We don't rescue a whole lot of dogs at THAR, mainly do to not having adequate facilities and land available, but when we saw a desperate plea on social media for a Rescue Organisation to come forward for Nautica, we just couldn't say no.
Nautica had been hit by a car in Bundaberg and brought into the Vet by his Owner. His Owner had managed to find the funds to pay for shock stabilisation, as well as initial x-rays. Unfortunately the x-rays confirmed that Nautica had suffered quite significant injuries, including a broken jaw, broken pelvis, fractured femur and of course many cuts and abrasions. The amount of the surgery was simply out of reach for his Owners and either a Rescue Organisation had to step forward, or he would have to be euthanised that afternoon.
Once under THAR's care, Nautica underwent surgery to place 2 metal plates in his jaw, as well as to fix his fractured femur. His fractured pelvis was something that would heal on its own, with the surrounding muscles holding it in place throughout the healing process. Nautica's surgery took several hours, but overall went well and he spent the next 2 nights recovering at the Vet clinic.
When we picked Nautica up a few days later, it was our first time meeting him and we were surprised to see the ene
rgy and movement level he had. He greeted us with a wagging tail and upon me sitting down to have a chat with the Vet, he immediately tried to hop into my lap and give me lots of sloppy kisses!
We loaded Nautica into the car and drove the 1.5 hours back home. Nautica travelled really well and was very quiet the whole trip home. When we got home, we popped him on his lead to go to the toilet and were immediately concerned about the large volume of blood in his urine. We rang the Vet, but they weren't overly concerned and told us to keep an eye on him. Overnight Nautica continued to urinate blood, continually strain and was extremely uncomfortable. As soon as our local rescue Vet opened, we got him in for an emergency appointment, where he was examined and a urine sample taken. Our Vet was astounded with the volume of blood in the urine sample. She sent us home, rang the Specialist on the Sunshine Coast and called us back w
ith the news that Nautica should be rushed down to them for further tests and treatments.
We loaded Nautica into the car again, this time to drive 2.5 hours South to the Sunshine Coast. We had a quick consult with the Vet, who said Nautica would need an Ultrasound at the very least and to stay with them for at least 24 hours. We gave Nautica lots of hugs and kisses and headed home to await results and further advice from the Specialist.
We spoke to the Specialist late that evening and thankfully the findings of the ultrasound showed no internal bleeding. It did however show a very 'angry' looking bladder, with severely thickened walls, likely caused from the impact of the accident. After regular discussions with the Specialist over the next 24 hours, we all agreed that Nautica would spend an additional 24 hours with them and hopefully by then there would be less blood being passed in his urine. During this time, Nautica was on fluids and given regular anti inflammatory medication. The Specialists also did ultrasounds of his bladder twice daily, to make sure the inflammation was subsiding.
Finally it was time to drive the 2.5 hours to
pick up Nautica and bring him back to our amazing Foster Carer Maree and her Family. Upon arriving into their house, Nautica did a wee and poo on the floor, stole the cat food and jumped onto their couch. It was obvious he was feeling much better and was happy to be back in a home, where he knew he would be doted on and loved.
Nautica will continue his recovery in his Foster Home for the next month at least and then will be placed up for adoption..... or with luck, we are hoping we may have a Foster fail on our hands!
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