German Shepherd rescued need HELP

[Winterghost]

My wife and I found a german shepherd, young female that has been several neglected, malnurished, and dehydryated. The poor thing is REALLY skin and bones at the moment.
I have already spoken to a vet in our area and they could only offer to put the girl down. She is having spasms, but otherwise, is alert. I spent all night with her feeding her soft food like lunch meat and using an eye dropper to get some fluid back into her. This morning, she seems a little better, atleast holding her head up and tracking me in the room.
Since the vet only offered to put her down, is there anything else I can do? I am not going to take this poor dog to the vet in hope of her getting better only to have her killed. She needs a good home and I intend on giving her just that, if we can get some weight back on her and fluids in her.

[dobermom]

Has the Vet actually seen the dog?
Putting her down sounds drastic, could you post a picture of her?
Where do you live? Whats the weather been like? DO you know anything about her?

[Dax]

You can nurse her back to health but it will take tons of time and energy. I would get pedalite to help battle dehydration. Try to get a couple of tablespoons of fluid in her every hour until she can take water on her own.

I would stay away from luncheon meat and switch to either canned puppy food or human baby food. The key is not to overstress the system. Small amounts every hour is much better. Don't be surprised if she messes herself as she won't have the strength to go potty.

Keep her very calm in a quiet place. Just continue to nurse her and comfort her. If she makes it a week or so, you will be able to move to the next step. If she doesn't, she will be comforted by your presense in the end.

[Winterghost]

No, the vet hasn't seen her. I'm trying to get a vet I know to come to our house to look at her.
We live in Texas and the weather has been dry and warm, mid 80's. When I get home, I will take some pics of her if I can.
She is a sweet dog from what I can tell. No growling, snapping, biting, nothing like that. She tries to get up and follow either my wife or myself in the house.
Last night when we found her, we didn't think she would make it through the night. Spent all of last night nursing her the best I could. This morning, she was actually holding her head up and moving around some. I had placed a water bowl near her and she was finally drinking on her own. She was still having problems with spasms, but not as severe as before.
Also, her eyes were weeping yellow fluid last night. That has stopped today.

[Winterghost]

I've seen guys take in too much fluid at once and get pretty sick. I figured she should only take in small amount of both food and water. Didn't want to see her get sick and make things worse.
I've already cleaned up a mess, brown in color not black. Vet told me this was a good sign of no internal bleeding.

[dobermom]

The poor girl!
I really hope you are able to help her. We will help you out as much as we can!

[Dax]

You can also see if she will take some homemade broth (chicken or beef) as it will have some nutrients and calories.

It sounds like you know what to do and are doing it. The rest is up to her and her maker.

[bernicesmama]

I think you are doing a wonderful thing. most people wouldn't give a sick dog a second glance, you must be a good person. we need more of those around here.

I would switch to canned puppy food. it has a ton of vitamins and calories. pedialyte is a great way to get rehydrated.

good luck and thanks for helping a dog most didn't give a second look.

[Winterghost]

Thank you for the support. I sorta have a kind spot for animals, and a real soft spot for german shepherds. This is the second one I have rescued. We lost my friend Sparky a year and a half ago. Told my wife I won't let it happen again.

Right now, I have her laying on a soft blanket. Should I keep her covered and bath her? Or wait until she is able to support herself more?

[Dax]

Don't bath her for at least a couple of days. Take a wash cloth and wipe away the dirt gentley.

Is she likely to be cold? If she starts shivering a light cloth on top should be enough. You don't want her to over heat.