Rudy Needs Us: Help This Sick Puppy Fight His Way Back

Meet Rudy. He’s just a puppy, but he has already endured more suffering than any little dog should ever know. Now, he needs our help to get his second chance.

When This is Houston saw a post circulating about a puppy who had been found desperately ill and in need of help, they stepped up. Rudy was rushed to Vergi 24/7, where his condition was far more serious than anyone initially realized.

Rudy had been so critically ill and unable to move that he had remained in one position for an extended period of time. As a result, he developed a severe pressure sore on his hip. A large area of hardened, dead tissue had formed over the wound and had to be removed, leaving very little healthy tissue behind. Depending on how the wound heals, Rudy may eventually need surgery to close it.

He also has a painful wound over his knee. Thankfully, what initially appeared to be exposed bone turned out to be exposed tissue — but there is still very little healthy tissue available to cover the injury, meaning surgical closure may also be necessary.

And sadly, the end of Rudy’s tail has become necrotic. A portion of his tail will need to be amputated.

But despite everything his tiny body has been through, Rudy is fighting. His recovery has been slow, but he is making progress.

Rudy has gained strength and is becoming more alert. He’s starting to show his personality, even barking at other patients as they pass his kennel. He’s showing more interest in standing, and while he still cannot walk, he is no longer the fragile little “noodle” he was when he arrived.

He continues to receive range-of-motion exercises and is eating consistently every four hours. His wounds are receiving ongoing care, including specialized bandaging and hydrogel for the severe hip wound.

And there is even more good news. Rudy tested negative for distemper. His bloodwork continues to improve. His temperature is staying stable, his blood sugar has remained steady, and his red blood cell count is holding at 21% following his transfusions. Most encouragingly, his white blood cell count has climbed from approximately 1.7 to 7.6 — a huge improvement from where this little puppy started.

He has also been able to come out of the incubator, and his veterinary team has reduced some of the additives in his fluids as his body continues to stabilize.

There is still a major hurdle ahead: Rudy’s albumin levels need to stabilize, and his wounds will require continued intensive care. His recovery may involve additional procedures, including possible surgical closure of his wounds and the necessary tail amputation.

But every improved blood value matters. Every bark matters. Every attempt to stand matters.

Rudy is still here. He is fighting. And now he needs us to fight alongside him.

ThisisHouston stepped up when Rudy had nowhere else to turn. Now, we can help make sure they have the resources to continue giving this brave little puppy the specialized veterinary care he needs.

Please donate whatever you can toward Rudy’s medical expenses. Your gift can help keep his treatment going and give this sweet puppy the chance to grow into the happy, healthy dog he was always meant to be.

Slow and steady, Rudy. You’ve already come so far. ❤️