Doctors Successfully Remove Metal Rod from Puppy's Head

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- They call him "the puppy" but a better name might be "tough puppy."

The 10-week-old terrier mix came to the University Veterinary Specialists in McMurray on Friday suffering from blunt force trauma to the head.  He had a five-inch metal rod in his head that went through one eye, through the other eye socket and the front part of his brain.

"We did a CT Scan and a 3D reconstruction to see where the rod ran," Dr. Dimitri Brown said.

Less than 48 hours later, with the help of three doctors and several veterinary techs who volunteered the time, the pup is making great strides.

In a video from the UVS, the puppy can be seen eating after his surgery.

"We were in surgery about an hour and we were able to remove the rod and give him medication after to minimize any brain swelling that might take place," explained Dr. Brown.

Whatever happened to the puppy - appears to have happened in the Bentleyville area. Washington County Humane officials are handling the investigation.

University Veterinary Specialists, with financial support from their foundation, were able to get puppy headed in the right direction, with a goal toward adoption, hopefully in a week or so.

"He's definitely continued to amaze.  He has exceeded all of our expectations for how quickly he would be able to recover. The left eye we expected to be visual and it is,"  Dr. Brown said.

As for the right eye, doctors aren't sure it he will regain sight in that eye, but they are using hourly drops to help him regain his sight.

The UVS Cares Foundation is providing financial assistance for the case. If you would like to help, visit UVSCares.com/ or call 724-717-2273.

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