In the name of affection, an old stray dog in Pune was smothered with unhealthy food up to the point where she couldn’t stand or walk. Rani, a 10-year-old mixed Indian breed dog, spent her life outside a shop – passersby would purchase biscuits to feed her leading to her consuming nearly 10 packets a day! This unhealthy diet and uncontrolled eating lead to severe obesity and eventually joint problems which made it really difficult for her to stand let alone walk.
A dog lover intervened to educate the shopkeeper and Rani’s feeders that she will have to be on a strict diet to lose weight, but the advice fell on deaf ears. Eventually, the old dog had to be admitted to the VOSD Hopsice since it wasn’t safe for her to live on the streets any more, and she needed medical intervention and extensive care.
Rani was recumbent when she came to us and her joints were stiff – she would soil herself as well since she couldn’t stand. We immediately started her on physiotherapy and heat therapy using an infrared lamp, as well as the VOSD Joint Care Supplement. However, she would constantly cry in pain so we took her to our consultant vets for further diagnosis.
An X-ray revealed she had a neuromuscular disorder which was causing pain and preventing her from getting up. A blood test indicated she had thyroid so she was prescribed lifelong medication for both her conditions. With the above treatments and portion-controlled food, sweet Rani has at least begun walking for short periods though she needs support while standing up. Over the next few months, we are sure she will improve significantly… we might even be lucky enough to see her run one day!
Rani is one of hundreds of dogs at the VOSD Sanctuary & Hospital wo require critical medical intervention every single day without which they cannot survive. To help us fund their care and treatment, please donate INR 5,000 (~$62) one-time or monthly: https://vosd.in/active-campaigns/monthly-expenses/