Lucy~Lou was a neglect case that ended her up at Animal Control. Her first vet visit weighed her in at a measly 32 pounds; a female Boxer should be 50 pounds and up! She also tested positive for Heartworms (transmitted by mosquitos). This baby girl had a bacterial infection and several parasites that are comon for dogs out on the street. The gray patches on Lucy’s hindquarter are skin callouses from her emaciated body resting on the concrete or hard surface. The goal for Lucy~Lou’s foster parents was to get her up to strength and a healthy weight for the series of heartworm treatments.
After Lucy~Lou’s body was clear of the minor parasites and her weight was up to 41 pounds, she began her first heartworm treatment. This carries over for a course of three months. The heartworms live off of Lucy’s heart tissue shown in the picture below. This could have been prevented with proper heartworm preventative given by a responsible pet owner.