Second Chance

Second Chance

One Monday afternoon, a man carried his pit bull, Chance, through the door of the Community Veterinary Center. The big dog's legs were a tangle as they flopped against his owner's chest. His tail hung like an attached piece of flotsam. The dog's head dangled, swinging and bouncing against the man's arm. The dog's dark eyes were wide, desperate and terrified.

The man and his precious load were ushered into the exam room. Dr. Conklin asked the owner to set the dog on the floor so she could see if he could stand. But as soon as his owner let go, Chance crumpled to the floor.

Dr. Conklin began her examination with questions.

"Can he stand at all?"

"No."

"Is he eating?"

"I have to feed him."

The owner said that a few days ago, Chance had suddenly collapsed and 24 hours later he was paralyzed. The only parts of his body he could still move were his tail and his jaws.

Chasing raccoons was one of Chance's great pleasures, and his owner was convinced that Chance had a rare condition called Coonhound Syndrome.

Dr. Conklin had never seen a case of Coonhound Syndrome and she wasn't exactly sure what to do for the dog. She dispensed pain medication and the man carried Chance back to his car.

Despite its name, Coonhound Syndrome can attack any breed of dog. It was first recognized in coonhounds and believed to be caused by raccoon saliva. New research on the syndrome has led scientists to believe an autoimmune condition triggers the reaction. The nerves are affected and can cause a myriad of symptoms. If breathing difficulties develop, or the dog becomes dehydrated, immediate hospitalization is required. Without complications a dog must simply wait it out, and recovery may be partial or total in 12 to 16 weeks.

This is just one of the many stories of the animal that have walked, or been carried, through the doors of the Community Veterinary Center. Since the first low-cost clinic for low-income pet owners, several cats, dogs and even one rabbit, have received veterinary care that has not been available to them for years. At this time, services are limited to basic care, but with continued contributions from the animal-loving community, CVC plans to open a full-service veterinary clinic offering everything a low-income pet may need to live a long, healthy life.

Chance returned to the clinic several weeks later. The dog didn't have an appointment, he was just there to show off. As the dog romped in the grass, his owner couldn't keep the grin off his face. Chance darted about, still a little unsteady, but he was happy and moving. His owner explained that three weeks after the appointment, Chance had lifted his head for the first time.

Those first days, he said, were hard. "Chance cried 24-hours a day."

But when Chance gained his feet and took his first stiff-legged steps, his overjoyed owner said, "It was like watching my baby learn to walk."