Veterinarian and Cancer Survivor Saves Paralyzed Puppy in a Remarkable Recovery Story

Rocky Kanaka |

Oct 4, 2023

A puppy named Bunny, diagnosed with a severe case of Tetanus, was brought back from the brink of death through the unwavering dedication of veterinarian Dr. Ali Thompson. The puppy, rendered almost entirely immobile and described as being as stiff as an “outstretched coffee table,” presented a challenging case that would test the limits of veterinary intervention and care.

Tetanus, a condition known for causing stiffness and paralysis, had severely impacted Bunny, presenting with hallmark signs such as a sardonic grin, pinned-back ears, and lips. The critical nature of the situation was evident, but Dr. Thompson, armed with both professional expertise and a deeply personal understanding of battling life-threatening conditions, opted to give Bunny a fighting chance.

The intensive care regimen for Bunny involved hourly to bi-hourly administrations of antibiotics and sedatives, a meticulous approach to prevent further complications such as violent seizures, which were a constant threat due to Bunny’s sensitivity to light and noise. A sleep mask became a necessary tool in the arsenal of care strategies employed to shield Bunny from potential triggers for over two weeks.

Dr. Thompson and her husband engaged in a relentless routine of physical care, involving regular body position rotations, massages, and baths, ensuring that Bunny received not only the medical attention required but also the physical and emotional support crucial for her recovery.

The story takes a poignant turn when considering Dr. Thompson’s personal journey. A childhood cancer survivor, she was once in a position similar to Bunny, battling against a condition with seemingly insurmountable odds. Her personal triumph over cancer provides a unique lens through which she views her patients, seeing not just animals in need but beings with fighting spirits worthy of every chance at life.

Bunny’s gradual recovery unfolded as a testament to the power of unwavering care, professional expertise, and perhaps, a shared unspoken bond of survival against the odds. The puppy, once paralyzed and lifeless, began to exhibit signs of life, slowly transforming into a creature of “pure joy,” as described by Dr. Thompson.

Rocky Kanaka, a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, found himself deeply moved by Bunny’s story of survival and recovery. In a heartfelt gesture of celebration for Bunny’s newfound life, he crafted a special cake, symbolizing not only the victory over her medical ordeal but also the spirit of hope and resilience she embodied.

Bunny’s story, while a testament to her own indomitable spirit, also shines a light on the profound impacts of empathy, professional dedication, and the personal experiences that shape our actions and decisions. Dr. Thompson, through her own lens of survival, saw a spark in Bunny that perhaps mirrored her own, leading to a recovery story that not only saved a life but also underscored the profound interconnectedness of hope, care, and survival.