By Ashley McLeod, Staff Writer
Apr 18, 2013, 16:40
PRINCE GEORGE — A small puppy, now named Otto, was found on the side of the road, suffering from a hip injury as well as malnutrition and dehydration. But now, the pup is on his way to being fully healthy again.
Last week, Otto had surgery, called a femoral head ostectomy, which removed the head of his femur. The hip bone was damaged when he was brought in, most likely from a car hitting him.
Otto had previous surgery on his hip, removing part of the bone and placing the hip back into its normal place.
“After this surgery, he seems to be doing very well,” said Dr. Heather Casey of the Disputanta Animal Hospital.
The surgery comes during his long recovery, which began when he was found emaciated and skeletal near an abandoned garage located near Route 10 and Wards Creek Drive. At first, he was scared and ran away from officers. Now, Otto is friendly and excited to meet everyone and be everywhere.
Casey says that while the surgery was a success, Otto may never be 100 percent the way any other dog would be.
“He may still always have a limp to some degree, but he will be able to walk normally,” Casey said.
While Otto is still healing, the prospects of adoption are still wide open for him.
An employee at the Prince George Animal Control office where he is currently being housed said that his adoption is still open, and as soon as the veterinarian clears him and he is fully healed, he is free to go to any loving home.
When first picked up by animal control, Otto weighed only 19 pounds; a dog of his age should weigh at least 30. He also was suffering from a displaced hip, which required surgery to fix.
Anyone interested in the adoption of Otto, who was described by staff as sweet and affectionate, should contact the Prince George animal shelter at 804-991-3200.
