The beautiful Labrador who was seriously injured in a brutal dog attack in Derry has swapped veterinary care for foster care after five weeks of intensive treatment.
Bramble, whose life and limbs were at risk after the mauling, is still healing physically and mentally but this week vet Julian Kozlowski decided he was well enough to be moved into the comfort of a home whose family who will continue his care.
It has now emerged that old bite injuries were found on the five-year-old dog when he was taken for emergency treatment last February, pointing towards the possibility that he may have suffered previously as a bait dog. Bramble's former owner has still not come forward.
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DogsLive understands video footage of the incident shows five off-lead lurcher type dogs running after Bramble in the Glengalliagh area of Derry. Bramble is said to have been set upon at various times by the dogs, is tumbled to the ground where he remained, as a person kicked out at the lurchers and then moved them on. Bramble is then understood to get up and was seen limping as the person and the dogs walked off.
An investigation into the incident by the council and the PSNI is ongoing. Legislation means that more than three lurchers, or lurcher type dogs, cannot be walked together at one time and they should be muzzled.
Bramble's plight has been followed by thousands of people across news and social media platforms with donations being made and gifts sent.
And this support team said last night: "We’re over the moon to share the news that our prayers have been answered.
"After five very difficult weeks for Bramble he has finally been released to his foster home. The relief and elation is palpable and although he still requires ongoing treatment, it will be on an outpatient basis.
"The vets have advised that there are enough in donations now to see his treatment through to the end and there is no need for fundraisers to worry about the expense of his continuing care.
"His wounds are healing well and the dead tissue has fallen off. He has a bit of a circulation problem on the foot of the particularly bad leg but his care team are hopeful that will improve with time. He’s still on antibiotics, anti inflammatory and pain medication but he’s comfortable and so content.
"This is wholly down to every single person who donated, we can never thank you enough.
"Bramble’s treatment was the most extensive that we’ve covered in nine years and we hope and pray that no more of our dogs or any animal ever have to go through what Bramble was subjected to and we thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts."
Bramble has countless bit, slice and grab wounds on his body when he was found cowering in a garden 24 hours after the attack.
The most serious injury on his right hind leg, which was so deep his bone was exposed, but methodical care has allowed it to start healing, with layer upon layer of flesh and muscle being stitched over time by vet Julian Kozlowski.
He said: “We could not just close the wound entirely and hope for the best. This has been a slow process and the main enemy is infection so infection control has been very important. That’s why Bramble had his wound meticulously flushed twice a day, his bandages removed and replaced twice a day.
The Labrador was very closed down at the time he was taken to Drumahoe Vets, suffering shock, fear and pain but he let the vet team work on him and has been described by Julian as "the easiest patient".
His most serious wound is still bandaged to allow healing and it will weeks if not months before he could be considered for adoption.
Bramble was rescued from a garden where he had hidden in brambles, and taken for emergency care on February 23. To date no family or owner has come forward for Bramble who was out in the Glengalliagh area of Derry at 3.30am on February 22 when the attack took place.
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