Prancer, the puppy, and his broken jaw...

[rpcrowe]

I thought that I would make a separate string for Prancer who is recovering from a broken jaw so that his posts don't get lost among others. Two of these images are duplicates of those I posted elsewhere on this site...

Prancer is a sweet 3 month old Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle) puppy who was viciously kicked in the face. His jaw was broken and he was turned into a Los Angeles shelter. We don't know any more than that about him. The shelter contacted us and asked if we could take him. Otherwise they would have put him down. This is the shelter picture of Prancer...



We received Prancer from one of our Los Angeles volunteers who had picked him up from the shelter. He arrived at our home at 9:00 PM and we tried to give him some pain medication. It was very difficult but, Judy got some down him. He was in extreme pain and would scream whenever he moved.

We brought him to our orthopedic vet the next morning. The vet stated that surgery was not possible but that he would immobilize the jaw. The vet kept Prancer for three nights so that they could give the little guy some intravenous pain medication...

We picked him up from the vet on Friday night and brought him home. He seems to be in a bit less pain.



The way that we feed Prancer is with a syringe and a tube. We make a slurry using a specialty high calorie canned food mixed with puppy kibble that we have converted into a powder using a small food processor. We mix this with some warm water and administer the slurry to the puppy. He gobbles it down. Since he is eating, we can also administer his pain medications using the syringe. We also give the pup his water using the syringe.





He will remain with his jaw immobilized like this for six weeks.

I will post more about Prancer's recovery...

Prancer's greatest joy is to be held in someone's lap... He will be getting a lot of that over the next couple of months.

Prancer is getting a lot of attention through our Facebook page. In fact, one lady made him is own blanket with his name on it. I will post an image of Prancer on that blanket.

[Shadowman]

Sad circumstance with hopefully a happy development. Nice captures.

[LePetomane]

The little guy looks happy.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for the update, Richard. Hope the little guy heals OK.

[madcrow]

Keep up the great work and thanks again from all dog lovers. You make the world a better place.

[bnnrcn]

I hope his jaw will be in good condition after six weeks, thanks for taking care of him

[Nat]

Awww.....it's a shame how some people can be so cruel. Poor pup never deserved that kick.....So glad you are able to help the poor thing. Have you ever tried the inflatable neck cones? I saw some advertised, and I think the dogs would be happier because it allows them some peripheral vision. Just wondering. Our dogs "freeze" when we use the regular neck cones. LOL! Please keep us informed of this little guys progress. Thanks again for all you do for the unfortunate doggies.

[rpcrowe]

Natalie...

Yes, we use inflatable neck cones. However in Prancer's case, the standard cone better suits his needs because, it also protects the front of his jaw...

[KimC]

When I saw this over the Holiday it brought tears to my eyes Richard. Glad Prancer is being given another chance :-)

[rpcrowe]

Prancer enjoys cuddling up in his new warm blanket that was made for him by a Maltese Rescue California volunteer.



His jaw doesn't seem like it is causing him any great amount of pain. He is able to eat from a bowl as long as his food is mixed with liquid...

[Cantab]

Richard, in an earlier post you mentioned that he likes being on someone's lap. It sounds like his horrible experience hasn't left any psychological scars or fears? I'm glad he seems to be doing well.

[rpcrowe]

Richard, in an earlier post you mentioned that he likes being on someone's lap. It sounds like his horrible experience hasn't left any psychological scars or fears? I'm glad he seems to be doing well.

This little guy is really mellow. He will sit in my lap for hours and just doze while I pet him. He loves to be stroked and petted.

[RandyRFJP]

He's such an adorable dog, and you have such a kind heart, Richard, for helping him and all of the other dogs, too.

[bnnrcn]

I'm glad to hear that he is doing fine