Wheelchair-Bound Dog Saved After Eating Bones

The following was submitted by Rob Halpin on behalf of the MSPCA and Angell Animal Medical Center:

It will be a happy Thanksgiving after all for Max, a 10-year old Corgi from Medford.

Max was treated by veterinarians today at Angell Animal Medical Center after he discovered his family’s leftover barbeque dinner and ate several large bones. 

Max, who also suffers from degenerative myelopathy, and as such is confined to a wheelchair, was brought in by his owner after experiencing serious abdominal discomfort.

Angell veterinarian Emily Finn assumed responsibility for Max’s care and immediately took x-rays to assess the amount of boney material left in his GI tract.  He was then treated with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.  Now resting in Angell’s Critical Care Unit, Max is expected to make a full recovery and be home in time for Thanksgiving. 

“Max captured the attention of everyone in the hospital today with his amazing wheelchair and cheery disposition,” said Finn.  “I’m very glad that his treatment was successful and he’ll be back with his family very soon.”

Keeping Pets Safe This Holiday Season

Max’s story is a valuable reminder to pet owners to keep garbage can lids secured tightly and away from poultry bones.   Angell Animal Medical Center has compiled a list of the 9 top holiday hazards—and how to avoid them—which can be found by clicking here: www.angell.org/hazards

Max was recently fitted for his specially designed wheelchair by Eddie’s Wheels for Pets, the Shelburne Falls Mass. company with whom the MSPCA-Angell worked earlier this year to custom-design wheelchairs for three Chihuahua puppies born without front legs.  The puppies were adopted out of the MSPCA Nevins Farm in June and are thriving in their new homes.