Cedric’s Story: A Scary Start, Then Growing Pains
Cedric arrived with us as a puppy through our Free Healthcare for Vulnerable Dogs programme. He’d been trying to survive on whatever he could find. That desperation led him to swallow something that wasn’t food. The result was frightening: a rectal prolapse.
Our team moved quickly to stabilise him, protect the exposed tissue, remove necrotic tissue, control pain and fix the prolapse. Just as important, we made sure Cedric finally had proper food.
Why hunger hurts
When puppies don’t have enough to eat, they scavenge. Non‑food items can irritate the gut and cause straining, which can trigger a prolapse. Lack of proper nutrition also starves growing bones of what they need. Cedric’s story shows how poverty creates preventable emergencies — and why early, free access to a vet can be the difference between crisis and recovery.
After the emergency: what happened next
Once we’d fixed Cedric’s prolapse, life slowed down and he could be a puppy again.
To begin with: Cedric flourished after his surgery, he became the happy, lively puppy he was always meant to be.
As he shot up in size: We noticed a gentle outward curve in his front leg. That bend has a name — angular limb deformity (ALD)
What we did: Kept his growth steady and offered regular check‑ups so we could step in if needed.
Growing pains, explained simply
Angular limb deformity (ALD) sounds complex, but here’s the plain‑English version: one side of a growing bone slows down while the other keeps going, so the leg bends. You might see a slight bow or twist and a different way of walking. Causes can include a knock to a growth plate, getting the wrong balance of nutrients during rapid growth, or just uneven growth in a fast‑growing pup.
What we did for Cedric
Kept his meals balanced and measured to support steady growth (not too fast, not too slow).
Used repeat X‑rays to track his bones as he grew.
Gave gentle, controlled exercise to build muscle without over‑stressing joints.
Checked his comfort and gait regularly so we could step in if anything changed.
(Every dog is different. Cedric’s plan was tailored by our veterinary team.)
Cedric today
Cedric is bright, cheeky and adored. He eats proper meals, enjoys normal activity and regular check‑ins with our vets. His leg tells the story of a tough start — but with the right care, he’s comfortable, active and growing into himself. He may need surgical intervention to correct the deformity.
Why this work matters — and how you can help
No puppy should have to eat rubbish to survive. No puppy should lose their lives when they develop issues due to eating non food items because they are starving. Your kindness funds the care that turns these emergencies into recoveries.
You can make a difference today:
Support our Free Healthcare for Vulnerable Dogs programme. Your donation covers examinations, imaging and treatment for dogs like Cedric.
Share Cedric’s story. Awareness saves lives!
Thank you
To everyone who stands with vulnerable dogs: you mend more than bodies — you rebuild beginnings.
Cedric’s future is brighter because of you.