Bubbles – Northridge, CA
ESRA Special Needs Springer
ESRA #2010-1221 CA
Age: 7 weeks (December 1)
Gender: Female
Color: Black and White
Little baby Bubbles came to rescue with her mom and two sisters when she was only 5 weeks old. She was doing well until November 24 when her foster mom noticed that Bubbles had a hard firm mass under her chin that had not been there in the morning. Checking the puppy over and worrying that something was wrong, Bubbles and her foster mom and dad were off to the emergency clinic.
While waiting to see the doctor it was noticed that the other side of her neck was swelling and that Bubbles had a mark on her face. The lovely veterinarian told us that Bubbles had “Puppy Strangles,” a disease named after the condition noticed first in horses that is called just “strangles.”
Puppy strangles or idiopathic Juvenile Cellulitis is a serious condition which affects the face, ears, and lymph nodes (those located near the corner of the jaw). The cause of this condition is unknown, but is thought to be an immune system abnormality. We fear Bubbles might have had a weakened immune system due to the fact she and her siblings were moved around a lot and not kept as protected as young puppies should be. Juvenile cellulitis develops in puppies 3-24 weeks of age. It is more common in Golden Retrievers.
Bubbles, face, muzzle, lips, have become swollen. Pustules (large pimples) have developed on her face and are the first thing people usually notice about puppy strangles. These sores can break open and form crusts and small ulcers. Her lymph nodes are large. Bubbles was placed on antibiotics and steroids.
So far Bubbles has not had difficulty eating and swallowing but we are feeding her by hand to be sure, and she is still nursing. We are taking great care to be sure Bubbles does not get depressed and stop eating, known side effects of this problem.
Bubbles will need lots of medical care until she is better and can be adopted, won't you help sponsor Bubbles and help ESRA care for all her special needs?
12/24/10 UPDATE: Little Bubbles has had a rough go with her Puppy Strangles. Early in December her ears were so swollen that we could not even touch her face without hurting her. Also her eyes were involved. The vets adjusted her medications, increasing her steroids by 300%. Ear drops were also added to her medical regimen. Everyone was very concerned except Bubbles who was still a happy little girl!
Today we went back to the vet and Bubbles is feeling better. Dr. Smith agrees she looks better and her ears look much improved today. He told us that we can start decreasing the steroids but to be prepared to see some relapse. More medications were dispensed. We are all encouraged that she gained four pounds since December 6. Both of Bubble's sisters have been adopted so now she is being given lots of love and extra attention.
Check out Bubbles video on YouTube to see how she's doing. She's awful cute, isn't she?
Contact: Foster Mom Caryn Pola at rescuespringers@hotmail.com if you want to hear more about Bubbles.
CLICK HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR BUBBLES
| BUBBLES’S GENEROUS SPONSORS TO DATE: | |
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 Pamela George |
In memory of my sweet boy Bogey. I miss you. |
| Patti and Mike Adkins |
Hope you feel better soon. |
| Renee and Don Holmes |
In memory of our beautiful Pearl Holmes |
| Barbara White |
Our way of saying thanks for my recovery from lymphoma. Keep the faith! Bet well, Bubbles. |
| Brooke Nelson |
Hang in there, little Bubbles! |
| Debra Ouellette |
In memory of Freckles, one of the Sioux City Seven |
| Watson Spangler |
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| Jamie and Ed Balazs |
On behalf of the Balazs critters! |
| Marta Timar |
In memory of Rexie |
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