Comments on the dilemma in the May issue: Managing a high publicity crowdfunded shelter puppy with head trauma

Abstract

In the dilemma discussed in the May issue of In Practice, Wesley Cheung and Anne Fawcett described a scenario where you are a veterinarian working in an animal shelter. An eight-week-old puppy was recently brought in after a table collapsed on its head and the owners could not afford treatment. You believe that the prognosis for the dog to return to a normal state is poor; however, you discuss the options with the shelter manager who decides to refer the puppy to an emergency hospital. The shelter begins crowdfunding on social media to support the hospital expenses, and they find someone who is willing to adopt the puppy in the hope that it is discharged in the future. After several weeks of hospitalisation, it is clear that the puppy will never fully recover and will require intensive home care. (IP, May 2019, vol 41, pp 182-183). What do you do?.