Dachshund recuperation: See photos of wiener dog’s recovery
Dixon the dachshund came to Best Friends in bad shape. He had a large open wound on his back and a throat injury, which made it impossible for him to eat normally. He was very weak and could barely stand. See images chronicling his recovery.
The Best Friends Animal Clinic removed the blockage in his throat and concentrated on wound management. But it was necessary for him to go to a specialist for surgery on his terribly damaged esophagus. So he went to the Las Vegas Veterinary Referral Center, three hours away, to have surgery with Dr. Nicole Smee. (A huge thank you to these guys from our clinic staff)
After Dixon came home from the specialist, he had a long road ahead of him to heal, but in the loving hands of Best Friends employees, it was all progress from there. A feeding tube was placed so that his throat had time to heal properly. It also meant he needed to be fed with a syringe every couple of hours.
Best Friends veterinarian Dr. Patti Patterson was one of the employees who took him home at night to ensure he got the extra calories he needed.
And a little extra affection as well
Haylee Heisel, an employee at Dogtown, also took him home frequently, so he could spend time playing and hanging out with her dogs.
Things are looking up for Dixon!
During the day, Dixon still lived at the Best Friends Animal Clinic. He helped behind the front desk and made lots of new friends.
Dixon still had his bandage changed every day and his feeding tube checked. Medical stuff can be scary, but Dixon was a real trouper.
He also got laser therapy on this back, which helped the wound heal faster and made him look ultra cool in the process.
After almost three months of nonstop medical care, Dixon was strong enough to have his feeding tube removed and his medications abated. He was finally ready for adoption.
Terri Corrado and Mary Stengel, lifelong Dachshund aficionados, live about an hour north of Best Friends and heard about Dixon from some friends who volunteer here.
Well, they took him home on a sleepover, and that was pretty much it. They adopted him. He’s home.
Read more about Dixon’s journey.
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Photo essay by Molly Wald