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GPA-Central Texas

Greyhounds

The story of Lazarus, 2007 A.D.

Please make a contribution to the Real Ransom III DVM Emergency Medical Fund. Your gift WILL make the difference between life and death. (You can earmark your donation for Lazarus and the Emergency Medical Fund by making a comment in the "Note" field of your PayPal transaction page.)

Scroll down the page for updates on Lazarus. (Warning: There are photos of his wounds that may be upsetting to some.)


	Lazarus raises his head to investigate the camera. It was the only movement we saw out of him while at TLAC. The dark spots on the light blanket under him are the dying fleas and ticks falling off after treatment.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

The greyhound was at the far end of East 9th St. in Austin, and he couldn't get up. We don't know how long he lay on the ground in the sun and the rain, or how he got there, or what caused the abscessed wounds around his tail. We do know that someone saw him the morning of Sunday, June 24, and called Animal Control. He was picked up, taken to Town Lake Animal Center, and seen by a vet. The dog was lethargic and dehydrated. Fleas and ticks covered his body, and his fur had the texture of steel wool. His right leg was half again its normal size. The abscess oozed rank fluid.

The greyhound did not even lift his lovely, dark brindled head when the IV slid into his front leg, carrying nourishment, antibiotics, and pain medication. Someone in the TLAC Reclaim Office called Sally McIntosh to say there was a greyhound in bad shape at the shelter. Pam Cook and Donna Seago packed up blankets and plastic sheeting and went down to take a look. When Pam and Donna picked ticks from his ears, revealing his birth date and trying to decipher his double-tattooed litter number, the four-year-old lay still, awake but unresponsive. The TLAC vet thought he might have been shot, but only X-rays would reveal the truth -- and the extent of any injuries to pelvis or spine.


Lazarus in the treatment facility at TLAC. Notice the swelling in his right rear leg.

Techs stretchered him out to Donna's van, and he was driven to the Animal Emergency Clinic in South Austin. He panted nervously but briefly when the van began to move, then returned his head to the cushion of towels. He didn't have the energy to worry. As she headed into the EC for help, Donna said, "We'll need a name for him." Pam had one ready by the time she returned: Lazarus. This hound would need a miracle to edge his way back from the brink of death.

The EC doc found no metal or broken bones in the radiographs. "Probably dog bites," she said of the gaping holes. "Let's get him back on fluids and medication and see what we can do." Pam and Donna stopped at his kennel to say good night. The greyhound's eyes rolled crazily upward. The pain meds were working. During the night, a second doc flushed Lazarus's abscess again and again. By morning his temperature was down, he tried to bite the techs who treated him (to their delight), and he scarfed breakfast. The prognosis was far from certain -- the abscess had spread into both legs, drainage was horrendous, and little if any viable skin remained on his backside -- but he was awake, hungry and prepared to defend himself. A double dose of Capstar had killed his fleas, and Frontline was methodically eliminating the tick infestation.


	Lazarus' right ear -- the one with the fewest ticks. Over one dozen ticks were picked off his left ear in an attempt just to read the tattoo, still leaving dozens more to be treated.

Very early Monday morning, Pam opened the back of her Cherokee and the techs gently set Lazarus inside. She transported him to Great Oaks Animal Hospital, where Drs. Baugh and Willis would assess and treat him, hoping for the best. By afternoon, he was standing and had eaten a can and a half of dog food. Rising from the dead, indeed.

The road ahead is long: even if all goes perfectly, weeks of treatment lie ahead as do mounting vet bills and the need for a medically-savvy foster family. We could lose him to sepsis, discover hidden illnesses, or learn that long-term neglect makes euthanasia the kindest choice. But we're optimistic -- some of us even believe in miracles -- and we'll take it a day at a time, the way greyhounds live.

A message from GPA-CT President Pam Cook
(Tuesday, June 26, 2007)

On Sunday, June 24, Placement Coordinator Sally McIntosh was notified that a seriously injured greyhound had just been transported by Animal Control to Town Lake Animal Center, following a call from a good Samaritan. Unable to walk, badly wounded, and severely dehydrated when he arrived at the shelter, the dog needed emergency medical treatment. Lazarus, as we've dubbed him, represents the tip of the illegal racing industry iceberg in our region. Double tattooed, he is nearly impossible to identify, though we're trying. Abandoned to the elements and his own iffy luck, he'd have died a painful, unmercifully slow death.

