Rescues

Meet Our Rescues

Through a mutual partnership fostered by our love for animals, the Allentown Animal Clinic assists with some of the most difficult and heart-wrenching medical cases that land in the open arms of the Lehigh County Humane Society (LCHS). Without the extensive, advanced medical care rendered by both parties, many of these future pets would not be able to overcome their ailments, yet alone become adoptable.

Some of these images are graphic, viewer discretion is advised

Mr. Peanut

Mr. Peanut, an orange neutered male tabby, was brought to AAC in July of 2015 by the LCHS. He has been surrendered due to an issue with his eyes. Upon observation, his right eye had severe inflammation, with a raised pink, fleshy center of the cornea. His eye was barely visible under the tissue and vascularization that had formed over the eye. His left eye was inflamed as well, but not to the severity of the right. After consultations with two specialists, it was recommended that the eye be removed. However, Dr. Rutkowski was not convinced that the eye should be removed. Mr. Peanut began a strict regimen of antibiotics and medicated drops that had to be administered multiple times per day, and placed in a foster home. At each follow-up appointment, he showed dramatic improvement. The eye would not have to be removed after all! At his last appointment, he was looking more handsome than ever before and even put on two pounds! His treatment will continue into the fall months, but serves as a testament to the dedication of the LCHS volunteers, fosters and staff for their commitment to animals in need.

Blonde cat with sick eyeBlonde cat with sick eyeInfected cat eyeBlonde cat with sick eye

Stumpy

On July 3, 2012 the LCHS found an injured male cat, who’s tail had been nearly 40% de-gloved of its skin. They immediately cleaned and wrapped the injury, and brought the unhappy tomcat over to the Allentown Animal Clinic for treatment. Upon examining the injury, the doctors agreed that a tail amputation would be required in order to prevent further re-injury or infection. The surgery was uneventful, and “Stumpy” has made a full recovery.

Sick cat in vet's officesick cat laying down at vet's office

Charity

The story of Charity truly embodies the LCHS’s dedication to ensuring that animals presenting the gravest of conditions receive the highest standard of medical care. The LCHS staff responded to the call of an injured stray feline DSH in early February. When she was initially discovered, Charity’s future was bleak. She was emaciated to the point where her body was rejecting nutrition, signaling how close to death she actually was. Weighing in at only 4.6 lbs, the tiny, young female was immediately rushed to the Allentown Animal Clinic for treatment. On her paws, abdomen and tail were severe, ulcerative burns. She was so weak and injured that she could not even stand. Fluids were immediately administered due to her advanced level of dehydration. Her wounds needed to be debrided in order to ensure proper healing, followed by vigorous daily cleansing. She presented with a severe upper respiratory infection, which furthered her unwillingness to ingest food. She desperately needed nutrition for survival, and a feeding tube was placed. After several weeks of aggressive medication, wound treatment and assisted nutrition, Charity’s health began to turn for the better. She began to eat again on her own, stand, walk, groom herself and behave like a normal, healthy young cat. Since her weight gain was a slow process that required monitoring, she entered into a foster home with one of the Allentown Animal Clinic’s technicians. Throughout her entire ordeal, Charity has continually displayed affection and gratitude. Even in her poorest state, she purred graciously any time she was pet, fed or given an ounce of attention. Charity has been adopted.

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Slinky

When Slinky first arrived at the Allentown Animal Clinic for a rough bout of coughing and sneezing, the doctors spared no time in coming to her aid. As the malnourished pup struggled to breathe, the doctors instantly order a series of chest x-rays that showed moderate pneumonia. But, that was the least of Slinky’s woes. She had retained baby teeth that were beginning to cause dental disease as well as two abdominal hernias. The doctors and staff at Allentown Animal Clinic started slinky on an aggressive treatment schedule to battle the pneumonia, and thankfully, she responded with flying colors. Once regaining her strength, Slinky was cleared for a three-part surgery to remove the baby teeth, correct the hernias and be spayed. She made a full and speedy recovery from her numerous procedures and was adopted soon thereafter.

Cat with stitches

Piper

When Piper, a 7-month-old German Shepherd puppy was taken in by the LCHS, she was immediately rushed to the Allentown Animal Clinic. She had a fever of 106.5, was not eating and was struggling to breathe. After a series of x-rays and tests revealed severe pneumonia and canine influenza, the doctors gave a guarded prognosis. She was placed on a strict regimen of antibiotics, nebulizers and constant nursing care. After nearly an entire week of treatment, her temperature started to return to normal. Her breathing improved, but she still refused food. Knowing that Piper could not recover without proper nutrition, the doctors at AAC consulted with a nutritionist and prescribed a schedule of hand-feeding several times each day to ensure that she would consume the much-needed calories. Due to intense feeding instructions, Piper required 24/7 care and was brought home with Dr. Tuhacek on a nightly basis. After nearly two-weeks of intense hospitalization and personal care, Piper was discharged from the Allentown Animal Clinic back to the LCHS where attendants continued with treatments and strict feeding guidelines until she regained strength. After several more weeks with the LCHS, Piper found a wonderful new home with Captain Keith Morris of the Allentown Police Department. Piper is now a thriving adult German Shepherd working dog, and we look forward to her occasional visits just to say “hello,” or in her case, “arf!”

