HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - A once lonely and injured puppy is on the mend after having his leg amputated following emergency surgery to save his life.
On Monday, law enforcement officers were dispatched to an abandoned building’s parking lot in Pembroke Pines following reports of an injured stray dog. Upon arrival, an officer discovered a small puppy, approximately 3 to 4 months old, battered and dragging his rear leg.
The puppy, later named Maverick, was taken to Pooches in Pines’ emergency veterinary facility for immediate treatment.
Following a series of tests, it was revealed that Maverick sustained a tibia fracture and a fibula fracture. Additionally, the young canine was found to have multiple infected wounds and lacerations across his body.
“His other leg had infections very, very deep, down to the bone, so it was like necrotic flesh, and some other injuries that were consistent with blunt force trauma, so I definitely think it’s an abuse case,” said Angela Goodwin with Pooches in Pines Rescue.
Pooches in Pines rushed Maverick to VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital.
A veterinarian suspected that the injuries were caused by a hard blow, and they had been left untreated for some time, leading to infection and tissue decay.
Maverick was put on a cocktail of medications, received IV fluids, and had a catheter inserted. As much as they wanted to save his left hind leg, the risk of infection spreading was too high.
In addition to the fractures, his legs had deep wounds that were badly infected, with necrotic tissue. Surgery to repair the fractures would increase the chances of infection and make his recovery even more challenging.
On Thursday, a decision was made.
“We were going to try to do plates and pins for his leg, but because of his infections and stuff that he has, due to his young age, the vet decided that it would be best to amputate his leg,” said Goodwin.
According to doctors, the emergency surgery at VCA Animal Hospital went well, and Maverick is currently recovering.
“He’s doing fantastic, according to the vet. We just got the report,” said Goodwin. “He’s up moving around; he’s doing far better than they expected.”
Police said the dog was beaten and suffering from blunt force trauma.
“To me, if you can hurt a dog or a child, like, they’re so defenseless, of course, it’s heart-wrenching,” said Goodwin.
Maverick is currently on painkillers and antibiotics and is being monitored before he is allowed to go to a new home.
Goodwin said she wants the person responsible for the abuse to come forward.
“You need to turn yourself in, because the truth always comes out, so if you did this or you know who did this, you know, you’re dealing with a defenseless dog,” she said. “It’s just like a child or someone who can’t even help themselves, so do the right thing.”
It is expected that Maverick will remain in the hospital for a few more days to regain his strength. Once he was out of the hospital, he will need a foster home where he could recuperate.
If you would like to donate to Maverick’s recovery, click here.
If you have any information about who may have hurt Maverick, call Pembroke Pines Police at 954-431-2200.
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