A 6.5-month-old golden retriever puppy was surrendered to the BC SPCA qathet Community Animal Centre last month with significant wounds requiring urgent veterinary intervention, according to a media release from BC SPCA on Thursday, July 10.
The release stated that the puppy, now named Air Bud, was immediately transported to a local veterinary hospital to address two untreated four-inch bilateral axillary lesions caused by an embedded harness.
Tara Daniels, manager of the local animal centre explained in the release that, "in an outdoorsy, coastal region like ours, it’s not unusual to see pets with minor cuts and scrapes from playing outside, hiking or swimming, but wounds this severe are quite rare. Even as a born-and-raised farm kid, the lesions from the harness around Air Bud’s armpits (axillas) and sides were hard for me to look at."
Daniels added that the worst part is knowing the dog was suffering from an entirely preventable injury without any treatment or pain management.
The BC SPCA qathet team stated that they don't know how long Air Bud was wearing the harness, but it was clear the straps had been digging into his body without any reprieve for a long time.
Air Bud underwent an emergency, same-day procedure to surgically repair the lesions on his body. He was sedated and the fur surrounding the injuries was shaved before the medical team stitched up his wounds.
Air Bud is now in foster care with one of the clinic’s staff members and receiving daily pain medication and antibiotics to help him heal.
Despite still being in recovery, Air Bud is very sweet and affectionate, loves snuggling and is already showing signs that he will be an active, outdoorsy dog as he matures, according to the BC SPCA qathet team. He has quickly become a favourite at the animal centre and at the veterinary hospital.
"Air Bud’s situation is a good reminder for all dog guardians," said Daniels. “While harnesses are usually more comfortable for a dog than clipping a leash to their collar, the harness has to fit properly.
“You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the material of the harness and your dog’s body. If not, it can cause injury and fear for the animal, and lead to more harm than good. A harness should never be so tight that it’s causing chafing or cinching."
Once his wounds have fully healed, Air Bud will be scheduled for a neuter surgery before he can start looking for his forever home.
Support Air Buds recovery at medical.spca.bc.ca/animal/764/?_gl=1*15m3wnu*_gcl_au*MjY1NTY0Njk5LjE3NDUzNjE3NzU.
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