Clover, a starving German Shorthair Pointer, rescued today and needs prayers.
Major developments today with Clover, including the discovery that his condition is not the result of cruelty but the hardening of his small intestine walls from suspected cancer. Clover is still alive and receiving treatment, and he had positive developments today. Here's more detail:
We were elated this morning that Clover survived the night. A young girl brought him a soft unicorn-themed blanket and he enjoyed resting on it throughout the day.
By early afternoon, following continued regular eating and fluids, Clover was very alert and wanting to stand up. We took him in the courtyard for some sunshine and he began slowly trotting around to explore.
Mid-afternoon, we received a tip that he may be the same missing dog who was receiving treatment from a local veterinary clinic for cancer of the small intestine. The veterinary clinics shared medical information with each other and determined that Clover was indeed the missing dog.
We learned that his previous owner had a long history with that veterinary clinic and had been bringing Clover to them frequently for treatments and evaluation. The clinic strongly assured our veterinarian that the owner was responsible and reputable, working to save Clover, and following their direction with medicine and treatment.
Clover's previous owner believed he had escaped from the backyard while the family was having maintenance work done at the home. The owner knew Clover had a microchip, but didn't realize he had to register it (and it was put in many years ago). We spoke with him at length, both representatives from Nevada SPCA and the hospital treating Clover, to verify the information we were receiving (including reviewing his previous veterinary records) and do all we could to ensure that Clover was going to continue receiving great care. Clover's owner agreed to let us stay in close touch with his veterinarian and get updates on his condition.
We then reunited Clover and his owner. Clover cried in joy and jumped up on him. After a few moments he brought one of his toys, a tennis ball, to his owner's feet, requesting a game of fetch.
In conclusion, 24 hours ago we would never have considered reuniting Clover with his owner. But we went through this carefully today, step-by-step, and realized that Clover was not the victim of a neglectful starvation. Continued contact with the veterinarian and owner will help assure that urgent treatment does not end. Ultimately, we worry about Clover's future most because of the suspected cancer (the blood panel we had done was inconclusive, but an ultra-sound he had earlier this year detected the hardening walls). Hopefully, we will be able to update you in the weeks or months to come that Clover makes a miraculous breakthrough and returns to full health.
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Original Post:
Clover needs good thoughts and prayers please.
We learned about his plight today from an animal rescuer and immediately agreed for him to be rushed to Nevada SPCA for food and fluids.
As you can see, Clover is in an extreme, critical state of starvation. But the veterinary hospital is doing everything they can to save him. He is on IV fluids and the vet technician said he was so hungry she cried watching him desperately gobble down his meal.
Clover is a German Shorthair Pointer, about 6 years of age.
Special thanks to Dori and Animal Help Alliance for achieving his rescue.
Best case, Clover's full recovery will take three months.
[Note: We generally don't post pictures of the animals at the time of rescue, instead preferring to highlight their triumphant recoveries. But we made an exception today because so many people learned of his rescue and have been inquiring about his status. All of our hearts are going out to this innocent boy who has a strong will to live.]
