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. In fact, 89% of our budget is devoted to medical care. 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.
- Dasher is currently in medical boarding at one of our partner vets where he is receiving all the care he needs to get through his bout of pneumonia.
- Minnie was diagnosed with a congenital heart problem called PDA. She was started on heart meds to try to improve her ability to pump blood and we are now waiting to see how the medication is working. Surgery is questionable at this point.
- Rusty is heading into surgery, getting a dental and some extractions because he has multiple broken teeth with roots exposed, He has 3 masses that need removed, including a tricky one on his eyelid. He also has an arrhythmia that we will get checked out, and he is getting neutered too. When he came in, he was emaciated enough to require a refeeding program, had swollen lymph nodes, an ear infection, and giardia. He has been through the mill! Please donate if you'd like to help with his expenses!
🟧 Pending Treatment
Dogs who are stable but waiting on significant treatment or prep work. (Heartworm treatment not yet started, surgery pending diagnostics, scheduled procedures)
- Maximus will be undergoing a dental procedure soon.
- Lava is pending testing for Cushings disease as soon as she gets over her urinary tract infection.
🟨 In Treatment
Dogs currently undergoing care, mid-way through a protocol. (Heartworm treatment, upper respiratory infections, etc.)
- Molly and Bruce have started heartworm treatment and will have about six weeks of crate rest ahead of them.
- Harlow
Harlow's eye ulcers have healed! Soon, he will be going in for surgery to remove what is hopefully his last mass.
🟩 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)
- Wally
Wally had his 8 week checkup and his broken jawbone has healed well! He is now ready for adoption.
🟦 Continuing Expenses
Dogs who have completed treatment but are still incurring costs or had significant bills prior to being medically cleared for adoption. (Regular monitoring, ongoing medication, food, or supplies)
- 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. - 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. She will be on lifetime medications.
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 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.