Smokey Joe

CHAR were called out to help Smokey Joe after a couple witnessed him being dragged under a bus as it drove past him on 21 February 2003.

He was rushed to the vets on that Friday evening, but by the following Tuesday the vet felt that he was suffering too much and recommended euthanasia, because he was unable to pass water.

He also had a broken tail and pelvis.

Since the policy of CHAR is to avoid euthanasia if treatment is possible, the situation was discussed further with the vet.

He was given a 20% chance of recovery and CHAR agreed to give him a chance and continue his treatment.

He spent 15 days at the vets, the first 5 on a drip with his bladder being expressed daily.

When he was then shaved to remove his broken tail the full extent of his bruising was visible.

By the end of the 15 days he was passing water and on day 16 he was released into the care of CHAR.

On 16 March he began to have more problems passing water and the next day he had a catheter inserted.

He had to return to the vets on a daily basis for a week to have his bladder flushed.

The catheter was then removed and he is now able to pass water.

His broken pelvis has also healed and he can walk about.

He was finally discharged from the vets early April.

He is only 12 months old but he now has a chance of a happy life.