Saving Milo

The Kangal puppy who stared death in the face three times & survived!

Milo's story began on the streets, where he was born into a life of uncertainty and danger. Like many pups in similar situations, Milo faced perilous challenges from the outset. Unfortunately, his young life took a dramatic turn when he was struck by a car, leaving him with severely shattered bones. Immobilized and in excruciating pain, Milo's situation seemed dire. Yet, fortune smiled upon him when a compassionate community carer discovered him. Their timely intervention marked the beginning of a hopeful new chapter for Milo, offering him a chance at recovery and the possibility of a brighter future.

Milo had to travel significant distance (with pain relief) to receive the veterinary care he needed. Milo's situation sheds light on some of the challenges faced by rescuers in Turkey, where veterinary services are predominantly geared towards farm animals. The limited exposure of many veterinarians to small animals such as dogs and cats is reflective of the fact that only about 5% of the population keeps dogs as pets. This gap in practical experience means that when dogs like Milo require specialized medical attention, they often have to embark on lengthy journeys to find a vet with the necessary expertise. This can be a daunting experience, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced veterinary training and resources focused on small animal care in the region.

At the veterinary clinic, Milo received the surgical care he urgently required and was able to stand on his feet within 24 hours. Although it's always difficult for us to witness, it's immensely important for the patient's recovery. Proper circulation is crucial to heal the bones and restore the body to its normal functioning state. This challenging process is vital for ensuring patients regain their health and vitality.

Milo's journey was one of resilience and gradual recovery. As he grew stronger and finally reached the point where he could leave the clinic, it was clear that returning him to the streets was not a viable option, especially considering the numerous plates supporting his bones. Understanding the unique challenges Milo faced, his carers took the initiative to secure a spot for him at a pension—a safe haven like a boarding house for dogs. Here, he could receive proper care and enjoy the company of other dogs in a friendly, social environment. Recognizing the importance of this transition, we decided to extend our support by covering 50% of his pension costs, building on our earlier contributions to his taxi and medical expenses.

Milo's developed a concerning reaction shortly after receiving his first vaccination. His legs started to swell, prompting visits to several medical professionals in Istanbul. Unfortunately, none of them could determine the cause. Fortunately, we have an outstanding consultant vet for situations requiring a differential diagnosis. Milo embarked on another journey, heading south to meet our vet. Upon examination, Milo was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy, a condition you can learn more about here. Thankfully, our consultant was able to successfully treat Milo's condition. He was sent home, to return a few weeks later for a follow-up examination.

Milo's follow-up visit was a turning point for us when he arrived with a high fever and bloody diarrhea. He had distemper, a serious and life-threatening condition, we were devastated, as it claims the lives of most affected animals. Our veterinarian immediately began treatment, focusing on supporting Milo's immune system and providing intensive nursing care. Since distemper is highly contagious, a quarantine area was quickly established at the clinic to prevent the disease from spreading to other patients.

As time passed, Milo began to show signs of recovery. Although he lost a significant amount of weight and now has neurological scars that result in tics around his shoulder and mouth, he is on the mend. He is currently undergoing physiotherapy to help reduce the frequency of these tics. Despite the challenges, Milo's resilience has been remarkable, and we remain hopeful for his continued recovery in this respect.

Milo's journey has been incredibly tough, yet his strength and determination shine through. After overcoming a significant ordeal, he now faces one more challenge. A plate used to mend his broken bones has failed, leaving him with a limb that he cannot use and that slows him down. While it’s not the outcome we wanted for Milo, we’ve come to understand that amputation might be the best option for his future health and happiness. Although this decision is difficult, we believe it will lead to a much better life for Milo, free from the limitations of a non-functional limb.

After several challenging months, Milo's journey to recovery has reached a promising stage. Although he continues to shed the remnants of the persistent virus, his overall health has shown remarkable improvement. Milo is now able to enjoy his meals as usual, has started to slowly regain his weight, and thankfully, he no longer experiences any respiratory or gastric issues. His alertness and eagerness to play are clear signs of his progress. We are immensely thankful for his recovery and optimistic about the future.

Milo's story is a testament to resilience and the power of second chances. Despite facing numerous challenges, our little fighter has continually bounced back stronger than ever. His joyful spirit and love for life are reminders of the importance of perseverance. We owe it to every dog to look beyond their current struggles and offer them the opportunity to thrive. Every dog deserves a chance to experience happiness and love, just like Milo.

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Michelle x