But, as we told him when we took custody from the concerned vet at TLAC, it can only get better. "Getting better" may involve treatment for any number of diseases; so far, his grossly abscessed backside has garnered all the attention. Although we anticipate dealing with tick-borne illness, intestinal parasites, and malnutrition before Lazarus is really and truly well, we're wowed by this greyhound's will to live! By Tuesday noon, the long-legged resident at Great Oaks Animal Hospital was standing and chowing down on lunch. He spent an hour in the afternoon with his chin on a cushy lap, accepting gentle neck scratches and stretching stiff muscles before settling back in for a long, long nap.

Abandoned and neglected greyhounds are far too common in Central Texas, in part because controlling the illegal racing industry has a pretty low priority for most folks with the power to do it. What GPA-CT sees are the results of this all-too-casual attitude: dumped dogs, starving dogs, pregnant dogs, wounded dogs, scarred and damaged and sick dogs who've been used and discarded like old appliances. Look into Lazarus' deep brown eyes and you'll find soul, not trash; courage far surpassing that of most people; and, though there's little justification for it, trust. We are in awe.

Lazarus' recovery comes at a price. Time and energy have been and will continue to be invested. Vet bills are nearing $1000, and he isn't done with treatment, not by a long shot. GPA-CT's Real Ransom III DVM Emergency Medical Fund (established in honor of the late Dr. Ransom, who gave so generously of his time and talent to our greyhounds) already needed replenishing due to prior emergency cases like Otis (recently adopted), whose URI on intake turned suddenly and nastily into pneumonia, and Poppy, who required emergency abdominal surgery a few weeks back.

When you give, greyhounds live. Please consider making a gift to the Ransom Fund so that GPA-CT can continue to care for Lazarus and his many friends.

Update from GPA-CT President Pam Cook
(Thursday, June 28, 2007)


	Lazarus' wounds (You can still see the swelling in his right rear leg.)

Lazarus continues on high doses of pain medication and antibiotics, but he's been switched from IV to oral. Progress is simply remarkable in his overall well-being and spirits. The wounds around his tail require much care, including hydrotherapy, sugar compresses, and some surgical removal of tissue. There are two very big wounds and several smaller ones, some unbelievably deep. Large patches of skin are simply gone. It almost looks like rats were gnawing on him, and I guess we'll never know precisely what happened in the hours and days before the animal control officer arrived.

What we do know is that Laz is getting better. He needs lots of rest, lots of treatment, and lots of nourishment, so he's off limits to us most of the time. But during my official visit, I rubbed his nearly bare ears and scratched his very itchy skin, which he appreciated. To pet Lazarus is to watch flakes of dry, dead skin drift thickly from his thin (but thanks to the techs at Great Oaks, CLEAN) fur. This "snowfall" may last longer than our current monsoon season -- malnutrition takes a while to reverse. Still, he's on the mend.

Lazarus is cryptorchid, so his neuter will be more complex and expensive than usual. He's being pre-emptively treated for ehrlichia because of the vast population of ticks he brought with him, and we're waiting to see if the blue haze in his left eye reverses itself or is evidence of earlier injury. Fortunately, his vision is unaffected. His right hind foot remains swollen, but most of the upper leg swelling is down.

We continue to welcome donations to the Real Ransom III DVM Emergency Medical Fund for Lazarus' care. If you use PayPal, you can type instructions -- like "for Lazarus" or "Ransom Fund" -- in the NOTES field to specify where you want your gift to go.

Thanks to all the folks who have contacted board members with their concern and good wishes. It's wonderful to see how our membership has rallied around this beautiful guy. We'll keep you posted!

Update (Friday, June 29, 2007)

Lazarus was scheduled to undergo surgical debridement of his wounds to remove the necrotic flesh. Dr. Willis at Great Oaks was going to tack down his skin so that it would not recede further. If everything goes well after the surgery, he is expected to go to his foster home next week and there will receive wound care from a foster mom who has a lot of experience with hydrotherapy and other treatments Lazarus will require.

