PD - An Update
You may remember PD as the subject of a GoFundMe that we started back in May. At the time, we were not able to provide many details, as PD was the subject of an ongoing police investigation. His investigation has since been completed, so we can finally share his story. Please note, we are here to tell PD’s story and not to discuss the individuals responsible for PD’s injuries.
Late one cold and rainy spring day, we received a call from the police department asking if we could see an injured puppy. They arrived shortly later with a male puppy that was unresponsive. PD was laterally recumbent on presentation, meaning that he was not able to bear weight on his legs or even attempt to stand. His limbs were like spaghetti noodles. His entire left cheek was coated in saliva as he was not able to move or lift his head nor was he swallowing. His left ear canal was filled with fresh blood as was his left eye. PD was able to blink but not move his head.
PD was immediately placed on oxygen support, fluid therapy, pain management, and other supportive therapies to help keep him alive. PD had suffered a severe injury to his spinal cord and brainstem. Just like in people, our brainstem is responsible for making sure our heart keeps beating and that we keep breathing. If there is an injury to that area, it can disrupt those vital functions (in addition to causing paralysis of your legs and arms). PD also had a fracture in his femur (thigh bone)—unfortunately, this fracture had been present for some time but he had not received treatment. Injuries like PD’s are life-threatening. He was in critical condition. We didn’t know if PD would live or ever walk again.
Here is a video of what PD looked like when he arrived at the clinic:
PD didn’t know it, but he had everyone from the police department and clinic pulling for him that first night. He received continuous monitoring meaning that Dr. Green stayed by PD’s side constantly monitoring his breathing, heart rate, and other vitals overnight; with an injury to his brainstem and cervical spinal cord, he could go into cardiopulmonary arrest at any moment.
Approximately 12 hours after he arrived at the clinic, PD started to lift his head. He had regained his swallowing ability. It was a tiny bit of progress, but progress nonetheless. PD continued to receive IV fluids to help keep him hydrated, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and several rounds of acupuncture to help support the healing of his spinal cord. Slowly but surely over the hours, PD continued to show small signs of improvement. He was determined to live.
It didn’t take long for PD to steal the hearts of everyone—while he wasn’t able to stand up or wag his tail initially, he was certainly able to give kisses and he did so freely. After 3-4 days and several hours of physical therapy, PD started to be able to get his feet underneath him and take a few very wobbly steps. Woohoo!!
Video of PD approximately 4 days after arriving at the clinic (look at that sweet happy face ❤️️):
PD slowly started to be able to eat and drink on his own and continued to receive daily acupuncture and intense physical therapy treatments. Neurologic injuries can take months to heal and we never know the full extent that they’ll heal—only time will tell us. After seven long and agonizing days of worry as to whether PD would ever walk again, the moment came that we were all hoping for—PD was able to take a few coordinated steps.
Video of PD 7 days after arriving at the clinic:
PD continued his physical therapy and acupuncture for several more weeks before getting to go home with his foster family. Since PD was the subject of an ongoing police investigation, we could not make any concrete long-term plans for his future however, PD’s foster family quickly fell in love with him and him with them. Every day that passed, we held out hope that PD would not have to go back to his previous home. Within a few months, his case went to court. Another few weeks passed—then the news came that we had all prayed for---PD was available for adoption. He would never have to experience animal cruelty again. PD’s foster family jumped at the chance to adopt and love him forever.
We are so thankful that PD is a fighter. PD was determined to not let anything keep him from living a full happy life. Almost 7 months have passed since he received his injuries and he is doing amazing. He has only a few remaining abnormalities when he walks/runs and they don’t slow him down! Note: PD is not his original name; when he first came to the clinic, we did not know his name—we lovingly dubbed him PD, for the police department, and it stuck.
Thank you to all those who generously donated to his GoFundMe even though we were only able to provide a vague description of his situation. It is so appreciated.
Video of PD today to warm your heart ❤️️