PETTOPICS
A mother knows best
A happy mum
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A few weeks ago, a dog took up residence at the bus stop near my vet's clinic. She simply appeared one day, waiting patiently for scraps that kind people would throw her way. Since she stayed in the shadows, away from rushing feet, it was some days before my vet actually noticed her.
The first glance was brief, but experience and training made the vet look again, this time closely enough to see the flecks of blood near the animal's anus and her distended stomach.The symptoms indicated that the dog was suffering from pyometra, an abscessed uterus. Treatment is usually a hysterectomy, in which the uterus is removed. Without treatment, death is sure and painful. The cause of pyometra is unclear, although a hormonal imbalance is suspected. Females over six years old are the most prone, because their ageing bodies can no longer handle a pregnancy easily. Within minutes, the vet's assistants came outside and called to the dog. She followed them willingly and even allowed them to put her on an examination table. A few palpations on the dog's abdomen indicated that she was indeed pregnant, but how close to term she was, the vet couldn't tell. Instead of removing the dog's uterus (and thereby killing the puppies), the vet decided to keep her in a cage, where she could be observed. She would also receive healthful food, as well as additional vitamins and minerals, so necessary for a mama to be. The dog soon started doing well. There were no flecks of blood, and the distended belly looked normal for a dog in her condition. The assistants named her "Daeng", which she learned immediately, a good thing too, because Daeng, who had spent her life on the street, seemed as if she wanted to return to it. The vet instructed her assistants to take Daeng back to her bus stop but to feed her twice daily and keep an eye on her. When the dog seemed close to term, she would be brought back to the clinic, where she could give birth safely. But even well-meant plans go awry. The assistants took Daeng to the bus stop in the morning. Two or three hours later, an assistant went to Daeng's former cage to clean it, only to find that the dog had returned. Somehow Daeng had managed to open the clinic's door, marched past the counter and examination rooms and let herself back into her cage. The clever dog knew exactly what she was doing. It was her time. That evening, she gave birth to eight pups. And perfect timing too, the kids were born on Valentine's Day. With Mama's pleased smile and the pile of pups, I couldn't help using the family photo in today's column. Though at 10 days old, (six, when I snapped the picture), the babies are much too young for adoption. Once the pups are weaned, Daeng will also be looking for a new home, away from bus stops. Her name has been changed, by the way. It's now "Ma-Dee" in honour of her return to safety. Questions about your pets? Fax (02) 751 4446 or e-mail laurie@nationgroup.com.
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