Save Our Setters responded to a request for rescue assistance for a litter of six puppies in eastern Missouri. What we found shocked even our most seasoned rescue veteran - eleven or twelve week old puppies that were severely malnourished.
The little boy in the worst condition weighs a scant 5 pounds 6 ounces - a far cry from what the weight of other Bench Irish Setters of the same age typically weigh. Needless to say, he is spending his first night in rescue at the emergency clinic, and on fluids. The vet took some x-rays which revealed a diet of fecal material. The little one has a bad case of hookworms and roundworms. His belly is bloated and firm. The vet was unable to properly palpate for fear of rupturing the stomach, which was so tender that even the slightest pressure elicited yelps.
The other two males in WI are doing much better than their brother, but are very thin as well. The larger pup weighs 11 pounds and the other pup weighs 8 pounds. They were started on their deworming medicine Saturday.
The two girls in IN weighed in at 7 pounds 8 ounces and 5 pounds 2 ounces, while the male weighed in at 5 pounds 4 ounces. They are eating and drinking well, and have started the deworming medicine. All three are painfully thin except for their bloated bellies which are easily seen in their pictures. Fostered by Cheryl in WI and Monica in IN.
The sick boy is now known as ELF. The soccer ball and tug rope pictured give an indication as to his size. He was just 5 lbs
6 oz when taken to the emergency hospital.