Lazarus is still receiving antibiotics and pain medication. He will still need to be neutered and have his teeth cleaned, but the risk of spreading infection is postponing those two surgeries until much later. There is still a long road ahead for Lazarus and GPA-CT that will need your much-needed and appreciated donations for his continuing recovery. Keep sending your good karma, good thoughts and prayers Lazarus' way.

Update (Tuesday, July 3, 2007)

After successful surgery Friday to remove dead tissue and "tack" the skin around his wounds in place, Lazarus spent the weekend healing and went home with his foster mom on Monday. Ahead: complex neuter surgery, possible additional wound surgery, hydrotherapy, blood tests, lots and lots of love -- and mounting vet bills. We're so grateful to the many friends who have made donations to the Real Ransom III DVM Emergency Medical Fund! Dr. Ransom would be proud to know that Lazarus is being so lovingly supported by the fund established in his memory and that we're able to continue his life-saving work with greyhounds.

Update (Tuesday, July 17, 2007)

From Lazarus' foster mom: Lazarus' right side is almost completely healed, but his left side is still healing. The scabs have come off his ears, and he's still losing skin and hair due to the malnutrition. He's had a lot of diarrhea because he's been on two antibiotics and has been treated for tapeworms, but as a result he's learned to ask outside by butting his head on the door. There is a possiblity he has limited vision in his left eye after all as a result of the edema; that will be investigated after more serious health issues are addressed. Lazarus is a curious dog, but so far he just looks and doesn't get into everything. He's a sweet, quiet boy who gets really attached to people. He has a good appetite for his Innova Evo, eating three times a day. His next vet check is Thursday, July 19. Hopefully, it will be a good report.

Update (Thursday, July 19, 2007)

Good news from the vet check! Lazarus has gained five pounds and is doing so well, Dr. Willis says he can be neutered and have his teeth cleaned tomorrow (Friday 7/20). He still has some internal parasites, but nothing serious.

Update (Saturday, July 28, 2007)


Lazarus was all smiles in his first public outing since arriving in the care of GPA-CT on June 24, 2007.

Lazarus' wounds -- what a difference one month, surgery and tons of TLC make!

Lazarus made his first public appearance today at a GPA-CT Meet & Greet! He had LOTS of visitors. Thanks to everyone who came out to meet Lazarus and check on his progress. As you can see by the photos, this is a changed dog in just over one month.

Lazarus' wounds are healing better than ever expected. Dr. Willis' surgery was masterful -- you can't even see any scars. And his foster mom deserves many kudos for her amazing wound care. Let's not forget the EC vets and techs who started his road to recovery by cleaning his nasty abcesses, and everyone else at Great Oaks who pampered him until he was well enough to go to a foster home. Thanks!

Update (Monday, Sept. 3, 2007)

Laz is doing beautifully and will be ready for adoption any day now! His wounds have healed and he has proven to be the gentlest, sweetest hound you can imagine. His cloudy eye (and slightly impaired vision) is permanent, but we think it's a positive fashion statement to have a little blue in one eye.

Lazarus should appear on the "Available Dogs" section of this Web site very soon. He truly is a jewel, and a living symbol of the great and forgiving heart we so often see in these dogs.

Update (Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007)


	Eric and Kris Wyatt, Mack and Lazarus

On Saturday, Sept. 29, Lazarus was adopted by mobile vet Kris Wyatt, her husband Eric, and their greyhound Mack. (There's a cat, too, but we don't want to talk too much about that. Laz was trained to Fear All Felines by the clinic cat where his foster mom Barbara Clark works.) After a hugely successful home visit a week ago, our Laz buried his head in the laps of his new mom and dad and seemed to know that he was home forever.

Lazarus has benefited from having not just an organization but practically the whole Greyhound Nation rooting for him. Coupled with his own remarkable powers of recovery and positive attitude, this was enough to bring him back from death's door, spirit and sense of humor intact. No longer is he just Lazarus, Poor Thing. He's Lazarus the Pizza Thief, Lazarus the Toy Tosser, Lazarus the Leaner -- and Lazarus, the Hound with the Forever Family. Hooray, Laz!

Update (Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007)

Lazarus ran 37 m.p.h. in Speed Alley at the Greyhound Planet Day celebration. Wow!

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