Rufus
Care after surgery
Rufus has undergone surgery on his left front limb. The photographs from this stage show him wearing a bandage and a protective cone. This page brings together his story and records of his care.

Rufus’s story
Rufus came into our care with skin wounds and a serious elbow injury. He carries hundreds of shotgun pellets throughout his body, including several in his head. X-rays documented the visible projectiles and helped assess the injured limb.
What you can’t see inside Rufus
An infographic explaining his injuries and surgical repair. You can view the original X-rays below.

His progress
After surgery
The X-rays show a plate and screws above and below his left elbow. The photographs document a later stage with a bandage, protective cone and veterinary care.
The X-rays
Images of his head, chest, abdomen and pelvis document some of the projectiles remaining in his body.
The visible wounds
The photographs show skin wounds and areas of clipped fur. We retain these images as part of the record of his progress.
Original X-rays
Open each image to see it in full. These X-rays come from different examinations and do not all represent the same stage of his care.
Left elbow after surgery: frontal view

Date to be checked against the veterinary report.
Left elbow after surgery: lateral view

Date to be checked against the veterinary report.
Head

Date to be checked against the veterinary report.
Chest and abdomen

Date to be checked against the veterinary report.
Pelvis and hind limbs

29 August 2026, date visible on the image.
Front limb and neck region

Date to be checked against the veterinary report.
Veterinary reports
Reports and further reviews will be added as they become available for publication.
Photographs of his care

His story on video
Watch Rufus’s update
Support Rufus
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