Fritz: a tick of approval

 

Fritz, recovered after being paralysed by a tick

Fritz arrived at The Lost Dogs' Home's facility in Cranbourne quietly and without any fuss. He had been found wandering by the Council's Animal Management worker before being taken to safety. Without any form of identification, staff were unable to contact his owner and hoped that they would come searching for him soon.

Two days later, staff cleaning pens were alarmed to see that Fritz's back legs appeared paralysed. He was immediately taken into veterinary care where the Pomeranian/Staffy mix displayed classic tick paralysis symptoms. Vets thoroughly searched his body for the culprit and located the small parasite, firmly lodged on Fritz's shoulder.

It was a race against time to get Fritz to the Hallam Animal Emergency Centre so they could administer anti-tick serum. Unfortunately Fritz had a severe allergic reaction to the medicine and vets worked hard to keep him alive.

Once treated, this plucky dog started recovering immediately. He was able to raise his head and vets declared him fit to be transferred to the Home's North Melbourne shelter, where he was to receive intensive supportive care and careful monitoring for a further fortnight by the Veterinary Team. Antibiotics, an IV drip and plenty of TLC saw Fritz regain his genuine lust for life and vivacity.

"He is a bright, boisterous boy, who has made a remarkable recovery," said Veterinary Clinic Manager, Dr Larry Colson. He was placed up for adoption and was adopted soon after, by Fiona and her family.

"Fritz is really friendly and bubbly. He's popular and endears himself to everyone - in fact in the months since we adopted him, we have had people offer to buy him from us, which we would never do. He's changed our family's life and we can't imagine being without him," said Fiona.

"He is terrific with our kids and has befriended our neighbour's cats. They try to warn him off their turf, but all Fritzy wants to do is play. His tail never stops wagging. He is the best".