my husband and his friend recently rescued a femal pittbull terrier. We bel;ieve she was used as a breeding dog, a teaser, or fighting. She is missing most of her teeth and what teeth that remain are worn down. She has a wheezing problem and is having trouble gaining weight. She still has problems with her right hind leg. I am looking for any tips on getting her heathy again, she refuses to eat certain foods, and maybe looking for someone with the resources to completely rehabilitate her.
2006-12-03 11:21:06 · 5 answers · asked by sweetangel20_04 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I think the best thing to do would be to have her put down. Dogs like that are unpredictable, even after rehabilitation. She could become the most gentle dog on earth, and then something sets her off, and she'll just snap. It wouldn't be fair to her to put her thru any more confusion, abandonment (after she is placed in a new home, she will not understand why she's being given up again), and will spend the rest of her life on edge, waiting for some dog to attack her.
2006-12-03 11:32:17 · answer #1 · answered by Angela M 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are pit bull rescue organizations in every state that you can contact for good advice.
The missing teeth aren't an issue. The worn down ones - I would wonder what she was chewing on that did that. Was she caged and chewed to get out? Chewing on a chain? Makes you wonder. . . .
The wheezing problem is a big one. If she has asthma or pneumonia or a parasite affecting her lungs, she needs veterinary attention. Wheezing and weight loss can indicate heartworm, among other things - which will kill her if not treated. Please have a vet see her for the wheezing and weight problems. They will do blood tests, and look for heartworm and other problems. They will do a fecal test to look for worms (causing weight loss). And they may also X-ray her lungs. All these things are important and may be urgent.
The hind leg is less urgent, but a vet may be able to help with that too.
She will need good nutrition (dog food), some medical care, and a lot of time.
I would be more concerned about her emotional state. If she was indeed used as you say, she could be a dangerous dog. Please be careful with her around other dogs and children.
Best of luck!
2006-12-03 19:30:44 · answer #2 · answered by Mac 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you believe she was used for fighting you may be fighting an uphill battle. I would start with a trip to a vet to see if she's generally healthy. Unfortunately baiting dogs, or dogs that don't fight well anymore, are not taken care of as well as the "high dollar" fighting dogs. She may never be rehabilitated completely, and you should think long and hard about how realistic it would be to own such a powerful animal who has fought before. Pit bulls are amazing animals, and unless they are in the wrong hands, they are loyal, friendly, and athletic animals that can be great family dogs. They do well with other animals, when raised with them, and properly socialized. Sadly, what you seem to have adopted is not the best example of the breed. She will be aggressive, maybe not towards you, but towards any other dogs, cats, or small animals she sees. She will most likely never be physically healthy, as a result of her fighting wounds. It may be the most humane thing to have her euthanized. A vet who is comfortable with the breed would be able to help you determine her chance for a successful rehabilitation. I would recommend doing a web search for the pit bull or American Staffordshire Terrier breed groups in your area, they would be able to recommend a vet who is experienced with that breed. Best of luck, it is truly a sad thing to see such a proud breed used for such horrible things.
2006-12-03 19:37:27 · answer #3 · answered by skachicah35 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is sad to say that most pit bulls used in forced breeding never really get their health back. There is pit bull rescue groups in every state, They are the most abused breed, There should be one that can help you. I love pit bulls I hope she gets better. When I got my puppy he had been underfed. I got and mixed in this food baby formula.
2006-12-04 01:24:39 · answer #4 · answered by raven blackwing 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
visit http://www.pbrc.net
Also, please email me at monique@libertydogtraining.com and I can also advise you.
I have several pitbulls here at the time, all are rescues...
http://www.libertydogtraining.com
2006-12-03 19:34:47 · answer #5 · answered by libertydogtraining 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