"BB's" Battle - They thought he was safe...

"BB" after his surgery

“BB’s” owners thought he was safe when they let him outside one night. No one had reason to suspect danger was lurking in the familiar shadows of their own back yard. That night quickly became a life and death struggle for “BB” and turned into days of anguish for his family when this tiny terrier was savagely attached by a coyote!  “BB’s” owners ran out to find him bleeding, in shock, and struggling to breath. They knew he was gravely injured and rushed him to our emergency hospital where he was stabilized and placed in an oxygen unit. Their quick action along with highly skilled emergency personnel and advanced equipment gave “BB” and his family a chance for hope.

It was soon understood, however, that “BB’s” battle was far from over when his radiographs revealed massive internal injuries. Dr. Fitzwater, our boarded veterinary surgeon, was called in and when she took him into surgery she discovered even more damage. The force of the attack had torn “BB’s” abdominal wall and his diaphragm so severely that his organs had herniated under his skin and into his chest cavity! Other nasty bites put his right kidney in jeopardy and pulled his skin, from head to tail, completely away from the connecting tissue and muscle!

 

"BB" 5 months after his attack

That coyote meant to kill “BB” and it almost succeeded, but with the necessary training and expertise for just this kind of scenario, Dr. Fitzwater put “BB” back together again. With supportive care around the clock for the next five days, “BB” improved and was released to his family. After several follow up visits, he was given the ‘all clear’ and today he is back to normal, enjoying the good life. 

“BB’s” coyote attack is not rare. Many cats and dogs have been attacked, and often killed, by wildlife in their own backyard. Coyotes are prominent throughout Indiana and not only in rural areas. Below are some tips posted by the DNR that may help discourage them from visiting your neighborhood.

• Feed pets indoors whenever possible; pick up leftovers if feeding outdoors and store pet and livestock feed where it’s inaccessible to wildlife
• Eliminate water bowls and other artificial water sources (if possible).
• Position bird feeders in a location that is less likely to attract small animals or bring the feeders in at night (to keep coyotes from feeding on the bird food or the other animals).
• Do not discard edible garbage where coyotes can get to it. Secure garbage containers
• Trim and clean shrubbery near ground level to reduce hiding cover for coyotes or their prey
• Do not allow pets to run free and provide secure nighttime housing for them
• If you start seeing coyotes around your home, discourage them by shouting, making loud noises or throwing rocks but NEVER corner a coyote – always give the coyote a free escape route.