Scout the Doodle dog left to die in dumpster has made great strides back to health at UGA vet hospital

Scout was brought outside on a wheelchair to get some fresh air

By Joe Johnson

Since being brought in critical condition last week to the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Scout the Doodle dog has received the attention of a medical care team that has done everything possible to restore his broken body back to health.

Upon being taken into the care of the Society of Humane Friends of Georgia, Scout was so emaciated and weak that he was unable to walk or stand. He was filthy, severely matted and covered in fleas and open sores. An optimal, healthy weight for Scout would be approximately 75 pounds. At the time of his rescue he weighed just 35 pounds and every bone in his body was visible beneath his skin.

After the humane society took Scout to the vet hospital, doctors have provided him with IV fluids and medications, blood transfusions, X-rays and an abdominal ultrasound to rule out any possible underlying medical cause for his poor condition. Once things like a tumor, ingestion of a foreign body or an intestinal blockage were ruled out it became apparent that Scout’s poor condition was simply the result of severe, ongoing neglect.

Scout is a “Doodle” (Standard Poodle mixed with at least one other unknown breed) and he is approximately five years old.

Here’s a short video of Scout getting around the hospital in a wheelchair

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/JUQNgdW3BzYT12uc/?mibextid=YlDasU

He still cannot stand or walk on his own but is gaining strength every day. He loves to eat but his caloric intake must be strictly controlled and incrementally increased in order to prevent a serious complication called re-feeding syndrome. Scout is alert and he soaks up attention from his caregivers. When weather permits he is carried outside to enjoy the sunshine for a bit each day. Scout has a long recovery road ahead but the doctors expect him to eventually make a full recovery.

As of Wednesday Scout’s bill at UGA was $9,200 and counting. He will likely be released from the hospital later this week to complete his recovery from a foster home. By then his care will have cost upwards of $10k.

The Society of Humane Friends of Georgia has foot the bill so far, and anyone who wishes to donate towards his care can do so at https://www.sohfga.com/support-us.html.