Warning: Graphic content
GEORGE NEWS - A young dog is recovering from a severe wound an elastic band caused as it embedded around her neck, penetrating her trachea.
Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (Odin) found Cassey, believed to be under two years old and weighing just 5.05kg, in Kanaalweg in Bongolethu, Oudtshoorn.
She was taken to Eden Small Animal Hospital in George for emergency medical treatment.
According to Odin’s founder, Colleen Smith, they were concerned that Cassey’s neck was so badly damaged that she would not survive. The elastic band, which had cut deeply into the tissue, was removed and the wound was cleaned. The injury was so old that scar and necrotic tissue had already formed.
They could hear Cassey breathing through the opening in her trachea, but the veterinary team still decided to give her a chance.
“Cassey responded remarkably well to treatment, including bandaging, intravenous fluids and pain medication. An operation is not currently planned, and Cassey is now on her way to a foster home. Once she has recovered sufficiently, she will be available for adoption,” said Smith.
According to the information that was gathered during an outreach that followed Cassey’s discovery, a child had been playing with some elastic bands and had apparently put one around the dog’s neck.
Removing the elastic band.
The residents told the organisation that the children in the area often play with objects they find because they have very few toys.
Smith said there is a severe need for education about animal welfare, particularly in communities where people may not realise how quickly an apparently harmless object can cause serious injury.
Odin returned to the area to educate the residents about caring for animals and the dangers of objects such as elastic bands.
Smith said the owner was reportedly shocked to learn what had happened, and said they had not realised the swelling was caused by an elastic band.
Cassey all bandaged and ready for recovery.
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