Sometimes sad stories come through the gates of Grande Daze and a piece of our heart is broken. Max was a beautiful Anatolian Shepherd dog and when just a puppy he was rescued from the back of a lorry in Spain. His life with Tracey and Nick was full of love and care and he gave them such devotion and happiness in the, all too short, 2 years of his life.
MAX
As Max developed into an adult it became apparent that he was ill. His symptoms were strange and quite shocking to Tracey and Nick but Max was stoical and devoted to them, continuing his close feelings towards them. Numerous vets visits, medications and remedies brought no respite. Max’s illness continued its’ relentless hold and became more harrowing as the days went by but he battled on. The brave efforts of Tracey and Nick, the skills of the vets and the experience of Peter I couldn’t prevent Max’s decline. When the pads of his paws showed signs of detachment from his toes and his gait worsened, the diagnosis of his illness was realised.
CANINE LEISHMANIOSIS
In the long years of helping animals I had only once seen the evidence of Max’s illness which could only be proved by a certain type of blood test. With the approval of Tracey and Nick and the help of Grande Daze, the vets went to work on the blood test. Our worst fears were confirmed, Max had a form of Canine Malaria transmitted by sandflies and known as Canine Leishmaniosis. See the link at the bottom of this page.
The illness is common in the tropics and thankfully, very rare in the northern hemisphere. Max’s background was unknown and the illness is not evident until the worst symptoms appear; from then on the end is quick and death cannot be averted. Sadly, the rarity of the illness in Northern Europe means that blood tests are not performed soon enough on puppies. If detected before symptoms develop the disease can be treated with regular Malaria tablets and provide the prospect of a longer life for the infected animal. A simple citronella collar can help prevent the disease by repelling the sandflies, (obtainable from many internet sites). No one was aware of this for Max and despite everyone’s best efforts he succumbed and died in the arms of Tracey and Nick. In Tracey’s words:
Click on the link below to see Max and Noaks playing with Gus
https://www.facebook.com/animalcompanioncentre
NOAKS
From this awful experience, the tragic circumstances of the loss of Max has resulted in a serendipitous occurrence – Noaks, the dog often accompanying Max for exercise is helping Tracey and Nick heal their broken hearts. The three of them are now forming new bonds of happiness.
Noaks and Nick and Tracey now enjoy life together and they are regular visitors to Grande Daze. Occasionally, Noaks has a holiday at the Centre. Tracey has baked a thank you cake.
We extend our condolences to Tracey and Nick for the loss of Max and our good wishes for the life being shared with Noaks. Their hope and ours is that this article and the link below will help others be aware of the danger posed by the sand fly and adopting from a source with unknown background or a country where the disease is prevalent.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/canine-leishmaniasis
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