A dog who had been eating twigs and rocks just a few months ago has found a happy ending.

WARNING: Graphic Content!

The Weimaraner named Alex was picked up on the streets of New Orleans and was taken to Vermillion Parish’s Rabies Animal Control weighing just 43 pounds.

Alex was so severely emaciated that when Deanna Theis, assistant director of the Southern Animal Foundation, saw a photo of him, she was stunned he was still alive.

She knew he would not survive unless he was immediately pulled form the shelter, so that’s what she did.

While undergoing medical tests, X-Rays revealed that Alex had been so desperate for food that he had eaten rocks and twigs to fill his stomach.

His health was touch and go in the beginning. Alex’s severe starvation caused him a serious set back when his stomach reacted to the nutrition he was receiving and it flipped.

He had to have immediate emergency surgery to remove the foreign objects and to combat the dangerous condition, but the resilient dog pulled through.

After he had sufficiently recovered, he went into foster care with Diane Lundeen. She already has two Weimaraners at home and when she met Alex she fell in love with him right away. He fell in love too, gaining 10 pounds in the first week home with her.

Four months later, Diane knew she could not part with the dog whose eyes were so haunting when they first met. Those same eyes are bright and full of happiness now that he’s found a forever home with Lundeen and his new siblings.

Every picture Alex is in now, he’s smiling.

Lundeen says that he is almost 80 pounds now: “He has good color in his gums, his eyes are bright, when he goes to sit down he doesn’t whine. He has this incredible joy for life that’s awesome.”

Way to go, Alex! I’m so happy to see him make such a miraculous recovery.

---------

10 Common Dog Health Problems

Some health problems are specific to certain breeds, such as breathing complications for flat-faced dogs. But several other canine health issues can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions you need to watch out for in your four-legged best friend:

Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems

Skin Problems

One of the most obvious signs that your dog has a skin condition is itching. Other symptoms that may suggest that your dog has a skin problem include rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, skin sores, dandruff, and hair loss.

Ear Diseases

Approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease. It’s particularly common in breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. It’s common to see wax buildup or discharge in their ear canal. But others may experience pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.

Urinary Tract Infections

Simply known as UTI, this condition can make it uncomfortable for your beloved companion to pass urine. Signs of urinary tract infection include drinking water more than usual and passing urine more often than usual. Your dog may also only pass a small amount or lose bladder control. Additionally, you may see blood in their urine or notice a strong smell to it.

Vomiting

There are countless reasons why your pet may throw up. You don’t need to visit the vet each time your dog vomits. But it’s also not something you can just ignore. Don’t try to guess. If the vomiting persists or occurs with other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, you need to rush to the vet. It could be a sign of severe health problems, such as poisoning or gastrointestinal blockage.

Diarrhea

This symptom may occur on its own or be accompanied by vomiting. Its potential causes are similar to vomiting. One or two episodes of diarrhea may not be a pet emergency. But recurring diarrhea can result in dehydration.

Parasites

At some point in their lives, your pet may have to deal with discomfort due to internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasites generally vary, depending on a few factors. These include the kind of parasite that has plagued your pet, where it lives, and how severe its infestation is.

Dental Issues

Like us, your dog can develop canine dental diseases due to high levels of plaque buildup. Several signs indicate that your pet may have dental disease. These include difficulty eating, bleeding of the gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Obesity

Nearly 30 percent of the general dog population is considered obese. Several factors contribute to a pet’s risk. These include age, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, and overfeeding, among others.

Arthritis

This joint problem can restrict your dog’s mobility. Bring Fido to the vet if you see your dog slow down or limp before and after walks. Other signs include licking or chewing on tender areas and behavioral changes.

Poisoning

Symptoms of dog poisoning vary widely, depending on the kind of toxin a pet has been exposed to. The signs can range from vomiting to drooling, breathing difficulties, seizures, or worse, coma. Some of the most common poisonous substances are human foods like chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine. Other known culprits are human medications, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some plants.