Hurricane Helene devastated our sanctuary

In mid-January, Samson was shot twice with an SKS rifle by his previous owner, Samson managed to escape after breaking through a fence and was later found by neighbors, leading to the owner’s arrest. After an emergency vet visit, it was confirmed that one bullet narrowly missed the spinal cord and passed through the neck without leaving fragments.

However, Samson later developed nerve paralysis on the right side of his face and vision loss in his right eye due to a corneal ulcer. With prompt treatment, including steroids and eye medication, the hope was that the damage will be temporary, preventing permanent nerve or vision loss.

Sadly, Samson’s eye did not show any signs of change or recovery and instead is beginning to show signs of “shriveling up” leading to the decision to remove Samson’s eye. The paralysis has left Samson unable to blink and keep his eye lubricated leading to his eyeball drying out.

If we leave Samson’s eye in the condition it is in not only will the eyeball eventually shrivel up all the way but leaving it open makes Samson susceptible to bugs and debris getting in the eye causing irritations or infections. This surgery has become an EMERGENT need for Samson and thankfully our vet was able get Samson in for surgery right away!

 We are relieved that Samson’s surgery was a success and had no complications! He spent the night at the Vet’s office for overnight monitoring and will be able to come home today!