Veterinarian Treats Dog After Suspected Mountain Lion Attack in Placerville
A 9-year-old boxer named Cole is recovering from severe injuries believed to be caused by a mountain lion attack in Placerville, California. The dog's owner, Richard Phillips, discovered Cole limping with a severe leg injury that exposed the bone. Richard's parents, Bill and Pat Phillips, who help care for Cole, were shocked by the extent of the injuries. Veterinarian Dr. Arman Ghotra at Crossroads Veterinary Hospital treated Cole, using skin from both sides of the wound to repair the leg. Dr. Ghotra noted the damage was unlike anything he had seen before, suggesting a mountain lion as the likely cause. Neighbors in El Dorado County have reported increased mountain lion sightings, and one neighbor, Barbara Dugger, recalled hearing what sounded like a large cat the night of the incident. Cole is expected to recover fully but will need to wear a brace on his front leg for one to two months as the bone heals. 
