Advertisement

Injured dog heading to Canada for reconstructive face surgery

Tyson, while still able to eat, requires more extensive surgery to fully recover. (CBC/Graham Thatcher)
Tyson, while still able to eat, requires more extensive surgery to fully recover. (CBC/Graham Thatcher)

After an unfortunate accident with a machete, Tyson the beagle-mix is finally getting the surgery he needs.

According to Life with Dogs, Tyson was in a field with his owner, who was clearing debris with a machete. Unfortunately Tyson got too close, and got a major gash across his snout. The incident happened a year ago, and while Tyson is still able to eat and breath, his nasal passage is exposed when he chews, which remains a concern for his owner.

Tyson's story drew the attention of Canadian veterinarian Graham Thatcher, who specializes in dentistry at his practice in Ottawa.

"I'd love to be able to help this dog," Thatcher said in an interview with The Ottawa Sun, but unfortunately, the biggest problem Tyson faced was the logistics of getting from Nicaragua to Canada.

Thatcher and his partner Andrea White originally booked with United Airlines for a flight from Nicaragua to Canada, but when United found out about Tyson's condition, they denied the dog boarding, because of concerns he would have trouble breating on the plane at high altitudes.

The couple tried American Airlines and Air Canada, but were declined by both for the same reason.

United Airlines offered to fly the couple to Nicaragua free of charge to perform the surgery, but Tyson's condition requires advanced equipment that Thatcher has access to back in Ottawa.

To their - and Tyson's - great fortune, United Airlines changed their position. The airline consulted with other vet specialists, and came up with a plan that will allow Tyson to fly to Canada in the next couple of weeks.

Tyson will be with Thatcher through the multiple surgeries, and will stay with him until he is fully healed.