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Spike and Tonka's Story
Spike and Tonka are still residing at the sanctuary. Tonka has made an almost complete recovery and has gained a large amount of weight he is now a bit stocky healthy boy and his head tilt has pretty much corrected itself without to much intervention. Spike on the other hand still brings tears to everyone that sees him. He is still unable to lift his head far from ground level we believe he's suffered permanent damage to the back of his neck. Spike realizes he has a disability but tries to stay positive he raises himself up on two legs so he can try to see into your eyes he wants so desperately to be able to look up at you which is why he does this. It is one of the saddest things to watch. Spike and Tonka will both be looking for very special new homes in the future. Spike will either remain at the sanctuary for life or if a special angel comes his way and would like to give him extra loving care we will be more than happy to adopt him out to a his family. Spike and Tonka update 24th October 2006. Tonka is now considered full recovered. Over the past months Tonka has improved immensely and has grown into a gorgeous big boy. Tonka has loads of personality he loves attention and loves being held by his human friend. Spike has been improving his head tilt is gradually correcting itself and spike is now able to look up into the eyes of people around him. Spike has the most beautiful eyes and and such innocent about him he only wants to be loved he has complete trust in humans and it is this trust that is very special about Spike. Spike's journey is sadly still not over he is currently being treated for a nasty ringworm/fungal infection. He is isolated again and is currently being treated for this condition. Spike will remain in the care of the sanctuary for some time yet but we have hopes that Spike one day soon will make a full recovery and be able to spend his days pleasantly with some other piggy friends by his side. To the left are recent photos taken of Spike and Tonka. Update January 2007. Tonka was adopted to a lovely new family over the Christmas break of 2006. He was adopted with his two little buddies Brussel and Collingwood. Spike's fungal infection has finally cleared up and Spike is now being taken out of quarantine and treatment. Spike's head tilt corrected itself immensely and Spike has grown into a big solid handsome boy with loads of personality. He loves and craves people and attention he loves life! Spike now resides at the ACS Brisbane Shelter permanently as a resident and part of our much loved special piggy family. Spike's Photo Story
Spike arrives at the RSPCA Spike arrives at ACS for further treatment Spike in treatment Spike moves onto foster care Spike after treatment Tonka's Photo Story
Tonka arrives at the RSPCA Tonka arrives at ACS for further treatment Tonka after treatment (c) Copyright 2006, Australian Cavy Sanctuary. All rights reserved. |
In mid 2006 two guinea pigs
were surrendered into the ACS Brisbane shelter via the RSPCA. Tonka and
Spike we were told were their names. They were a very sad and severe case
both boys came from separate situations where they had been attacked by a
cat. The RSPCA vets did not expect the boys to live both boys had severe
wounds to the neck/head/upper back regions and were in so much pain they
spent several days on morphine at the RSPCA vet clinic. The two boys were
finally taken off painkillers although were still very sore for some time.
Both boys had severe head tilts as a result. Their was a lot of swelling
around the back of the neck of Spike in particular causing Spike to
literally be unable to lift his head off the ground. Spike also had
crustiness/watery eyes for several months and needed regular cleaning
around this area. Spike in particular underwent special care and physio
work for some time. The RSPCA felt the boys would do well making their
recovery here at the sanctuary. Both boys have been little angels to treat
and are walking miracles.
