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Heroic Dog Survives Gunshot in Pretoria Home Invasion, Thanks to Skilled Surgeons
In a heartwarming story of bravery and resilience, veterinary surgeons saved a dog at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (Ovah) in Pretoria. The dog, Phoenix, bravely defended her family during an armed home invasion.
Phoenix, a female Africanis, fearlessly confronted armed robbers who had entered the home of the Motalane family. Despite being shot in the head during the ordeal, Phoenix continued to charge at the intruders, ultimately driving them away.
Mmakgomo Motalane, Phoenix’s owner, wasted no time rushing her beloved pet to Ovah at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, seeking urgent medical attention.
Recognising Phoenix as a hero deserving of the best care, Motalane expressed her determination to help Phoenix recover from this traumatic experience.
Upon arrival at Ovah, the veterinary team, operating within the small animal clinics attached to the faculty’s companion animal clinical studies department, worked tirelessly to stabilise Phoenix and assess the extent of her injuries.
Radiographs revealed that the bullet had caused significant damage to the side of Phoenix’s face, specifically affecting the upper and lower jaw.
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At the dental and maxillofacial surgery clinic, Dr. Mareli van der Wetering, under the guidance of veterinary specialist Prof. Gerhard Steenkamp, undertook the critical task of managing Phoenix’s pain, cleaning her wounds, and carefully removing bony fragments and broken teeth.
Phoenix’s left jaw had sustained multiple fractures, necessitating the removal of half of the jaw in a procedure known as a hemi-mandibulectomy.
During surgery, with the support of the anaesthesiology team and under the guidance of small animal surgical specialist Dr Hermien Viljoen, Dr Anika de Witt, a small animal surgical resident, skillfully performed the procedure to remove half of Phoenix’s jaw and modify her lip through cheiloplasty.
Phoenix received attentive care in the high-care ward from the dedicated Ovah staff and students after the operation.
Phoenix was discharged once her comfort level was effectively managed, allowing her to eat and recover at home. The veterinary team at Ovah remains optimistic that Phoenix will continue to lead a full and happy life.
Source: Surgeons save hero dog shot during armed Pretoria home invasion
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Picture: Facebook / Faculty of Veterinary Science, Onderstepoort
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