Dog News

Update on Lad, Collie Shot in the Face

by Melanie

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One of the bibs donated.  He still drools like any other dog, and with no lower jaw to catch it, he needs a little assistance.
One of the bibs donated. He still drools like any other dog, and with no lower jaw to catch it, he needs a little assistance.

 

A couple months ago we brought you Lad’s story.  He has been going through a really difficult time since he was shot in the muzzle, but is fighting to survive.  Every day, he takes on his challenges bravely, ever full of love and fighting spirit.  He is recovering, but still needs help.

Lad getting some love from vet tech Cammi as he is fed.
Lad getting some love from vet tech Cammi as he is fed.

 

From The Arrow Fund:

Lad, a Rough Collie, came to The Arrow Fund on February 10, 2014 from Daviess County, KY. He had been shot in his muzzle, and the lower half of his jaw was severely damaged. The Arrow Fund immediately transferred him to Blue Pearl where he could receive emergency medical care from the specialists at Blue Pearl.

Lad licking his soft collar.
Lad licking his soft collar.

 

Upon examination, the doctors found that Lad was extremely underweight (only 41 lbs on intake) and was a 1 on a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being the lowest possible before death. The gunshot wound appeared to be at least 6 days old, if not more, and was severely infected.

Lad waiting so very politely for his meatballs.  He is now able to eat canned food if it's formed into meatballs.
Lad waiting so very politely for his meatballs. He is now able to eat canned food if it’s formed into meatballs.

 

Once he was strong enough, the front of the lower portion of Lad’s jaw needed to be removed to get rid of the infected tissue that would not be able to heal. Lad is currently at UC Davis {in California] to discuss possible options for his jaw; updates will be made regularly as we work with UC Davis. The person responsible for shooting Lad has received an indictment [on a felony]; this is all we can say on the case at this point but will update with more details as soon as we are able.

A 3-D printout of Lad's skull, which will help specialists create the best reconstruction possible.
A 3-D printout of Lad’s skull, which will help specialists create the best reconstruction possible.

 

Lad is recovering as much as is possible, but he still has a long way to go.  He has osteomyelitis – a bone infection – which requires aggressive therapy.  He is on antibiotics, but with a weakened immune system, there is no guarantee the treatment will work.  Still, he smiles and loves and faces every day with courage.

He loves his stuffed animals!
He loves his stuffed animals!

 

If Lad can beat osteomyelitis, he will move on to reconstructive surgery.  His care is costly, and The Arrow Fund greatly appreciates any help they can get.  If you would like to donate toward Lad’s care, please click here.  Checks may be mailed to:

The Arrow Fund

PO Box 1127

Prospect, Kentucky  40059

For more updates on Lad, continue to follow his progress here.

Living life every day to its fullest.
Living life every day to its fullest.