Unfortunately, not all dogs in this world have a wonderful chance of having a warm bed, a delicious meal, and a loving family. Some poor pooches end up wandering the streets aimlessly, looking for scraps to feed on, barely clinging to life. More fortunate ones, end up in shelters where they, at least, have someone to look after them and feed them. And while shelters often end up finding forever homes for the resident doggies, the ones that are usually adopted are mostly cute, fluffy puppies or adorable pooches with striking characteristics.
But despite what a dog may look like, they all deserve a chance at life. Especially those who haven’t been favored in life. One of such doggies is Phoenix, a rescue pup from Illinois who has a very distinct face.
According to Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue, this doggie was found wandering the streets of Collinsville looking for food for some time before the rescue workers found him. It seems like Phoenix was once in someone’s care, but they failed the poor dog and abandoned him.
More info: skiatookpawsandclaws.com | Facebook | Instagram
This dog wandering the streets of Collinsville was found and rescued in November
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
The dog was rescued off the streets and Family Animal Medicine – Owasso, OK took care of the pooch. The organization quickly provided an update on the pooch’s condition:
“We are investigating all possible causes of Phoenix’s condition and running lab work to identify causes of his skin disease. He is being bathed frequently and is on medications to improve his skin health and provide comfort,” they reported.
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
While at first the veterinarians were uncertain if Phe’s disfiguration was caused by abuse or illness
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
While it seems like Phoenix has been through some horrific abuse, the veterinarians treating him aren’t too quick to jump to such conclusions:
“We were provided evidence from a previous Good Samaritan who has photos of a progression of Phoenix’s facial deterioration. It is possible there may be a medical disease causing his disfiguration. It is important that we do not automatically assume malicious acts. Animals without homes and proper care, without shelter, food and water face so many obstacles; especially if they have an underlying medical issue,” the professionals said.
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
After running a number of tests they found out it’s an auto-immune illness
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
The most recent “pupdate” on Phoenix’s journey was posted just 4 days ago:
“Phoenix had the privilege traveling to Kansas, where he met two fantastic Specialty Veterinarians, Dr Karen Trainor and Dr David Senter. These incredibly unique veterinarians specialize solely in diseases of the skin.
Phoenix’s journey to Kansas actually started when we first rescued him. Back in November, in an attempt to solve Phe’s skin mystery, his veterinary staff here in Owasso at FAM took biopsies of his diseased skin and sent them to Dr Trainor. Dr Trainor is a veterinary pathologist who focuses on skin disease. Oh boy, what a brilliant mind. What Dr Trainor basically does is to look at Phe’s skin biopsy at the microscopic level and tell us how his skin is behaving.
Next, Phe’s adventure took him to Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology clinic in Overland Park, Kansas. There he met Dr David Senter, a veterinary dermatologist. He also focuses his veterinary skills on patients with skin diseases.
With both Dr Trainor and Dr Senter’s insight and the work done by Family Animal Medicine veterinarians, Phe is improving every day. He has gained weight. His skin is healing. He plays and barks. He chases balls and plays tug-o-war. He even sleeps on his own dog couch.
His cheesy, sharky grin will always remain. The muscles on his head will never return. UV light/sunshine causes his skin to flare-up, so clothes and sunblock are a must. But don’t worry, Phoenix’s spirit is STRONG!
Phoenix has a rare auto-immune disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). There are no specific tests to identify SLE. This is disease that is diagnosed after all other diseases are ruled out. Because it is an auto-immune disease, his own body attacks itself, making treatment sometimes difficult and tricky. But thank goodness for all the vets (here in Owasso and Kansas too) we now have his disease managed.
Thank you all for your support and encouragement. Phe would have never made his courageous journey without you.”
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
At the moment Phoenix is being taken care of and is receiving the much needed medical attention and he seems to be making a fantastic recovery. Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue keeps updates on the cute pooch, posting photos and videos of his beautiful recovery.
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
When Phoenix is ready to be adopted, it will be handled through Skiatook Paws and Claws Animal Rescue. In the meanwhile, you can follow Phoenix’s Instagram page for frequent updates on his life and condition or donate funds for his care by clicking here.
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
Image credits: phoenixthedawg
You can see Phoenix’s recovery in action
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