When a Lenawee Humane Society supporter witnessed a dog in a neighboring backyard, chained outside with no food and staring at her with pleading with eyes, her heart reached out for the animal. Something caught the woman's eye and she stared harder, not believing what she was seeing. A large, swollen bulge was peeking out from under the dog's tail and it was as if the dog was begging her for help.
The woman approached the door of the house to which the injured dog belonged. The owners claimed they had just rescued her and they were surprised when the woman told them the dog was severely injured and would most likely die if she wasn't treated quickly. The gracious supporter even went one step further, offering medical help for the dog if they would allow her to have the distressed canine. Thankfully, the owners handed her over. The woman immediately loaded the beautiful pitbull mix into her vehicle and contacted Lenawee Humane Society. Without hesitation, we agreed to help save her life.
The Hope Clinic's Veterinarian had never seen anything like this. Our Animal Health Manager was also witnessing this type of situation for the first time. When Xena's rescuer first got a glimpse of her injury, she assumed the animal was suffering from a prolapsed uterus. However, further inspection at the Hope Clinic revealed something much worse. Xena's vaginal walls had actually turned inside out.
The dog had been suffering in this painful state for at least a week, most likely a lot longer. The only surgical option was to cut away the dead and infected tissue and suture up what remained. Dr. Whalin consulted Dr. Herr from Adrian Animal Clinic and his agreement with this method set the surgical wheels in motion.
The surgery was complicated. As the dead and infected tissue was cut away, Dr. Whalin was careful to leave her urethra intact, using a urinary catheter in the process. The surgery went smoothly and the lucky lady was even spayed during the process.
Now, we wait. We wait to see how she recovers and how she regains her hold on life. During her recovery, she has been monitored closely to make sure that she is urinating regularly and healing well. Although it's too soon to tell, she may be more prone to urinary tract infections in the future. Otherwise, there should be no long-lasting effects.
This beautiful warrior had been blessed with the name Xena. As she fought for her life, we realized how much her name truly suited her.
Spaying Xena was an extremely important part of her surgery. Her severe situation was caused by hormones and can happen to any intact animal. If Xena had been allowed to continue to come into heat, the chances of a repeat situation occurring would be very high. A pregnancy would have had deadly consequences for her.
Become your own pet's savior – simply spay or neuter!
We count on generous donors like you to ensure a future for animals like Xena. Please consider donating to our Special Needs Fund so we can continue our life-saving efforts. Thank you to all those who have helped her so far.
