Samson is a five month old border collie, found as a stray and brought to the Tehama County Animal Care Center. He was extremely thin and could also not keep any food down. His condition prompted the Care Center staff to rush him to Valley Veterinary Clinic. Examination showed Samson had a serious intestinal blockage, for which emergency surgery was needed. NCBCRA did not hesitate and authorized the surgery straight away. It turns out Samson had consumed parts of a collar, including the buckle, which you can see in this video. These items, along with a goodly portion of his small intestine, were removed.

Thanks to quick action by all, Samson is now available for adoption. Samson is doing well and is showing a strong appetite. It will take a great deal of aftercare but it’s all worth it.

Heartworm Survivors

From the American Heartworm Society . . . [Edited for brevity and comment by NCBCRA]

Heartworm disease is a serious canine and feline health concern that threatens animals in all 48 contiguous states and Hawaii. Heartworms are spread from animal to animal by mosquitoes and live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected animals. The disease can lead to heart failure, as well as damage to other organs. Clinical signs of heartworm disease may not be apparent in the early stages, as the number of heartworms in an animal tends to accumulate gradually over a period of months, and sometimes years.

Although heartworm disease can be deadly, it is completely preventable with several products currently available through veterinarians. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) urges pet owners to take steps now to protect their pets from this dangerous and potentially deadly disease.

The AHS provides continuously updated information about heartworm disease, its treatment and diagnosis, and how pet owners can prevent heartworm infection in their pets.

Heartworm treatment typically costs between $500-$1,000 as well as daily care like food, flea & tick preventative, etc. Enter Northern California Border Collie Rescue & Adoptions. We need your help in providing the treatment & care these deserving dogs need.  No amount is too small. Thank you. Please click here to donate!

NCBCRA, in just its first 6 months of service, has received into rescue four heartworm infected dogs, all of which have been successfully treated, retested to heartworm negative (HW-), and made available for adoption. Treatment is costly, but also takes time, typically 1-2 months during which the dog is generally crated to minimize activity. Limiting activity to potty breaks essentially reduces the risk of disintegrating heartworm migration to the heart. This protocol is mandatory and can be difficult to enforce with some dogs. It takes a dedicated crew of foster volunteers here to get the job done. We have that crew here at NCBCRA.

Finn is a 4 year old male border collie received back into rescue. Finn sustained an injury to his front left paw some time ago that has not healed. The carpal joint become hyper-extended causing him to have an abnormal gait with severely torn pads on the bottom and sides of his paw from his compensating stride. From incessant licking of his paw, the skin abraded, resulting in pathways for infection from then open sores. Not to mention poor Finn being in pain for some time.

NCBCRA sought the advice of a canine orthopedic specialist, who recommended carpal fusion surgery. A straight wrist joint would enabled Finn to place his weight downward and not on the side of his foot as he has doing for so long. In spite of its significant cost, NCBCRA had the the surgery performed that day. While initial surgical results looked favorable, alas, his inability to use his leg and the associated distress continued. Ultimately rescue made the difficult decision to have the leg removed. Now relieved of his hobbling condition, Finn is available for adoption!