var _sf_startpt=(new Date()).getTime() Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Dog found with chemical burns - Winnipeg, MB (CA)
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Case ID: 12126
Classification: Burning - Caustic Substance
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Dog found with chemical burns
Winnipeg, MB (CA)

Incident Date: Sunday, Aug 5, 2007

Disposition: Open
Case Images: 1 files available

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

A German Shepherd-cross was given to a Winnipeg animal hospital suffering from extensive burns to her head, possibly the result of someone deliberately dousing her in chemicals.

Manitoba's chief veterinarian was contacted to investigate, said Darcy Johnston, owner of D'Arcy's ARC (Animal Rescue Shelter).

"We're in contact with our provincial vet who does investigative work."

He said the five-year-old dog had the equivalent of second-degree burns to 70 to 80 per cent of her head.

Fipper -- the name given to the pooch by staff at the non-profit shelter -- lived with the burns for about three days before being turned in to Machray Animal Hospital last week.

"The whole top layer of the dog's skin was peeling off (consistent with a burn that was not new)," said Dr. Heather McDonell, who treated Fipper.

She said members of the family who owned the dog brought Fipper to the clinic, paid for the initial treatment, then signed over rights of ownership to the hospital.

The veterinarian said it is rare to see a dog burned on the face in such a way.

Treated at the animal hospital, Fipper was then turned over to D'Arcy's for ongoing medical care.

Johnston changes the dog's dressings three times a day, applying an antibiotic cream and gel netting to the burned area. He flushes the skin with a saline solution, which he says is soothing to the dog, and gives her pain medication.

While shelter staff initially thought the dog had been lit on fire, Johnston said the injuries were likely caused by a strong chemical substance.

Under one report noted at the animal clinic, the dog was burned in retaliation for an argument. However, the veterinarian cautions there is no proof as to what happened.

Johnston said the clinic had two choices: It could have euthanized the dog or treated her.

"She's actually doing quite well," Johnston said. "She's in good spirits. She's getting good nutrition, medical treatment and plenty of TLC."

Chances are good she will never have fur on her face again and could even lose part of an ear which is turning black, Johnston said. But judging by the dog's willingness to socialize, both Johnston and the vet feel her prognosis is good.

"She's a cuddler," McDonell said.

Johnston said it will take from six to eight weeks for Fipper's face to heal. The friendly pooch may be adopted by the shelter.

Johnston said the clinic has absorbed much of the cost of Fipper's treatment, but the shelter would accept donations to cover the cost of the dressings that still need to be applied.

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