A nine-month-old Bantam bulldog puppy with a number of health issues was handed over to the BC SPCA’s Alberni-Clayoquot community animal centre by her owner, who could no longer care for her.
The dog, whose name is Lulu, has several medical issues, mostly around her eyes which will require surgery.
“Poor Lulu has a condition commonly known as cherry eye in both of her eyes,” says Leon Davis, the BC SPCA’s senior manager for Vancouver Island and the coastal region.
“She is also suffering from a secondary eye infection, an infection in both ears and she may also have environmental allergies.”
Cherry eye is the prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. It is repaired by surgically placing the gland back in its proper location.
When left untreated, cherry eye can become irritating to the dog, prompting it to rub and paw at the eye.
This not only causes further inflammation of the cherry eye but also leads to conjunctivitis and possible corneal injury, which can result in eye damage and vision loss.
Since being turned over to the SPCA, Lulu has received the necessary surgery to correct the cherry eye and was also spayed.
Unfortunately, while Lulu was recovering, the glands in her eyes prolapsed again, indicating that this sweet girl will require yet another surgery.
“According to her vet, this is quite common with this kind of eye issue, especially when the glands are as large as Lulu’s,” said Davis.
According to the SPCA, despite Lulu’s health issues, she remains a playful and outgoing puppy and didn’t waste any time making herself at home with her BC SPCA foster.
“As soon as Lulu walked in the door, she hopped right up on the couch. At night she snuggles up to her foster Mom in bed, laying her head on the pillow, and falls into a deep sleep snoring loudly,” said Davis.
Lulu will continue with treatments under veterinary care until she makes a full recovery and will be looking for her forever home once she is medically cleared, which is expected to be in approximately four weeks.
If you can help Lulu and other animals in need at the BC SPCA, please visit medical.spca.bc.ca.
