Brutally Disfigured Detroit Dog Gets Reconstructive Surgery On Nose, Tail

EAST LANSING (WWJ) - A group of veterinarians have performed reconstructive surgery on a badly mutilated dog discovered wandering in Detroit last month.

The young Rottweiler's story captured attention and donations from people all over the world when photos of his injuries went viral. Now nicknamed "Barron," his ears and part of his tail had been cut off.

[**Please note: These images are graphic and may be disturbing. See the photos here].

Barron is said to be "resting quietly" and "doing well" in recovery after a surgeon from Michigan State University joined Michigan Humane Society Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Fisher to perform reconstructive surgery on his nose.

"To help protect those exposed nasal tissues and also give him a little bit better cosmetic look," Fisher explained in an interview with WWJ Newsradio 950's Zahra Huber.

"I've seen many dogs that have had their ears cut off and various types of injuries and stab wounds and so forth," he added, "but this is the first one I've seen that had so many wounds at once."

MHS spokeswoman Kathy Bilitzke said the doctors took two flaps from either side of his muzzle and covered up most of his exposed cavity.

[See a post-surgery photo here]. 

Bilitzke said they also partially amputated his tail, shortening it just a bit.

"Somebody had tried to dock it — which is, you know, when they cut off part of the tail — and they did a really bad job, so we took care of that," Bilitzke said. "And he was also neutered."

The series of procedures took about three hours. The hope is he will be able to be adopted into a loving home once he's recovered, which is expected to take about two weeks.

Bilitzke said there's been a lot of love pouring in for this sweet pup.

"I got a call from Marquette, and they were asking, the listeners up there wanted to contribute to the reward. We got a call from Minnesota; somebody from Japan recently called," she said. "So we're still getting an incredible amount of interest and sympathy."

An investigation was launched after Barron was found by a Good Samaritan on Jan. 17, walking near Livernois and Warren on the city's southwest side.

Anyone who may be able to identify the owner of this dog, the person responsible for harming it or who has any information about this case is asked to call the MHS hotline at 313-872-3401.

A cash reward of more than $40,000 is available if a tip leads to an arrest and conviction.