Neglected Dog Carrying Huge Tumour

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NANAIMO - An astounding story of animal neglect has animal advocates bewildered and upset - a dog chained to the fence of Nanaimo's SPCA on Halloween.

The elderly Border Collie was discovered by workers when the shelter opened for business.

At first glance the animal looked a little matted, yet healthy.

But it's what was inside the dog that is shocking

The dog underwent an operation on Friday that will change its life.

It a procedure that has even shocked the Vet performing the surgery to remove a benign tumour, common in dogs

But there's nothing common about this tumour. It's the size of a large pumpkin, 4.3 kg or 9½ pounds.

Dr. Langelier from Island Veterinary Hospital says it the largest lypoma he has removed.

The SPCA named her Maggie. CTV News watched Maggie before the surgery as she made her way around the garden outside the veterinary clinic; a tumour protruding under her front leg making it difficult for her to walk and putting pressure on blood vessels.

Whoever chained Maggie to the gate of the Nanaimo SPCA delayed medical treatment further. The SPCA had to wait four days before it could legally call Maggie its own.

"If someone didn't want her or they couldn't afford veterinary care, they can come and talk to us," says Toni Morrison from the Nanaimo SPCA "It's something that we deal with on a regular basis and that's what we're there for."

The action is also troubling the dog's medical team.

"I never know what goes through people's heads," says Langelier "I've been in practice for 30 years, and I guess over the years I've seen people do all sorts of things to animals whether it's direct cruelty or indirect by abandoning them. You have an animal - it's your duty to look after it and care for it."

Maggie is expected to make a full recovery. She'll be a little limp, but that is expected to subside once the swelling goes down from the surgery.

That's when Maggie will be placed up for adoption. 10 pounds lighter, but looking forward to a much happier life.

If you are interested in adopting Maggie or if you have any information on her previous owner you can call Nanaimo SPCA at 250-758-844.


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