Daily Voice
By Zak Failla From Daily Voice
A Virginia family is warning neighbors after their 15-month-old Yorkie nearly died from toxic mushroom poisoning less than 24 hours after they moved into a new apartment, according to a fundraiser created by his owners.
Maxie, a 15-month-old Yorkshire terrier, fell violently ill on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 4, at his new home in Virginia after his owners said he began throwing up, suffering diarrhea, refusing food, and becoming too weak to stand.
His bloodwork at an emergency vet showed his GGT liver enzymes were “over 5,000,” when normal levels for dogs range between 10 and 125, the family wrote.
The owners rushed him to specialty care later that morning, where Maxie spent four nights hospitalized receiving fluids, liver medication, vitamin K, and treatment to revive his appetite. His owners said vets told them he was likely suffering from toxicity due to how rapidly he crashed.
While retracing their steps from that first walk, the family found mushrooms near their apartment complex and posted photos in a professional ID group. Several experts immediately identified them as Death Caps, one of the most toxic mushrooms in the United States.
The family says they have been warning neighbors with children and pets to avoid the area.
Maxie’s owners lovingly described him as a “foster fail,” they adopted three months ago after he spent his first year trapped in a crate up to 18 hours per day with no training or socialization. They said he had learned more than 25 commands and was working with a professional trainer before the poisoning.
The GoFundMe states the family has now accumulated more than $13,000 in emergency medical bills, a total that grew after Maxie required an additional night of hospitalization.
Meet Maxie
On Monday, Dec. 8, the family reported that Maxie’s GGT and ALT liver enzymes had finally begun to drop, and he regained enough strength to be discharged and continue recovering at home.
They plan to update supporters again after Maxie returns for more bloodwork on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Meet Maxie
"We’re so lucky to have our village show up to help us and know that we will always be there for you all as well," organizers wrote. "The unfortunate part is the extra night hospitalized, and medications have brought the total financial burden to over $13,000, so any continued sharing of this is truly appreciated."
Check Daily Voice for updates.
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