Meet the most resilient boy ever, Champ
Intake Date: 1/2022
D.O.B 1/2021
Some of you may remember Champ’s story, if not here it is! You’ll be AMAZED!
Champ was a 2 yr. old terrier mix that came to us as a stray via animal control.
He was super sweet, even with the having a large wound on his left side (our best guess of what caused this would be a chemical burn).
As you can imagine, we were shocked and outraged that someone could do this to a helpless dog. There was no doubt in our minds that we could help Champ get the medical attention he needed.
We consulted with MSU as soon as he was transferred into our care. MSU was moderately concerned that they would find irreversible joint damage due to his knee being immobilized (from skin scar tissue) for what was presumed to be that way for months.
They were confident that their treatment plan would close the wound and that he would recover nicely. However, if the limb ended up non-functional, they recommended amputation.
Warning: by clicking ‘READ MORE’ you will see pictures of Champ’s wound which is graphic. However, there are also pictures included that show is unbelievable recovery.
The MSU treatment plan for Champ: At the first appointment they would sedate him and break down scar tissue to allow them to assess the joint. If the joint seemed functional, then they would plan to proceed with soft tissue skin flaps/grafts to help his skin heal faster. If the joint appeared to be non-functional, they would amputate. Skin flaps/grafts would be used to close the amputation site. There was also a chance that even though they thought the joint would recover and be functional, it doesn’t always end up that way. (Those cases can be very frustrating because the skin heals beautifully, but the limb doesn’t recover, and an amputation would be needed.)
His appointment for this procedure was scheduled on February 10th. Surgery was the 13th, the stars were aligned for Champ on that day! Surgery went much better than anyone would have expected!
A few hours after he woke up from surgery he was able to bear weight on his limb and was even able to walk slowly on all fours.
He came back to Mackenzie’s the next day, Feb 14th. Where he was flooded with so much love!
He spent over a month in our office so that we could give him full-time supervision during the day. His extensive care by the MAS staff led to an amazing recovery with his limb staying functional. With physical therapy, he become such a happy boy who was able to run and play again!
Now for the AMAZING NEWS!
Once Champ recovered enough to start meeting people, he wiggled his way into the hearts of his forever family! He was officially adopted on 5/27/2022.
…and to think, this poor, sweet boy was going to be euthanized due to his injuries! It’s because of supporters like you, that we were able to take Champ in and give him the medical attention he desperately needed and deserved.
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