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BOSTON (TNND) — A severely emaciated dog found in the Boston area is receiving lifesaving treatment at Angell Animal Medical Center, according to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell (MSPCA-Angell).
The roughly 2-year-old pit bull terrier mix, now named Dolly, was brought to MSPCA-Angell on Saturday by someone “who claimed to have found her outside in Lexington.”
Mike Keiley, who is the vice president of MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division, said the dog was unable to stand on her own and was in critical condition when she arrived. He said Dolly scored at the lowest possible level on a veterinary body-condition scale, indicating extreme emaciation.
“When this dog came in, she was unbelievably thin and too weak to stand up,” Keiley said in a news release.
“It’s fortunate that Dolly was brought in when she was,” he added. “She was in desperate need of medical attention.”
Dolly rests in the ICU at Angell Animal Medical Center in Massachusetts. (Photo: MSPCA-Angell)
Veterinarians determined Dolly was suffering not only from severe malnutrition, but also from wounds on her feet and tail. She has since been placed on a carefully monitored refeeding plan to prevent refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening complication that can occur when nutrition is reintroduced too quickly.
Shortly after arriving, Keiley said Dolly suffered a seizure believed to be caused by low blood sugar, which was followed by additional seizures in the days that followed. Veterinarians also discovered a gastrointestinal bleed of unknown origin, which required a blood transfusion and could require surgery.
Keiley said while her prognosis remains guarded, staff members are hopeful she will recover with continued around-the-clock care.
Dolly is expected to remain in intensive care for at least a week while veterinarians work to stabilize her condition, manage her seizures and help her regain the ability to stand and walk independently.
MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement is investigating how Dolly came to be in such poor condition. Keiley said little is known about her background beyond the account provided when she was brought in, noting she may have lived in either Lexington or Boston.
Officials urged anyone who has information about Dolly or her possible owner to contact MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement 617-522-6008 or 800-628-5808 or online at mspca.org/tip.
“Our Law Enforcement team is investigating, but we’re hoping that the public may be able to help us learn how she ended up this way,” Keiley said.
Despite her condition, Keiley said Dolly has remained gentle and affectionate.
“Staff treating Dolly say that she’s incredibly sweet, despite what she’s been through,” Keiley said.
Dolly’s medical care is expected to cost upwards of $15,000. The MSPCA-Angell said it is accepting donations to help cover ongoing treatment.
“We’re hopeful that with the incredible 24/7 care she’s getting at Angell, we’ll be able to help her heal and eventually place her with a family that will show her the love and appreciation she deserves, but that’s far down the road.”
Learn more about making a donation at mspca.org/dolly.
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