Medical Biography

Cayman at intake

Cayman

Volunteering for an animal rescue is always highly rewarding but there are those times we receive a call about a dog who's story is utterly heartbreaking!   Cayman is a 3 year-old, unaltered male, and owner surrender turned into a shelter.  Cayman came into the shelter in dreadful condition. His rear left leg was completely fractured, which his doctors indicated had to have been broken at least 2-3 months prior-the suffering he endured must have been agonizing!  Also, someone had attempted to "repair" the fracture with a botched home-made wire wrapped under his skin around the broken bones.

This wire "fix" had dislodged and lacerated his leg muscles and tendons, then pierced and became lodged into his abdominal cavity.  Gauze had been shoved into his open wounds and had become severely infected.  Cayman was also suffering from severe flea and hookworm infestation which resulted in grave anemia and he was severely matted with a skin infection.  If this was not enough for the poor boy to bear, he was starved to the point that as a full grown Pyrenees he weighed only 50 pounds!

Since GPRS director Malise was leaving to transport a group of foster and adopted dogs to the NW, Westheimer Animal Clinic took Cayman straight from the shelter.  In order to save his life, the doctor would have to amputate Cayman's leg.  Due to all his medical issues it took veterinary staff 7 days to stabilize him before surgery could be done.  Dr. Huddleston had to cancel 2 surgeries that were scheduled to do the amputation and get all the pockets of infection out.

Cayman's x-ray

Cayman at intake

Cayman required 2 blood transfusions due to his anemia.  He also needed to be shaved from nose to tail from his matted coat, flea infestation, and skin condition.  He stayed in the hospital for 3 days after his surgery.  He had to be admitted to the emergency hospital in Austin (Emergency Pet Care of Round Rock) as his incision site had a consistent seeping of infection and his gums were white from the anemia.  The staff provided Cayman with stronger antibiotics, intravenous fluid therapy, additional pain management, treatment for parasites, and supplements to support blood clotting, strengthen his immune system, and increase his red cell production.  He received an additional 24 hours of intravenous fluid therapy at Tech Ridge Pet Hospital.

Presently Cayman is in foster care with an experienced medical foster family and he is recovering.  Millies Wolfheart  donated 52 pounds of groceries to help this boy put on some weight!  His foster mom says he is doing great with her cats and dogs and that he loves attention!   Please be aware that the following images may be difficult for some to view.  Check back soon for an update on how Cayman is doing after loving care from his foster family.