Dijon, a three-year-old Terrier, was found badly injured and abandoned, with fractures to his elbow and both ankles, making him barely able to walk, sit, or lie comfortably.
He was brought to Ardley Rescue Kennels in Bicester in mid-August, where they have advocated to raise between £15,000 and £20,000 to cover his treatment.
The fundraiser, which has so far raised more than £7,000, has covered a myriad of intensive treatments, with more needed to cover surgery for the fractures, which will be carried out by Professor Gareth Arthur, a specialist orthopaedic surgeon.
The road to recovery for Dijon hasn’t been easy – battling lungworm and a bacterial infection in his ears, which has since cleared.
CT scans and ultrasound scans have fortunately ruled out any other diseases, while fractured teeth have been removed, caused by multiple lesions in his mouth which went all the way through his gums.
Dijon, also known as Viagra boy (Image: Annabelle Pottle/Go Fund Me/Ardley Rescue Kennels)
Sadly, a heart scan showed the cheerful pup is suffering from pulmonary hypertension, high blood pressure affecting the lungs and arteries, caused by the lung infection, which can damage the right side of the heart.
The medication, named Sildenafil, or commonly known as Viagra, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction, has prompted his new nickname.
Annabelle Pottle, who has been caring for Dijon, said: “The medication is the funniest as it is called Sildenafil, which is actually Viagra, so his new nickname is Viagra Boy.”
Despite his injuries and health setback, she said he remains “such a happy, joyful little boy who always makes you smile”.
The dog must undergo several weeks of treatment before vets can assess whether his condition has improved enough for surgery.
Dijon the three-year-old terrier with Annabelle Pottle at Ardley Rescue Kennels (Image: Annabelle Pottle)
Ms Pottle said he will remain on medication for two weeks before a veterinary check-up, followed by another two weeks of treatment and a further heart scan.
Only then will vets know whether they can proceed with surgery on his fractured elbow, the first of three operations he is expected to need.
Annabelle previously said waiting for updates from the vets had left supporters “sitting on pins and needles”.
She added: “We can’t thank you enough. We are amazed at the kindness of people.
“We really don’t like having to ask people as finances are so difficult and we are so grateful to everyone who has donated to our little Dijon.”
The dog’s remarkable story has also prompted offers of a permanent home from members of staff at Bicester Vets.
For now, however, he is staying with Ms Pottle and her own gang dogs while he recovers.
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