On June 24, a 6.5-month-old golden retriever puppy, now named Air Bud, was surrendered to the BC SPCA qathet community animal centre with significant wounds requiring urgent veterinary intervention. After intake, Air Bud was immediately transported to a local veterinary hospital to address two untreated 4-inch bilateral axillary lesions caused by an imbedded harness.
“In an outdoorsy, coastal region like ours, it’s not unusual to see pets with minor cuts and scrapes from playing outside, hiking or swimming, but wounds this severe are quite rare. Even as a born and raised farm kid, the lesions from the harness around Air Bud’s armpits (axillas) and sides were hard for me to look at,” explains Tara Daniels, manager of the qathet Community Animal Centre. “The worst part is knowing that he was suffering from this entirely preventable injury without any treatment or pain management. We don’t know how long Air Bud was wearing this harness, but it was clear the straps had been digging into his body without any reprieve for a long time.”
Air Bud underwent an emergency, same day procedure to surgically repair the lesions on his body. He was sedated and the fur surrounding the injuries was shaved before the medical team stitched up his wounds. Air Bud is now in foster care with one of the clinic’s staff members receiving daily pain medication and antibiotics to help him heal. Despite still being in recovery, Air Bud is very sweet and affectionate, loves snuggling and is already showing signs that he will be an active, outdoorsy dog as he matures. He has quickly become a favourite at the BC SPCA qathet community animal centre and at the veterinary hospital.
“Air Bud’s situation is a good reminder for all dog guardians,” says Daniels. “While harnesses are usually more comfortable for a dog then clipping a leash to their collar, the harness has to fit properly. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the material of the harness and your dog’s body. If not, it can cause injury and fear for the animal and lead to more harm than good. A harness should never be so tight that it’s causing chafing or cinching.”
Daniels continues, “Especially if you are bringing a young puppy into your home, it is very likely you will need to purchase a larger size harness as that puppy grows. Most harnesses are adjustable, so it’s best to check before every walk to make sure your pup still has plenty of room for their legs, their shoulders, and their shoulder blades to move comfortably. If you’re unsure how to check, the animal care staff in the centre are happy to show you during your adoption. And if you’re hoping to invest in an expensive harness for your pup, it’s not a bad idea to start with a more basic one until your puppy has stopped growing.”
Once his wounds have fully healed, Air Bud will be scheduled for a neuter surgery before he can start looking for his loving forever home.