Danaka

Danaka’s story is both very sad and very disturbing. She needs your help to receive the medical treatment she needs to live!

Fortunately this sweet, gentle 11 month old was discovered by a Good Samaritan who stepped in and stood up for Danaka after hearing her story through the local grapevine. Here is the story as we know it which began 3-5 weeks ago.

It seems Danaka got loose and returned home with a bleeding rear paw. The owners did not obtain medical treatment; instead they watched this helpless little girl bleed for 2 days before it finally stopped on its own. Then they let her languish for another few weeks with obvious gashes in her foot. 4 weeks later it was evident that medical treatment was never obtained. It is no surprise that Danaka developed an infection in her foot, but she also developed some strange neurological symptoms. She was walking funny, acted blind, depressed and lost her appetite. Her face got so tight it contorted. Instead of taking her in for treatment the owner made calls to have her euthanized!

Danaka was blessed because a good Samaritan stepped up and tried to discuss treatment and payment options with her owners. The owners elected not to seek medical treatment, so Danaka’s "Guardian Angel" persuaded the owners to surrender her. Once she was turned over, Danaka was rushed to the vet for emergency care and then turned over to Coastal. She has begun treatment, but will require many more weeks of medication and vet care!

Besides a very infected and painful paw, Danaka also has Tetanus, an infection not often seen in dogs. You can see in the photos that her face and muzzle are pulled back and tight. She also walks with stiff legs. Tetanus effects the muscles all over her head so her ears look like they are being pulled and not sitting right. She is also very thin.

Despite all that she has been though, Danaka is still a sweet and trusting little girl. She let a stranger touch her infected paw to look at it and take pictures. Just looking at it is painful, especially knowing this injury is at least 4 weeks old!

She is gentle and loving despite her own pain. She is so grateful to be safe and freely shows her gratitude with kisses!

Danaka needs a loving home ASAP to help her recover. She needs someone who will give her the kind of home that she so deserves! Danaka's first birthday is just around the corner – she is starting a new life and a new year! Will you be the person lucky enough to welcome her into your family and CELEBRATE her life, a life that someone was so willing to end?

Update: 5/04/08
Danaka went to the vet on Friday for a consult with a vet who was familiar with treating tetanus. Her exam went well and Danaka was a very well behaved girl. The long outing proved to be a little to stimulating and Danaka had a seizure on her way home.

After hearing that Danaka had a seizure, the vet became worried her disease was progressing. She called around until she could get a hold of the anti-toxin sooner than Tuesday. She was able to locate someone locally who sent it right away so Danaka spent 5 hours in the hospital on Saturday receiving 4 vials of anti toxins. It has to be administered slowly to make sure the dog doesn't have a reaction to it. The anti toxin will hopefully neutralize any of the toxin that remains unbound to the central nervous system. She is on an oral antibiotic and penicillin injections to hopefully kill the organism so that the future toxin production is eliminated. She is also getting a muscle relaxer and tranquilizer to help with the muscle spasms and prevent any convulsions. Dogs with tetanus are hypersensitive to external stimuli and reflex muscle spasms can occur.

Danaka has both localized (paralysis of her toes under the wound) and generalized (affecting the CNS) symptoms of tetanus. We are hoping that the symptoms don't continue to get any worse and she will get better. While her prognosis is guarded we are hopeful she will make a full recovery! The sad thing is this could have all been avoided by proper wound care originally! In the mean time, she is a sweet and happy girl. She has to have her foot soaked 3 times a day. She stands patiently and gives her foster mom kisses the whole time.

Update 5/30/08
Danaka has made an incredible recovery. She is finished with her treatment and is once again a lively, happy girl. She is very curious and loves to investigate everything. She has a great nose and would probably enjoy learning how to track. Danaka is crate trained and very eager to please. She is so grateful for her second chance and is now looking for a family to love!

Update 6/16/08
Danaka is back to being a completely normal youngster. She is a happy dog and loves to play with toys, especially if they squeak! While she is content to entertain herself, she really enjoys canine companionship. She is enthusiastic yet respectful when meeting new dogs and loves to play. She thrives on routines and is easy to train, she loves treats and praise.

Life is full of adventure for Danaka. She is so happy and has a zest for life that will put a smile on your face. While she is a substantial female, she is very easy to handle. She responds well to correction and is very eager to please. She will be a great addition to any family, but due to her age and energy would be better in a home without small children as she may knock them over by mistake.

If you are looking for a dog who will show you the wonders of everyday life, Danaka is your girl!

Danaka and all the volunteers at Coastal want to thank everyone for their help and support!

If you are interested in meeting me, please contact Teresa via email at baltao@sbcglobal.net. Don't forget to fill out our online application.

The minimum adoption donation ranges from $350 to $500. This amount only partially covers the cost of veterinary care, boarding fees, and other miscellaneous expenses involved in the temporary care and adoption of our dogs and is 100% tax deductible.

Prior to placement, all dogs will be spayed or neutered, receive current vaccinations, and are usually microchipped. If not, arrangements will be made on an individual basis. Special consideration may be given to those willing to adopt older dogs or dogs with physical problems.

Donate today to help Danaka using PayPal or First Giving!

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