Dog’s injuries some of worst SPCA has seen
A puppy with some of the severest injuries the SPCA has ever seen is recovering after having his leg amputated.
Champ, a staffordshire bull terrier and american pitbull terrier cross puppy, may be put up for adoption after arriving at the SPCA with a leg injury a few weeks ago.
A member of the public found him last month in Christchurch and took him to a local vet clinic. The vet thought the injuries were serious enough to pass on to the Christchurch SPCA.
An SPCA spokeswoman said the dog had ‘‘one of the most severe injuries we have seen in a puppy so small’’.
His thigh was broken and vets had to amputate one of Champ’s hind legs.
SPCA Christchurch animal services manager Kelly Wyatt said they did not know how the dog was injured or where exactly it was found.
‘‘But fortunately he did come to us in time so we could treat him and operate and remove his leg.’’
The vets made an estimation on the dog’s age based on his size, teeth, weight and appearance, believing he was 3 months old.
He will need rehabilitation, including hydrotherapy and physiotherapy, to help him adjust to walking on three legs.
‘‘It is hard to see a dog especially when they arrive and they are in that sort of state and they are in pain and are suffering,’’ Wyatt said. ‘‘But in saying that, it is very rewarding at the same time – we’ve seen him from when he arrived. He’s been a shy wee puppy that’s suffered a significant injury and now we’re going to see his progress right through.’’
Champ will be passed to a special foster home for rehabilitation and could be put up for adoption once he has recovered.
An SPCA worker named the puppy Champ, inspired by the three-legged dog Champion from TV show Parks and Recreation.
Wyatt said the SPCA would not investigate how Champ was injured unless it was given more information.
‘‘If anyone does find a sick or injured animal or an animal in distress, or an animal that requires emergency treatment, please just contact your local SPCA centre immediately.’’