Update 16/06/18

Thank you so much to our incredible supporters for stepping in and supporting Ottos surgery to remove an air gun pellet from close to his spine. He is now recovering following specialist veterinary care. The operation went well and Otto now needs time to heal from surgery and receive post-operative care.

Thank you for helping us make this level of care possible, if you wish to continue to donate please click the donate button.

Otto's story:

Otto was originally rescued in Spain where he had been shot at with an air gun, and three pellets were lodged in his spine and side. At the time Ottos vet felt the pellets wouldnt cause him any physical problems and the best option was to leave them be and allow his body to heal around them. His new owners brought him to England, until sadly they could no longer look after him and he came to MGAR.

When Otto came to us we were made aware of the pellets and the previous decision to leave them in place. Our own veterinary surgeon agreed, and we felt the best option for Otto was that he should be allowed to enjoy a normal life as quickly as possible. Otto went to his Forever Home in January 2016 and his new owners were made aware of his condition; as Insurance was not available we agreed to provide ongoing support should further related problems occur.

Otto settled in well into his new home, and quickly became a much-loved and active member of the family, but for this poor lad his troubles werent over. After about a year he suffered repeated abscesses which were painful and very restrictive to his movement.

Further X-rays were taken which showed the pellet in his spine was now causing a problem. Our Veterinary Surgeon has now confirmed that the only way forward, to prevent reoccurring infections, which make Ottos life so miserable, is to operate to remove the pellet close to his spine.

Having this operation will mean so much to the quality of life for Otto who will be able to act like a normal dog again, having off lead exercise so he can run, something he hasnt done since the infections started.

Due to the position of the pellet (clearly visible in the x-ray picture), Otto has been referred to a specialist and the cost of treatment has been confirmed at a discounted rate of £3900. This is a huge cost and we may then need to assist with post-operative support. This amount is the equivalent of our cost of care for more than 20 animals coming through our centre.

Can you please donate to help us pay for this complex but vital operation? Anything you can afford will go directly to help Otto with his operation and recovery.