Buddy the Dog continues remarkable recovery nearly half a year after being burned

Mississippi — Veterinarians at the Mississippi State University veterinary school are using fish skin to heal a badly burned dog.

Buddy, a  labrador retriever mix, was set on fire by a child in April. The Tate County Sheriff’s Office said a 12-year-old boy admitted to setting the dog’s face on fire.

ORIGINAL REPORT: OFFICIALS: Mississippi dog set on fire, being transferred to Memphis for treatment

Nearly 5 months later, Buddy has only a bandage covering the space between his eyes.  Dr. Elizabeth Swanson said that area is still healing. She said they used codfish skin for skin grafts on his face. Dr. Swanson said this is the first time veterinarians at Mississippi State have used this treatment and it is working well.

PHOTOS: Mississippi dog set on fire, being transferred to Memphis for treatment, officials say

Buddy appears to be happy, friendly and wants to play . He carried a yellow ball in his mouth as he scampered around a fenced-in play area by the pet hospital.   

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During treatment, Dr. Swanson said they discovered the dog has heartworms.  Dr. Swanson said it will likely be the end of the year before his heartworm treatment and procedures on his eyelids are completed. Then he should be ready for adoption.

Buddy’s new owner will have to take special care of the special dog for the rest of his life.  

The Tunica County Humane Society is handling all adoption requests.

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