Panda

New York, NY
Rescue: Muddy Paws

This is Panda. He became critically emaciated and had to be hospitalized due to constant vomiting and diarrhea. He was diagnosed with a pancreatic illness where his body is unable to digest food. While there is no cure, his condition can be managed with costly daily medication. If left untreated, he would starve to death.

Total Raised

$12,962

Original Goal

$12,000

Number of Donations

326

Pupdates

Shelter

Panda was brought to the NYC shelter after suffering from diarrhea and vomiting for one month. His illness caused extreme emaciation and malnutrition. Based on his symptoms, the shelter assumed he had an obstruction. The shelter does not have the resources to perform diagnostics to confirm the suspected diagnosis, let alone a complex surgery.

The shelter sent out a plea for help and Muddy Paws stepped up to the plate to save Panda’s life.

Vet Visit

Panda was immediately transferred to an emergency vet, where further tests revealed that he did not have an obstruction. After several days of hospitalization, he was diagnosed with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)—a condition in which the pancreas is unable to digest fats, resulting in a poor skin coat and a thin body condition.

Treatment involves adding supplemental pancreatic enzymes to food twice daily for life. A low-fat diet, costly probiotics ($150/month), and B12 supplements can also help manage symptoms. Since 15% of dogs do not respond to treatment, we were incredibly relieved to see Panda improve within just a few days. He is now focused on gaining weight and finding his forever home.

The 15/10 Foundation’s mission is to make shelter dogs with medical needs more adoptable. Panda has faced his fair share of challenges and is a perfect example of why we do what we do.