Maika first arrived at the refuge in 2022 with her sister, Maya, they had been found wandering the streets, and in poor condition.
When Maika was sterilised, we discovered that she was heavily infested with internal worms. Thankfully, we were able to treat the infestation and clear the worms.
In 2023, however, we began to notice that something wasn’t right. Maika had always been an anxious dog, but she was suddenly struggling on her walks and becoming extremely short of breath. We knew immediately that this was more than anxiety.
A scan was booked for the following week, but before we could get there, Maika collapsed at the refuge. Her blood count was dangerously low, and treatment began immediately. Thankfully, she responded quickly to the veterinary care.But another episode made it clear that there was much more going on.
Further investigations revealed that Maika’s heart was severely congested and that her blood had become abnormally thick. She was also suffering from a digestive problem that needed to be treated, while her heart had to be carefully stabilised.
Once she was stable enough, another scan revealed a hole in her heart. She also underwent a bubble test, which helped the vets understand what was happening. Not enough blood was reaching her heart properly, causing blood to pool in the ventricles and preventing her heart from beating as it should.
To this day, Maika’s blood remains thick, with an iron overload, and she requires ongoing veterinary care and medication to keep her condition under control.
Maika was, without question, a very sick dog. Her first foster home found the situation incredibly difficult, and as we always listen to our foster families and support them, we made the decision to bring Maika back to the refuge.
For an anxious dog with such complex medical needs, the refuge environment was simply too much. That’s when one of our wonderful staff members, Johanna, opened her home to Maika and took her in to nurse and care for her.
And what a difference it has made. Maika is now three years on from her initial diagnosis. When she was first diagnosed, we were told she might have only six months to live. Yet here she is living in a happy, loving home.
The veterinary care is extensive. Her medication is expensive. Her condition requires constant monitoring and dedication. But every single penny and every sleepless night is worth it when we see this beautiful girl happy, safe and enjoying her life.
And Maika has given something extraordinary in return. Every month, blood is carefully drawn from Maika to help manage her condition. That blood is then able to help other dogs who are desperately in need of life saving blood transfusions.
So this little dog, who has fought so hard for her own life, has also helped save the lives of others.
Against the odds, she continues to show us just how precious every extra day can be.
PAWSistant