D.J. A Red & White Basset

D.J. is a 3 year old Red & White Basset Hound that was brought into Polk County (FL) Animal Control as part of an animal cruelty case weighing only 36 lbs. Yes this is what Basset Rescues have to deal/cope with sadly.. Can you imagine what this boy has gone through..
D.J. is a special needs boy. We believe D.J. has a broken femur and possible nerve damage to the leg. He is extremely malnourished and is also heartworm +. D.J. got his name from the vet, Dr. Joe, who informed us that with some extensive medical care and a lot of TLC D.J. would be able to have a happy, healthy hound life.
D.J. is in Suncoast Basset Rescue's care and will need to gain weight before he can have the extensive surgery and to be treated for heartworms. He has a long road ahead of him and is a prime example of why Suncoast Basset Rescue exisits.

We feel fortunate to be a part of D.J.'s recovery and will keep regular updates coming on D.J.'s Progress.

UPDATE #1

D.J. was evaluated by the vet - his injury is a broken femur, and the injury is about 3-4 weeks old. This poor guy had suffered for quite some time. He is being treated and he sadly is infested with Heart Worm Disease. The main goal is to get him back into a healthier state so that we can treat his Heart Worms. He is coming along and it will be a long process. Fortunately he is in a foster home that has the time and willingness to see him through, no matter the length of time he needs.

UPDATE #2

"DJ" is doing really good. He is getting around very good considering all he has gone through.

He can get up and move around on his own. He is now growling when he wants to play, where before when we first got him he would not make a sound. He likes to try and follow Judy and I around the house when he is out to exercise. As for his eating, well he is now wanting to eat everything in the house,and drinks plenty of water. "DJ" is a very loving hound, he just wants a friend, someone to bond to.

As of today "DJ" weighs according to my scale 44lbs. Which is a an approx. 8.2lbs weight gain since we got him.

"DJ" still has a long way to go. He is still having problems with his front feet, and we are not sure what direction the broken femur is going to go. He is still in a splint, and we are looking at it being removed here in the next week. Where it will be re-evaluated by the vet.
UPDATE # 3 8/16/2008

DJ went through his surgery with no problems. He has also completed
his treatment for "Whip worms". Also he has just been started on his
heart worm treatment. DJ is doing great he has gained 12.2 lbs. He is really looking good.. His personality is really coming out. He loves to play with our
Phoebe, who is in love with him....... She lets DJ sleep on her bed
with her and eat out of her dish, and that is a first on both counts..
The one thing that we have found to be a bit strange with DJ is his
bark. He has a bark like a screech owl, I am not kidding you have
never heard anything like it.... but that is "DJ". His hind leg is healing well, he is now putting a bit of weight on it as he walks. The Vet said that he will always have a funny little twist to his leg, but it will be use able. His front feet, well we will just have to wait and see how his strength progresses, before we decide what has to be done there.
"DJ" is a wonderful boy, he will make someone a fantastic family
member

Basset Hound Rescue THANKS YOU for taking the time to read about D.J. who is at

www.SuncoastBassetRescue.org

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THE MEDICAL FUND FOR D.J. AND HOUNDS LIKE HIM PLEASE VISIT
www.firstgiving.com/helpdj

We at BHRQ feel his story should touch as many hearts as possible.. As this is WHY.. Basset Hound Rescues Exist.. It's the love of these wonderful hounds..