Buddy was discovered in April 2021 with life-threatening injuries after being set on fire and strangled. The extensive burns on his face required immediate and specialized veterinary care at Mississippi State University.
Veterinary surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Swanson explained that treating Buddy involved managing pain, preventing infection, and performing complex skin grafts. Protecting his eyes was a priority, and thankfully, his eyesight was preserved.
Over time, Buddy made significant progress. In a major milestone, he was able to have his eye bandages removed without sedation, regaining vision after months of darkness. His recovery involved physical healing as well as relearning basic commands.
Though Buddy will require ongoing care due to the sensitivity of his skin and eyes, his resilience and positive spirit demonstrate the importance of advanced veterinary intervention in trauma cases.