Dog recovering after front legs riddled with shotgun pellets

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - The veterinary staff at Charleston Animal Society is treating an 8-month-old hound mix that was found in Ravenel with over 120 birdshot pellets in both of the dog's front legs.

Officials say a concerned citizen came across the injured pup near Ravenel last week and took him to the Emergency Vet Clinic in North Charleston. The dog was then transferred to Charleston Animal Society.

Dr. Sarah Boyd, the shelter's Director of Shelter Health & Wellness, says that while both of the dog's front legs were injured, his left front leg has a "massive, infected wound" as a result of a gunshot wound at close range.

"We are doing all we can to treat his injuries, but we are not sure if we can save his left leg," explains Dr. Boyd.  "It is clearly bothering him, and he is still not putting weight on it after we have been treating him for almost a week."

Officials say the dog's left front leg has a significant amount of tissue loss and still has over 120 pellets embedded in it, "many of which penetrated the bone."

Boyd says it appears the dog had been suffering from his injuries for a few days before he was found.

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