German Shepherd dogGerman Shepherd dog sitting on grassGerman Shepherd dog

Charlotte

Charlotte was brought to AAC during the winter of 2015 after animal control was summoned to retrieve a stray that, according to reports, “had been badly burned.” While the true horror of her story may never fully be uncovered, her miraculous recovery will surely overshadow the monstrous, inhumane treatment that befell her. When she arrived at AAC, nurses quickly worked to cool the charred skin and clear the burnt hair from her body. She spent the next several weeks under intense pain management, as the extent of her injuries became more and more apparent. Charlotte was badly burned on over 1/3 of her body, including her delicate ears, which had been burnt down to the cartilage. All of the affected tissue would eventually slough off, with some parts reaching all the way down to the muscle itself. Soothing ointments and medication were applied several times per day, in an attempt to heal the wounds. Amazingly, after 7 weeks of treatment, this sweet girl made a full recovery.

Pit bull with burn marksBrown pit bull

Junior

One of the most challenging cases recently presented to the Allentown Animal Clinic and the Lehigh County Humane Society involved a Shih Tzu pup by the name of Junior. He arrived at the Allentown Animal Clinic coughing heavily, with a completely clouded left eye. The doctors performed a corneal stain to assess the damage and found that the eye contained a 3 centimeter wide ulcer that nearly covered the entire circumference of the eye. His chest radiographs showed that he had pneumonia, which the doctors began treating immediately. Due to his current condition, Junior was in no state to undergo surgery to repair the eye, which, even with the administration of medication, worsened by the minute. For days, Junior received a constant flow of medication to clear the pneumonia, and slowly began to respond favorably to the treatment. But the clock was ticking, and with each passing moment, the chances of saving the eye grew slimmer. Though not fully recovered from the pneumonia, and a risky candidate for anesthesia, Junior underwent the challenging procedure of grafting a new conjunctiva to the eye, a multiple-surgery procedure. The first, and most crucial graft, took to the eye well, and the eye slowly began to heal. Junior remained in the caring hands of the Allentown Animal Clinic and Lehigh County Humane Society during recovery, and soon prepared for his second surgery to adjust the flap for optimal vision and a routine neuter. Junior would be in recovery for several more weeks as the eye slowly healed. Several months after his extensive procedures, Junior now goes by the name “Journey,” appropriately given to him by his new proud owner. Indeed, it was a long and difficult “journey” for the little Shih Tzu pup, who was given a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life through the generosity of the Lehigh County Humane Society and Allentown Animal Clinic.

Vet with black and white shih tzu

Glenda

Glenda, and adorable, underweight little Shih Tzu pup came to the Allentown Animal Clinic after caregivers noticed that her urine contained a notable amount of blood. Her bladder was large, distended and painful upon palpation. The doctors ordered a series of x-rays which showed numerous large bladder stones as well as an area of calcification of the left kidney. Once cleared for surgery, Glenda underwent a dual procedure to remove the stones as well as be spayed. The surgery went as planned, but complications arose. Shortly after the surgery, caregivers at LCHS noticed that Glenda was not responding favorably and rushed her to the Valley Central Referral Hospital (VCRH), where an exploratory surgery revealed a physical abnormality in her urinary tract that was leading to further medical issues. The doctors at VCRH repaired the abnormality, and at long, last, Glenda was finally on the road to recovery. She returned to Allentown Animal Clinic where doctors and staff diligently tended to her. After several days, she was released on good terms, and soon found a home with a loving new owner. At her two-month post-surgical exam, Glenda is a healthy, happy, fun-loving pup with a bright future thanks to the caring and diligent teams of the Lehigh County Humane Society, VCRH and Allentown Animal Clinic.

Goldie

Miss Goldie, a young golden poodle mix was found wandering the streets of Allentown in early August. When she was brought to the LCHS, the staff immediately noticed that was having difficulty urinating. When she was finally able to relieve herself, she had passed a stone along with a substantial amount of blood. She was immediately brought to AAC where x-rays concluded that she had a large stone in her bladder and a severe urinary tract infection as a result of the stone. On August 12th, Goldie underwent surgery to remove the calcification from her bladder. After several days of hospitalization, she was released back to the humane society where she was treated for the UTI. The LCHS successfully fundraised for Goldie’s treatment and adoption.

small blonde dog

Ivy

“Ivy” came to the LCHS with her mother and litter mate at only 4-weeks of age. They were strays, and from being on the street, they all were displaying symptoms of respiratory infection. Ivy, unfortunately, was under the most duress, as her eye was seriously infected and protruding. She was brought to the Allentown Animal Clinic for evaluation for a medical evaluation to see if it would be possible to save the eye. Due to the degree of infection, it was determined that the eye could not be saved and had to be removed immediately in order to prevent further damage to her other body systems. She was very brave, undergoing surgery at a young age, and her recovery was normal. She found a foster home with one of the Allentown Animal Clinic’s technicians, as returning her to the mother carried many potential risks. The doctors worried that the mother would over-groom little Ivy, and thus remove her sutures and spread infection to the surgical site. Her foster mother had also started a series of vaccinations and de-wormings, making her own way to a successful recovery.

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