An animal shelter discovered a hidden illness in a stray dog after her holding period ended, at which point her owner declined to reclaim her.
Kayla, believed to be a 3-year-old cattle dog mix, arrived at the Green Lake Area Animal Shelter in Wisconsin on March 15 after being picked up as a stray by the local sheriff's department, shelter manager Katrina Rogers told Newsweek via email. A concerned citizen had found her wandering alone, and at first glance, the staff did not realize just how much care she would need.
Rogers said that while Kayla's medical issues weren't immediately confirmed, there were early warning signs due to her appearance and the odor of her urine. Rogers suspected the dog had a serious infection. However, she said Wisconsin law requires animal shelters to hold off on certain medical procedures during a mandatory waiting period.
The shelter was able to connect with the dog's previous owner, but they informed the team that Kayla was "too much of a hassle for just a farm dog" and they no longer wanted her, a March 28 Facebook post says.
After hearing those heartbreaking words and once her hold period expired, the team was able to move forward with testing, revealing additional health concerns that needed treatment. She is being treated for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and a urinary tract infection. Now, Kayla is on the road to recovery.
Both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are tick-borne bacterial infections that can affect dogs, but they stem from different pathogens and can present somewhat different risks. Anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma bacteria, targets white blood cells or platelets and can cause fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, joint pain and sometimes bleeding issues, an American Kennel Club (AKC) article says. Dogs usually respond quickly to antibiotics, like doxycycline.
AKC also reported that Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, often affects the joints, leading to lameness, swelling, fever and reduced energy and can occasionally trigger kidney problem if left untreated. Like anaplasmosis, it is diagnosed through blood tests and treated with antibiotics. Preventing both relies on tick control, regular checks after outdoor activity and vaccinations when recommended.
"We will be rechecking a few things after she has finished her current medications," Rogers said. "She will need to remain on medication for about two more weeks, and after her follow-up exam, we will have a better idea of when she will be ready [for adoption]."
While her physical healing is underway, Kayla’s emotional recovery is just beginning.
Rogers said she’s still reserved, nervous and shy, but each day brings small, meaningful progress. With a gentle approach and a kind voice, Kayla begins to open up -- her tail wagging cautiously, her personality starting to peek through.
“She’ll even ‘talk’ back to you in her own sweet way,” Rogers said.