We got an urgent plea from the shelter about little Rupert, a Westie who wasn’t yet available for rescue due to his stray hold period. We pulled him yesterday on a “Good Samaritan” basis, meaning we take full responsibility for his medical care. If an owner claims him during the hold time, we’d have to return him – but in all years, that’s never happened.
Rupert was brought in as a “stray” with terrible untreated wounds. Some had maggots, and they were horribly infected which will eventually require surgical debridement on his back, legs, and abdomen. We don’t know how long he suffered like this, but his temperature dropped at the shelter, and he started vomiting.
We dropped everything to rush him to our specialty emergency clinic, where internists and critical care staff were waiting for him.
Rupert had a severe raging infection, sepsis, anemia, and dangerously low electrolytes. He was brought to Horizon Emergency and was immediately put on supportive care and we were told his chances are 50/50. He spent five days in extensive care where he underwent a procedure to address the puncture wounds on his back. One wound was successfully sutured after debridement (removal of necrotic tissue), while the other was left open to serve as a drainage outlet. He received a second surgery the following day to address the larger wounds on his thigh, with the smaller one remaining open for continued drainage. The wounds around his ankles unfortunately don’t have enough healthy skin for closure, so they’ll need daily cleaning and bandaging. They’ll heal gradually by scabbing and scarring over time. Staff had to cut all his hair on his head to check for puncture wounds and thankfully his head and neck escaped the attack.
The medical team believes Rupert was attacked by a very large dog or possibly one or more coyotes. They noted evidence of crushing injuries, and the fluid buildup in his abdomen was attributed to trauma and his struggle during the attack. A G-tube was placed to help drain the fluid and reduce swelling.
He’s been on strong IV pain medications and antibiotics. Plasma transfusion was considered as a last-resort option last night but thankfully wasn’t needed.
Rupert was discharged and is so much brighter, more alert, and even showing interest in food again. His electrolytes are still off but improving slightly, liver enzymes remain elevated, but his protein levels have improved. His white blood cell count is trending better, and the team feels they caught the sepsis in time. He has been transitioned to oral medications. Unfortunately, since his wounds are so severe, he will undergo daily bandage changes under sedation for the next few weeks and as he heals, the changes will be reduced to every other day.
Rupert’s incredible resilience and will to live are a true testament to his bravery. Let the healing begin!
Karen Simondet, WROC
