January 18, 2008

NORTON SHORES, Mich. - A Michigan couple is comforting their two-year-old chocolate Labrador after it had surgery to remove an arrow that was lodged in its chest for an unknown amount of time.

Scott and Kelly Cornelisse adopted Remington about six-months ago from an acquaintance. But recently they noticed the dog seemed lethargic and unwilling to play.

Scott picked up the dog and noticed a bump in his torso, which the couple believed to be a broken bone.

After receiving an X-ray, veterinary Dr. Steven Harden of the Clarke Animal Hospital revealed that an eight-and-a-half-inch alimunum arrow shaft was lodged in the dog's chest, just missing the heart.

Dr. Harden said that the arrow had likely shifted the day that the Cornelisses noticed Remington's change in behavior. He went on to say that this case is unique because of the length of time the arrow was inside the dog's body.

The couple says they have no idea how the arrow got in there, and neither do the previous owners. The wound created when the arrow initially entered had apparently healed. But this is certainly a testament to the strength and will of canines.

A surgery was needed to remove the arrow, but the Conrelisses were unable to afford it. However, Dr. Harden volunteered to perform the operation free of charge. He said he was more worried about setting the wound than the surgery itself. However, the procedure only took three minutes and seems to have gone well.

But Remington seems no worse for the wear and has nearly fully healed.

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