When the shocking photo of a young, bloated Chihuahua in Texas needing to be rushed to an emergency veterinarian and drained of fluid went viral on social media Tuesday morning, animal advocates wasted no time helping. Within an hour, transport to Callaghan Animal Hospital in San Antonio was arranged.
S.N.A.R.R. Animal Rescue Northeast stepped up to help the Chihuahua named Margie. She was drained of two-pounds of fluid, and even though popular opinions thought one would have expected a severe heart issue, x-rays showed a normal heart although there is some evidence she might have eaten something which caused the problem.
An update from S.N.A.R.R. explained Margie’s condition in detail:
“… She tested negative for tick disease and it does seem she might have eaten some tinfoil based on the X-ray. They will run additional blood work and send out a fecal test tomorrow. The vet explained that it is possible that the fluid build up is due to low protein in the intestines from either parasites or poor nutrition or a combo of the two. That would be the best case scenario because it would be easily fixable. Margie’s skin was so stretched with fluid when she arrived that the vet said he could see through her abdomen from side to side with a flash light. Margie is alert and in good spirits and breathing easier now that the majority of her fluid has been drained.”
In a much happier photo above, Margie’s most recent update speaks for itself. The dog is expected to undergo more testing. We will follow Margie’s progress and keep everyone informed.
The only mention of Margie’s past indicates the dog had been left with a dog sitter who had been irresponsible and did not attend to the dog’s emergency needs.
To help S.N.A.R.R. Animal Rescue Northeast, donations can be made by clicking here.
(Photos of bloated Margie via S.N.A.R.R.)
More news and updates on National Pet Rescue here.
In the news yesterday: Man accused of slitting throat of his mom’s dog – read more here.
More news: Bears held captive for decades moving to sanctuary – read more here.
Border collie gets so excited watching herself on TV – watch the adorable video here.
Puppy reunited with mom – watch the heartwarming video here.
Many blessings to Margie and her Great Samaritans!
Happy times ahead for Margie. Hope they find out what caused the bloating and that it never happens again. Also that she finds a forever home quickly. She looks so precious.
What a precious angel. Her face is so full of life. I have my handicapped little girl who was so abused, it still breaks my heart. With a dace like Margies, I’m hoping she finds a forever home soon.