Life got off to a ruff start for Rudolph the upside down nose puppy.
In late March this year, as a tiny puppy, he was surrendered to the Australian Animal Protection Society (AAPS). The six-week-old English Staffordshire Bull Terrier pup was the last one left of his litter and was unwanted because of what people called his “deformity“.
The shelter took him in, not knowing if he would have a positive outcome but determined to do what they could to help him.
A vet performed an admission check and declared Rudolph had, in layperson’s terms, an upside down nose and a smaller than normal chest cavity – none of which had affected his quality of life so far.Even the vet had never seen anything like it before, and the AAPS team said they were “baffled“ by the snuffly chap.
Rudolphy – Rudy for short – was placed into foster care with plans in place to have him undergo surgery to correct his nose defect.On Sunday 25 August he underwent a rhinoscopy and cobalation to correct his upside down nose at Southpaws Specialty Surgery for Animals in Moorabbin, and came through with flying colours.
A cobalation is a minimally invasive technology for effective dissection and removal of tissue, used in humans for ear nose and throat procedures such as a tonsillectomy.
It’s likely that as he gets older, Rudy may have respiratory issues similar to pugs or French bulldogs, which means he might need limited exercise in warmer weather.
Apart from this he is expected to live a full and healthy life with, at this stage, no on-going surgeries required.
And in a heartwarming twist, once Rudy receives his final medical clearances his foster family are keen to make it official by adopting him.
AAPS footed the medical bills for Rudy’s life-changing surgery, which total $2100 plus extra for his care and appointments.
The community-based not-for-profit, which relies on volunteers, community support and op shops for financial assistance, is currently hoping to raise funds to help cover Rudy’s expenses.
Those interested in helping are asked to visit www.aaps.org.au/supportus to make an affordable donation and to write RUDY in the comment section so the funds can be allocated accordingly.
