Some Wonderful Endings To A Ruff Beginnings

2009-05-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

See how they're doing and their updates under
their pictures below.

None of this would of been possible if not for
the beliefs of those who share our passion for
helping these wonderful creatures, such as the

Greg Biffle Foundation's Grant Program

Our sincere gratitude to a wonderful and caring
foundation.

2009-02-16T09:59:00.001-08:00

In Appreciation to the Greg Biffle Foundation

2009-02-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

From the generousity of the Greg Biffle Foundation's
Grant Program, the following dogs are able to
receive the medical attention they desperately need.

Abraham

Update: Abraham (aka Abe) is all better and now has a
new fur sister in his forever family in Illinois.

Cameron

Update: Cameron took treatment a little harder and went
through a long recovery, but in the end, is healthy and
just went to his forever home in New Hampshire.

Rugby

Update: Rugy recovered quickly from his treatment and
is now enjoying the family life in Ohio. He goes jogging with his marathon running mom every day and then swims in the lake. She is amazed at the energy he has now!! He is still the same sweet little Rugby, but now he has turbo chargers.

Tammy

Update:
Tammy is doing well from her Heartworm treatment,
unfortunately she has other medical issues that
are now being treated and mammary surgery is in her
future. She continues to keep the fight going
and her spirits are surprisingly high. To read
more about this remarkable trooper,
visit Tammy's blog

These four dogs tested positive for heartworm disease.
Either due to ignorance or neglect, it will take several
months of TLC post treatment in foster care to get
these dogs well. Fortunately- Illinois Birddog Rescue
has treated nearly 50 dogs for heartworm disease and
all have recovered and gone on to find their forever
homes (Rugby is already in his adopted home getting
ready for treatment).

We take our time when we have to treat a heartworm
positive dog in our foster care program. First we do
basic blood work to assess the dog's overall health
status. We may also do a chest x-ray to see the
condition of the dog's afflicted heart. Then we begin
a month long pre-treatment of doxycycline (antibiotic)
and also deworm and start the dogs on a monthly
regemine of Heartgard to slowly start killing the
microflaria (adult heartworm larva).

After a month's time, if the dog is healthy and gaining
weight, they return to the vet for two Immiticide
injections in a two day span. If the dog is older and
more at risk, we do one immiticide injection and repeat
a month later. After this treatment the foster home is
instructed to keep the dog quiet and leash walk only
while the worms are dying. This time is most crucial
and until the body begins to absorb the dead worms,
their activity needs to be kept to a minimum and we
encourage lots of snuggling time!

Dogs may also need some anti-inflammatories and
additional antibiotics to help their bodies adjust.
It may take one to six months or more for the dead
worms to be completely absorbed depending the
severity of the infestation.

http://www.placervillevet.com/canine%20heartworm.htm

IBR has treated dogs as young as two and as old as
twelve and fourteen for heartworm disease. The cost
can run from $300 to $600 depending on pre and post
treatment care.

Thanks to the Greg Biffle $1500 Grant, we will have
emergency funding to help these dogs.

Lisa Spakowski
IBR Founder & President

The Greg Biffle Race To Rescue

Some Wonderful Endings To A Ruff Beginnings

In Appreciation to the Greg Biffle Foundation