Infirmary
These are just a few of the Boxers who arrived in especially rough shape and need extra medical attention or more resources than average. While we may not always know exactly what a dog is facing when they arrive at ABR, diagnostics often uncover serious conditions that require extensive care. In some cases, it can cost thousands to save a single life. No matter the case, your support helps us say YES when it matters most!
🟥 Critical Care
Dogs undergoing major surgery, intensive diagnostics, emergency treatment, or unknown medical conditions needing immediate attention.
🟧 Pending Treatment
Dogs who are stable but waiting on significant treatment or prep work. (Heartworm treatment not yet started, surgery pending diagnostics, scheduled procedures)
🟨 In Treatment
Dogs currently undergoing care, mid-way through a protocol. (Heartworm treatment, upper respiratory infections, etc.)
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Rubi
Rubi is currently taking a 28-day course of oral doxycycline as the first step in her heartworm treatment. Once complete, she'll begin her injections and then have about six weeks of crate rest ahead of her. -
Roxanne
Roxanne is in the early stage of heartworm treatment and is still on her 28-day course of doxycycline. After her injections, she'll also be on crate rest for about six weeks as she recovers.
🟩 Recovering & Healing
Dogs who have received treatment and are on the mend — still need follow-up care, rest, or medication.
(Post-surgery recovery, healing wounds, ongoing medication or physical therapy)
- Callie
Callie has early arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and dilated cardiomyopathy, both of which complicate surgery. The ARVC shows up when her heart is under stress with anesthesia and leads to premature ventricular and atrial contractions. After two aborted surgery attempts and an additional medication, three times was the charm! Our skilled veterinarian removed 3 skin tags from her right lateral thigh, two vulva tumors of large concern, one on the back of neck, a big lipoma, and another suspicious one from the front of the right hock. Callie is now in recovery and her foster will take good care of her while we await histopath results. - Harlow
Harlow had two mast cell tumors removed, but unfortunately, the margins were not clear so he had to undergo another surgery to remove additional tissue and reduce the risk of recurrence. While under anesthesia, another tumor was found, so all three were removed. He is now home and recovering from surgery and we are waiting on his histopathology results to see if the margins are clear. - Sammie
Sammie's first spay and mass removal surgery was aborted due to serious arrhythmias under anesthesia. She was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). She's now on antiarrhythmic medication and responding well. A second attempt to spay her and remove a suspected hemangioma was successful and she is in her foster home recovering. - Barney
Barney came to us severely underweight at just 55 pounds, but now weighs a healthy 72. He was treated for heartworm disease, neutered, and recovered from a stroke. He also had several concerning masses removed, and thankfully all were benign. What remains is his early-stage dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is well controlled with daily medication, along with some intermittent vertigo from the stroke. Until he's adopted, ABR continues to cover the cost of his care.
Common Medical Issues in Rescue
We frequently treat dogs for heartworm disease and upper respiratory infections — two of the most common conditions we encounter. Both require extended care and recovery time, and a significant portion of our Infirmary funds go toward managing these cases.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and often goes unnoticed until it's advanced. Treatment involves a series of injections and strict rest while the worms die off and are absorbed by the body. If a dog is too active during this period, it can lead to pulmonary embolism, which is potentially life-threatening.
Treatment is lengthy and costly, but the disease is completely preventable with a simple monthly medication. Your support helps us provide the treatment these dogs need and the preventatives to keep them healthy going forward.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections or "kennel cough" are also extremely common, especially in dogs coming from shelters or overcrowded environments. Symptoms like coughing, sneezing, congestion, and fever can spread quickly in close quarters.
Treatment usually includes rest, antibiotics, and supportive care — but more serious cases may require hospitalization or extended isolation to keep other dogs safe. These aren't glamorous medical cases, but they're some of the most persistent and time-consuming and your donations help us get these dogs back to health and on the road to adoption.
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Thanks to all of you who step forward to help save these sweet babies!
We couldn't do it without you!
*Any funds collected above and beyond an individual dog's vetting expenses will be directed to other ABR dogs in need.