UPDATE ON RIVER - Sunday 2 September

We've discussed River's x-rays with the vets and have decided to proceed with the Femoral Head Ostectomy which involves removing the head of the femur - scar tissue then forms a false joint. It would have been cheaper to amputate but poor River is only 7 months old and we wanted to give him the very best chance.

We are just waiting for him to gain a little more condition then he will be in for his operation. The poor lad was very skinny and under the weather when he arrived here. He is still very shy still but we hope you can see some improvement in him already.

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RIVER'S STORY

River was spotted being thrown from a car last Friday. Thankfully some concerned locals managed to catch him and and hold him until the dog warden arrived. The poor boy was covered in fleas, underweight, had a dose of tapeworm and a severe limp on his back left leg.

We've named him River as he was found in Torfaen with means 'Grey River' in old Welsh.

River was seen by Summerhill Vets in Newport where he received x-rays and pain medication.

The current estimate for his vet treatment including x-rays and surgery is £1,750 which will be covered by Hope Rescue as the local authority budget only covers basic care. Once he has spent seven days under the care of Torfaen Council, he will move into the ownership and care of Hope Rescue in Llanharan, South Wales.

Hope Rescue is committed to caring for every unclaimed stray from Torfaen County (as well as Bridgend, RCT, Merthyr and the west end of the Vale of Glamorgan). We receive no core Government funding and therefore we would really appreciate your support to help us to care for River.

Any funds raised over and above River's final treatment bill will be allocated to our 'Healthy Hounds' fund which allows us to provide urgent vet treatment for stray dogs in need.