Poorly puppy in rescue centre in need of urgent treatment

An animal rescue centre in Plymouth has recently taken in a tiny French Bulldog puppy who was found abandoned in the freezing cold.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home have announced that Pip needed urgent veterinary treatment, so she was rushed to Gables Vets – Filham Park as she was skinny, shaking, struggling to breathe, and had a swollen abdomen. 

She had a high temperature and was admitted as an emergency for an X-ray, ultrasound scan, and antibiotics.

It is estimated it will cost Gables £4,000 for all the treatment and medication that Pip will need now and in the future, as well as basic care such as neutering, flea and worm treatment, and vaccinations.

The rescue centre said that Pip was really struggling, so Gables were prepared for the possibility that she may not make it. 

The rescue centre said: “Thankfully, after 5 days of intensive veterinary care, Pip started to improve.”

Explaining the diagnosis, Gables said that it was established that Pip was suffering from a chronic lungworm infection that had caused scarring to her lungs. 

She was also suffering from Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and desperately needs specialist surgery, when she is fit enough, to enable her to breathe normally.

Pip has also developed a condition called "cherry eye," which is a common term for the prolapse (or popping out) of the third eyelid gland, and this will also need specialist surgery to fix.

Deputy Manager Ruth Rickard had this to say: “It is so sad to see these poor flat-faced breeds suffering at the hands of humans selectively breeding for a shorter, squashed face. Although these breeds may look cute, the anatomy of their nose, airway, and throat can pose significant problems with breathing, especially during activity or warm weather. Thankfully, little Pip is now receiving the very best care and is currently enjoying being spoilt rotten in a foster home with a member of staff. We hope our wonderful supporters can help us raise funds to cover the care and veterinary treatment she has already received and the BOAS surgery she will need very soon.”

Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from ever-increasing costs, but they are determined to help Pip thrive.

The centre is now issuing a plea for support. 

If you can make a contribution to their ‘Pounds for Poorly Pip appeal,’ you can do this by:

Telephone – please call 01752 331602

Online – via Justgiving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/pounds4pip

Online – via Paypal: www.paypal.me/gablesdogsandcats

Online – via their website: www.gables.org.uk/how-can-you-help/make-a-donation-2

By post – please make cheques payable to Gables Dogs & Cats Home (204 Merafield Rd, Plymouth, PL7 1UQ)

By text:

To donate £1, text GABPIP to 70201

To donate £3, text GABPIP to 70331

To donate £5, text GABPIP to 70970

To donate £10, text GABPIP to 70191

Texts will be charged at your standard network rate.

Fundraising, payments, and donations will be processed and administered by the National Funding Scheme (Charity No: 1149800), operating as DONATE. 

Gables have said if they are lucky enough to raise more money than needed for this appeal, the extra will go into general funds to help all the animals in their care.