A rescued dog with a disfigured face is making a satisfying recovery thanks to the love of his rescuers.
Phoenix is a rescue dog that has a different face from other dogs. Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue said the dog was found on the streets of Collinsville, Oklahoma, trying to search for food. Apparently, Phoenix was in someone’s care at one point, but that person let him down and left him to his fate.
The dog was taken to Family Animal Medicine (FAM) in Owasso, Oklahoma, who took care of him. The organization quickly gave Phoenix an assessment to update him on the dog’s condition.
Practitioners at Family Animal Medicine – Owasso, OK reported:
“We are investigating all possible causes of Phoenix’s condition and performing lab tests to identify the causes of his skin condition. He bathes frequently and takes medication to improve his skin health and keep him healthy.”
Dog with disfigured face heals
At first glance, it looks like Phoenix has been through a series of abuse, but vets aren’t considering that as they believe his condition is due to an illness.
They said:
“They provided us with evidence from a former Good Samaritan who has photos of a progression of Phoenix’s facial deterioration. There may be a medical condition causing your disfigurement. It is important that we do not automatically assume malicious acts.”
The organization’s staff continued:
“Animals without shelter and without proper care, without shelter, food and water face so many obstacles; especially if they have an underlying medical condition.
The most recent update on Phoenix’s situation shows he was taken to Kansas to see two veterinarians who specialize in skin conditions.
Dr. Karen Trainor and Dr. David Senter are highly trained veterinarians in the treatment of skin conditions, located in Kansas.
These vets already knew about Phoenix’s problem when he was rescued. The FAM organization took biopsies of his skin and sent them to Dr. Trainor, who is a veterinary pathologist.
Phoenix was then taken to the Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology Clinic in Overland Park, Kansas, where he met Dr. David Senter.
With the vision of these two experts and the work done by FAM veterinarians, Phoenix is slowly improving. You can see he’s gained weight, his skin is healing, he’s running, barking and playing around the shelter, even sleeping on his own dog couch.
His soft, shy smile will stay, but the muscles in his head won’t return. Sunlight will cause his skin to swell, but Phoenix’s spirit is strong.
The dog was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), this disease was reached after ruling out others. As it is an autoimmune disease, Phoenix’s body attacks itself, which makes treatment very complicated.
But the disease is satisfactorily controlled thanks to the love of all those who contributed to its cure.
Now, Phoenix seems to be making a remarkable recovery. Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue reports on the dog’s progress and posts photos and videos of his recovery.
If you want to help and donate funds for his recovery, you can do so here.
Images: Instagram / phoenixthedawg
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