photo by: Lawrence Humane Society

A dog receives medical attention at the Lawrence Humane Society after being found with significant injuries on Monday, March 18, 2024.

Updated at 4:35 p.m. Monday, March 18

A dog underwent surgery Monday at the Lawrence Humane Society after being found with significant injuries.

The shepherd was found near Fourth and Indiana streets with severe injuries to all four legs and other parts of his body, said Shannon Wells, executive director of the Lawrence Humane Society.

“The initial photos we received indicated there were open wounds down to the bone on one of his legs,” Wells said.

The dog underwent surgery on Monday afternoon and was awake by 4 p.m., Wells told the Journal-World. The dog’s condition was reported to Wells first thing Monday morning, she said. A Lawrence resident sent a photograph and was concerned about whether the dog could be transported in its condition. Wells said that while it is unusual for Humane Society staff to go out into the field, in this case she sent out a veterinarian and an animal service officer to retrieve the dog.

Monday’s surgery addressed only the most severe injuries the dog had sustained; one of the biggest concerns surgeons had was the amount of bleeding, Wells said.

“All four feet have abrasions on the bottoms and there are abrasions on the trunk of the body all over underneath all that thick hair,” Wells said.

The surgical team did not find a microchip on the dog, but over the next few days the dog will receive additional X-rays that may better show a microchip, Wells said. She said she could not speculate as to what caused the injuries but many of the wounds looked older and necrotic.

“We are kind of having to work within what he is stable for and what he is comfortable for, and what he is pain managed for,” Wells said.

The dog will likely have another procedure on Tuesday to address a remaining bleeding wound, but at this time, the surgical team has not identified any bone fractures, Wells said.

Wells said she appreciated the people who showed concern for the animal’s well-being. She said the dog would need ongoing care throughout the next few weeks to ensure its wounds are properly treated.

The Humane Society is accepting donations to help the injured shepherd along with other animals who have critical medical needs, the post said.