Medical Miracles
Over our 120 year history, The Toronto Humane Society has saved the lives of thousands of animals in need of emergency medical treatment. We've seen accidents, neglect and abuse of every kind. And sometimes even our best efforts are not enough. Other times we look on in awe as animals that appeared beyond help have bounced back to live long, fruitful lives.
In this space we’ll profile these Medical Miracles as they pass through our emergency room. As always, we salute the vets, vet techs and volunteers who help these animals pull through.
Cassie - A121400
Posted on April 04/08
 Cassie is an eight-year-old Dalmatian cross. She was rushed to The Toronto Humane Society on Sunday, March 30, after she was found lying on the ground unable to move. Cassie was just hours from death, in the advanced stages of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. That’s a disease where the body destroys its own red blood cells.
“She was in shock, she was cold, weak and unable to stand,” said Dr. Rob Rock, one of The Toronto Humane Society’s veterinarians. He ordered an emergency blood transfusion. That is not an easy thing to pull off in Toronto on a Sunday afternoon. After that Cassie was placed on intravenous fluids and medication to combat her condition.
Cassie wasn’t out of the woods, though. In fact, consensus among staff veterinarians was that Cassie would die that evening.
But no-one consulted Cassie on that. And Cassie is a fighter!
 She made it through the night and by Monday she was able to stand. By Wednesday she was a new dog, full of life, gaining energy and ready for normal walks. She’s a sweetheart as well. “One of the friendliest dogs I’ve ever met,” said Toronto Humane Society vet Karen Ward.
While Cassie’s prognosis is still “guardedly optimistic” it looks as though this tough and amazingly sweet dog is on the road to a full recovery.
Please come down and ask for Dr.Ward if you can give Cassie a great home to call her own!
Tazzy - A115676
Posted on February 01/08
 When Tazzy, an 8-year-old terrier cross came to the THS, he was literally starving to death. He had an severe infection in his tongue, which left him unable to eat solid food. The prognosis was poor.
After several tests, and an aggressive run of antibiotics, the THS vets determined that part of the tongue had to be amputated. Once the damaged portion of tongue was removed, Tazzy quickly showed an interest in soft food. Daily handfeeding of a homemade diet of rice and pureed meat helped Tazzy regain his strength and appetite. Recently he began eating from his own bowl, and happily wolfs down chewy treats.
With the pain of infection gone, Tazzy has become a happy, social older fella, and will soon be ready to take up with a new family. Once he leaves the THS for a stable home, this medical miracle will be complete.
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For more information on these 'Medical Miracles', the animals and people involved, please contact the THS Communications department.
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