Gordo Expected To Make Full Recovery Following Leg-Saving Surgery
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Every dog does have its day.
Doctors who first believed Gordo -- the little Maltese-mix who was run over by a van during a police pursuit Wednesday -- would lose a leg are now saying the little pooch is expected to make a full recovery.
Gordo had a two hour leg-saving surgery Thursday evening at the Access Specialty Animal Hospital in Culver City. [9599 Jefferson Boulevard, CA 90232
(310) 558-6111.]
On Friday, doctors told CBS2 and KCAL9 that Gordo was doing well and resting comfortably.
"His leg --which we were worried about, whether he'd be able to use it or not -- actually has motor in it, which means he's actually trying to place it and move around. He can't quite walk yet, but give him a couple of days," said Dr. Annie Lo, one of the doctors who worked on Gordo.
Gordo received an outpouring of support from KCAL9 viewers watching the pursuit within seconds of his being hit by a stolen van suspect.
Within minutes of his being run over, viewers wanted to know where they could make donations for his surgery and hospital stay.
The hospital said it looks like Gordo's bills will be fully covered. If there is money left over, donors can opt for a refund or the hospital plans to give the money to the Culver City Police Department's K-9 unit.
The stolen van driver, identified as 21-year-old Yovani Rodriguez, pleaded guilty Friday to charges of fleeing a peace officer's vehicle, driving recklessly, driving (or taking) a vehicle without consent, as well as one count of hit-and-run resulting in property damage. He was sentenced to two years in prison, according to the LA County DA's Office.
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