Louisville, KY (WDRB) -- A dog is found neglected and starving in McLean County, Kentucky.
Dr. Missy Jewell with All Pets Veterinary Center says, "To be frank, he's one of the most neglected, most pathetic and sad condition that I have ever seen."
Zeke is a black shepherd dog. He is trying hard to stand up, but is still so weak. He was found along the side of the road in McLean County, in northwestern Kentucky and taken to the shelter in Daviess County.
Then, on Saturday he was brought to the All Pets Veterinary Center in Louisville and his health has improved in just a few days. Rebecca Eaves with the Shamrock Arrow Fund says, "My fingers literally fit inside his ribs."
Dr. Jewell says she isn't sure how long he had been abused: "This is a very chronic condition. As far as infection in his skin goes, it can advance rapidly, if it's not treated. In order to get into this emaciated state, we're talking at least two months of no food or very very little food."
Zeke weighs about 60 pounds now, but needs to gain about 40 pounds to be a healthy weight. He is being fed 3500 calories a day, to try and gain some weight. He is so hungry that he quickly gobbles up any food that is spoon fed to him.
Zeke lost his hair from mange and also has anemia and a tick-born disease. Volunteers had to brush him with flea combs to strip away the yeasty dandruff all over his face and body.
The Shamrock Arrow Fund is doing all its can to try and save him, but says the medical bills are adding up.
For information on the Shamrock Foundation and the Shamrock Arrow Fund, click here:
Eaves says, "He has been totally totally criminally neglected and we want to find out who had him."
Zeke may stay at the hospital for another week before being taken to a foster home, but he will still be quarantined. Later, the Arrow Fund hopes to find him a permanent home, saying he is a very loving dog.
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