pets
ASK...
DR.ANDERS Thomas with his new family.
ROOFTOP RESCUE
Thomas with his new family.
How one phonecall saved the life of Thomas the dog. Two years ago amidst a downpour, a soaking wet and emaciated mongrel named Thomas was locked on a coverless rooftop of a village house in Yuen Long. He was suffering from serious skin diseases, open and infected wounds and critical hunger when rescued by SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty against Animals) inspectors. His life was spared thanks to a neighbour who spoke up and reported to the SPCA. Upon medical examination, it was believed that the two doublepalm-sized wounds on his back had been caused by burning or corrosive liquid. The owner, who had gravely abused him, was charged and sentenced to two months of imprisonment and a $3,000 fine. Following months of medical treatment, behavioural training and rehabilitation at the SPCA, Thomas regained his strength. Whenever volunteer dog walkers took him for a park run, his sunny personality shone through and he quickly learnt to socialise with other animals. For a long time, his paw prints
were without a pet owner’s footprints alongside them. But for a dog who had endured lengthy abuse, his trust in humans remained strong and he longed for a home. Finally last January, a family decided to give Thomas a forever home. They were hoping to adopt a puppy at first but changed their mind after receiving advice from the SPCA staff that mature dogs like Thomas are easier to handle for first-time pet owners. Even as new pet owners, they are compassionate and understand that thunderstorms scare Thomas due to his past. They nurture his love for the outdoors and take him to a grassy park each week. Now Thomas is happily settled in his new home. In the end, love triumphs all.
a es c sp fil e s ca
72 | WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK
If you suspect an animal is in distress and might need assistance, call the SPCA hotline on 2711 1000.
Pets Central veterinarian Dr. Anders Kulhavy answers your questions. Q: “I enjoy hiking with my dog. What should I do if we are out hiking and he gets bitten by a snake?” - Natalia, Pok Fu Lam A: Hong Kong has several types of poisonous snakes (vipers, cobras, kraits, corals) and many that aren’t poisonous, so try to snap a photo if you can do so safely. This will help determine if antivenom is needed and, if so, what type. First aid would be aimed at controlling pain but that may be hard to do while out hiking. Carry your pet to avoid further circulation of the venom and keep him or her hydrated with water if possible. Neither tourniquets, nor trying to “suck out” the venom are recommended. The most important thing to do is get to the nearest vet clinic as soon as possible. Even if antivenom isn’t available they can start IV fluids and pain control to keep your pet comfortable until further care. Antivenom is not necessary in all snake bite cases. It depends on the snake, the volume of venom (some are dry bites) and the symptoms. Some snakebites cause local pain, inflammation and tissue destruction; others cause abnormalities in blood clotting; some contain a neurotoxin which is highly lethal. The amount of time between toxin exposure and receiving antitoxin is probably the most important factor, so don’t delay receiving treatment. Lack of pain and swelling doesn’t mean it wasn’t a venomous bite. Don’t take any chances with a snake bite, seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Got a question for Dr. Kulhavy? Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk