Puppy abandoned after being diagnosed with deadly disease – but she's a fighter
When humans hear the word 'parvo,' which is an infection known as canine parvovirus, come out of the mouths of their veterinarians, it can cause panic.
The virus, which is extremely contagious, attacks 'white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs' and in puppies 'can damage the heart muscle,' the American Veterinary Medical Association says.
So when a puppy named Lily was diagnosed in a Chicago emergency vet, hope waned.
'A parvovirus diagnosis is the last thing you want to hear as a pet owner. It's deadly, highly contagious, and very expensive to treat, for a pet owner or a shelter,' the PAWSChicago shelter said in a June 5 Instagram post.
'After Lily was admitted to an emergency vet clinic, her owner wouldn't come back for her. Things are hard right now. Pet surrenders are up 312% at CACC, many of them because people are struggling to afford the cost of basic pet care, let alone major medical costs.'
Thankfully, the shelter was able to take the sweet girl in. In the video posted to social media, Lily is a spunky girl with large eyes and a boopable nose.
'But Lily can't live at the emergency clinic, and she needed someplace to go. Earlier this week, she came to PAWS to continue her treatment. While she hasn't beat parvo yet, she's doing really well so far!' the shelter said.
To keep up with Lily's story, follow the shelter's Instagram.
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