During our six week summer trip in Sri Lanka we came across a very sweet boy dog who had severe mange and a wound on his side. We found out quickly that he had a home, but obviously needed a lot of medical attention. His family were lovely people and happy for us to help. A lot of people would have just thrown him out on the street. He was monitored and taken to our veterinary clinic regularly over the six week trip. The family were left with some medication and he will be checked on our December trip.
Andrea with the mangy dog on his first visit to our clinic
Another visit to the clinic and the would has got a little better
Near to the end of the trip and the wound has reduced a lot in size and his skin is less scabby than before
Unfortunately not all the animals that we came across were quite so lucky. One house that we visited brought out a very sick young cat, the owner told us that all the cats in the area had died and they suspected poisoning (either deliberate or rat poison put down possibly). The lady had tried to help the cat with glucose and water, but she was not eating and very weak. The cat's skin was bright yellow, the clinic was not open at this time so we gave rehydration fluid and some special cat food, and promised to come back in the morning. The next day the cat looked quite a bit brighter, and the yellow colour had faded a lot. She was taken to the clinic for treatment and continued on fluids and food. The next two weeks were a bit of a roller coaster ride and the cat one day was fine the next day poorly, she had regular visits to the clinic but obviously couldn't fight whatever poison that had got into her system. Her family worked very hard and gave her treatment around the clock, but she sadly died, and the family, especially the lady's daughter, were all very upset.
Poorly cat at the clinic
Poorly cat with her owner
During our trip we visited a local Buddhist temple to give worm and flea treatment. Two of the dogs at the temple were taken to the clinic for baths and mange treatment as well.
This lovely, mild mannered old dog has lived at the temple for a long time and was taken to the clinic on a previous trip with an infection. He is definitely one of my favourites and it was lovely to see him again
This young girl dog was quite nervous, we will check to see if her skin condition has improved on a future trip
