A Las Vegas dog shot in the chest is recovering from his wounds. Authorities originally found the wounded pup in an apartment complex.
Animal services found dog shot in chest
According to FOX 5, officers from Clark County Animal Services arrived at a Las Vegas apartment and discovered the dog “bleeding profusely” from the head. At first, they suspected the dog’s right ear was the source of the bleeding. They rushed the dog to the Animal Foundation. There, veterinarians pinpointed the cause of the blood: an open bullet wound near the dog’s ear canal. Then, they found a bullet buried in the dog’s chest.
After removing the 1-centimeter bullet, staff cleaned the wound. Workers at the nonprofit named the dog Dawson. It will likely be a while until Dawson is up and running again. However, despite this harrowing ordeal, he is still “a sweet, wiggly boy who loves belly rubs.” In a Facebook post, the nonprofit requested donations to help pay for veterinary care.
Dawson’s case is under investigation by Clark County Animal Protection Services. The Animal Foundation suspects that the shooting happened days before Dawson was discovered. The organization believes the shooter used a handgun.
Bullet wound dangers for dogs
As evidenced by this story of a Las Vegas dog shot in the chest, bullet wounds can have devastating consequences for dogs. When a dog sustains a bullet wound, the immediate concern is the severity of the injury. The severity varies widely depending on the location and trajectory of the bullet. Injuries can range from soft tissue damage to organ perforation to bone fractures.
Bullet wounds often require surgical intervention. These wounds also pose a risk of infection. Furthermore, the emotional trauma of such an incident can lead to fear and anxiety in the canine victim.
The road to recovery for a dog with a bullet wound is multifaceted. It typically involves surgical procedures to remove the bullet, repair damaged tissues, and manage complications. Veterinarians usually prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Pain management is also crucial. The dog may need rehabilitative therapy to regain mobility and function. The emotional healing process will require patience, trust-building, and even therapy. Sometimes, dogs need training to overcome any associated fear or anxiety.
Recovery can be a lengthy and challenging journey. Proper veterinary care, love, and support from caregivers are essential. Luckily, many dogs can eventually lead healthy and happy lives after surviving a bullet wound.
