Updates on Theo

After bringing Theo to the vet yesterday, we learnt that the nerves on Theo’s left eye (the eye that popped out of its socket) has been damaged beyond repair. Theo no longer has nerves in that eye, and it will need to be removed. His right eye is thankfully alright. Theo also suffered a broken jaw.

We suspect that the accident was a hit-and-run, but it doesn't seem to be from a car or a large vehicle as there seems to be hardly any injury to his legs or body, despite Theo’s extensive head injuries. We think he was hit by a bicycle or a motorbike coming at full speed. A more sinister guess would be that somebody had whacked him on the head really hard, on purpose. 

Poor Theo, extremely sweet despite the trauma

The initial plan was for Theo to undergo surgery this weekend or later, as Theo's liver reading is extremely elevated. He was bleeding from his nostril, so the vet ran a blood test to check his blood count and organ reading. As it turns out, Theo's liver reading came in at over 1,000. The normal reading is between 100-200. His white blood count is high as well, due to an infection in his system and a high level of stress. With such elevated readings, an operation right now could kill him. The ideal situation would have been to wait for Theo to stabilise, and for his liver readings to go down.

Not ready to face the world yet

Unfortunately, today we found out that Theo's left eye has started to turn black. This could lead to septicemia, a bacterial infection in the bloodstream, or in short, blood poisoning - which is far more threatening to his life than elevated liver readings. As a result, Theo will undergo an emergency surgery to remove the eyeball this morning (Friday). Although the vet is on leave today, she has kindly decided to return to the clinic to perform the surgery. We're very grateful for this!

The vet will use gas anesthesia, which is the safest and gentlest method, instead of the usual injectables, and she will be closely monitoring Theo's liver reading during surgery. At the same time, the medical team will also attempt to fix Theo's jaw line. Theo will also be neutered during the surgery, although this is the lowest priority. He is estimated to be between 6 to 8 years old. 

Right now, Theo is in a lot of pain and discomfort, despite the painkillers he has been taking. He isn't eating, is extremely dehydrated and has been put on a drip. The vet will insert a feeding tube into his neck during surgery, so we'll be able to feed him liquid or mashed food into his throat and esophagus. He desperately needs the nutrients to boost his immune system and get well.

Theo urgently needs a foster when he is discharged in one week's time. The foster must be able to care for him and tube-feed him for 2 to 3 weeks. He can be left alone, but not for more than half a day.

Please keep your prayers and contributions coming. Theo's estimated vet bill is $3,000, if there are no complications.

If you can help in any way, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg immediately. Thank you!