Saving Jude
Jude came under our care unable to stand, with a black discharge in his eyes.
He had seen a local vet who removed a bullet.
Despite this intervention, Jude's condition was still severe & had not improved, necessitating immediate and specialized treatment.
Our coordinator quickly arranged for Jude to be transferred via taxi to our consultant vet in the south of the country
Poor Jude was in a truly miserable state.
His body was covered in poop, which had drawn a swarm of flies.
These flies, relentless in their nature, laid eggs that soon hatched into maggots. The maggots, seeking nourishment, burrowed into his skin, causing excruciating pain as they fed.
The situation was dire, underscoring the desperate need for immediate help to relieve Jude from this torment.
Jude's initial X-ray which came from the vet who saw Jude at the beginning revealed a bullet that the previous vet had removed. However, it was not situated in a way that would have caused Jude's paralysis.
Unfortunately, removing the bullet did not resolve any of the issues. Jude’s new x-rays showed a fused spine, an enlarged bladder, and a fractured hip.
Jude's urgent care began with addressing his immediate physical needs.
His fur was carefully shaved to allow for better access to his skin, and he was thoroughly cleaned
The infestation of maggots was meticulously handled, ensuring each one was removed to prevent further damage to his flesh.
The black discharge that had collected around his eyes was gently wiped away, allowing for a clearer assessment of his condition.
Treatment was promptly started to combat the infection, with a focus on restoring his health and alleviating his discomfort.
Later Jude had surgery to repair his fractured hip, the procedure was successful, and his recovery was swift and smooth.
He was very happy to no longer be in the pain & discomfort he had experienced & was very friendly with all the clinic staff.
Next we needed to address the nerve damage which was stopping him from standing & toileting on his own, our physiotherapist employed a variety of techniques to aid the healing process.
We had no way of knowing how well Jude would respond to the treatment but we had to try.
Witnessing Jude's progress has been truly heartening for us.
Seeing him begin to bear weight on his back legs and regain control over his bladder and bowel movements filled us with hope and joy.
Our belief is steadfast: every dog deserves a chance, no matter how small the possibility of recovery might seem.
Time and again, we've seen these resilient animals defy the odds and make remarkable recoveries.
Sadly Jude later passed away due to dementia.
Losing Jude was a painful experience for us, but it brought us comfort to know that we could provide him with the care and respect he deserved in his final days.
Being able to be there for him, ensuring he was surrounded by love and dignity, was a small solace during such a difficult time.
His memory remains with us, cherished and honoured, as we reflect on the moments we shared and the love that will always endure.