Bruno the dog recovering from two broken legs

One-year-old puppy “Bruno” is on the mend after major surgery to repair his front legs which—according to his previous owner—were fractured when a brick fell on him, the MSPCA-Angell announced today.  Bruno was brought to Angell Animal Medical Center on March 24 and surrendered by his owners because of the burden associated with rehabilitating the critically injured dog.

Dr. Zach Crouse of Angell’s Emergency & Critical Care Unit was first to evaluate Bruno and was shocked by what he saw.  “This dog’s legs were very obviously and very badly fractured,” he said.  “Not only could he not bear weight, but his two front limbs were completely limp.  And he was in severe pain.”

Pain medicine was administered to help calm the frightened puppy.  Dr. Crouse ordered x-rays which confirmed the fractures—both severe enough that surgery would be required.  Angell surgeons Andrew Goodman and Matthew Cleveland inserted plates and screws to bind Bruno’s leg bones and he was fitted with casts on both legs.

The Search for the Perfect Home

Bruno is recovering from surgery but will not be ready for adoption for at least six more weeks.  He is currently in foster care in the home of Andrea Bessler, veterinary technician at the MSPCA’s Shalit-Glazer clinic in Boston, which is adjacent to the adoption center and meets the medical care needs of the thousands of homeless animals treated and placed into new homes by the MSPCA every year.

According to Bessler, Bruno is not letting his injury hold him back.  “Of the many dogs and other animals I’ve fostered while they recover from injury or illness, Bruno is one of the most playful, charming and all-around most socialized,” she said.  “He gets along perfectly with my other pets and my children and I’m sure that after he’s completely healed he’s going to make one very lucky adopter feel very special.”

Bruno is expected to be available for adoption within two months; prospective adopters are asked to contact adoption@mspca.org if they are interested in him.

The MSPCA-Angell’s three state-wide animal care and adoption centers take in, and place into new homes, thousands of homeless dogs, cats and other animals every year.  Bruno represents just one of the many animals who arrive every day—and whose futures are brighter as a result of the care they receive.  Readers can contribute directly toward the care of these animals by clicking here.