Rod removed from puppy’s head during successful surgery
The 10-week-old puppy found Friday afternoon in Bentleyville with a metal rod protruding from his tiny head underwent successful surgery to have it removed.
The mixed terrier puppy had surgery Saturday night at University Veterinary Specialists in Peters Township to remove the 5-inch metal rod from his head and eyes. After several tests were done, it was determined the metal rod went through one of his eyes and the socket of the other eye and all the way through his brain.
“We took a day to plan, perform advanced imaging and consult with our specialists to make sure we did everything we could for this puppy,” said Dr. Dimitri Brown, chief medical officer. “We are confident that he will have eyesight in at least one eye, but it is too early to tell if we could save the other eye.”
Three doctors and several veterinary technicians began the surgery about 9 p.m. All staff involved with the surgery came in on a voluntary basis.
“It speaks volumes about our staff that everyone involved in his surgery came in on a voluntary basis because they genuinely cared and wanted to help,” said Dr. Rory Lubold, also a chief medical officer at UVS. “I’m very proud of all of them and the pride they take in their work.”
While the staff at UVS have not named the puppy yet, the members of the Bentworth Leo Club have dubbed him “Justice.” With a some help with friends at Bearcat Ambulance Service, club members plan to collect money for “Love for Justice” during the coming weeks including this weekend at Giant Eagle, King’s and other businesses in the borough.
Jason Cole, who owns the service with his brother, Greg Cole, said his daughter, Hallie Cole, and her girlfriend, Jenna Patress, came up with the idea for the club to raise the money for the puppy.
“I talked to one of the vets and he said it was crazy, the amount of money that is coming in,” Cole said Sunday. “We will work the kids to collect money and provide some adult supervision while they are the stores.”
“They have made canisters and signs with ‘Love for Justice,'” he added. “And he deserves some justice.”
Cole said he already contacted a couple businesses and had a call into Walmart in Belle Vernon.
“I guess the surgery and his medical care will be quite expensive, and he is going to need several more surgeries,” Cole said. “It is sad; this stuff doesn’t happen here.”
The group also plans to enlist the help of the Bentleyville and Ellsworth volunteer fire departments in collecting money. Jenna is a junior firefighter in Bentleyville and Hallie is one with Ellsworth.
Washington Area Humane Society is investigating the incident.
Donations can be made to UVS Cares Foundation by sending a check to 2810 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, or calling 724-717-CARE.