Puppy famed for being rescued from well in Istanbul discharged from hospital after it fell sick

Fatma AKSU – ISTANBUL

A puppy, named “Kuyu” (well), that was rescued after being trapped in a well for 10 days has been discharged from a veterinary hospital after it fell sick.

The puppy recovered after it received blood from a healthy black Labrador dog.  

Ömür Gedik, a journalist and the head of an animal welfare group called Haçiko, said it will now live on a special farm in its natural habitat after undergoing vaccination. 

The Istanbul Municipality confirmed claims on social media over the puppy’s illness on March 15. 

The municipality said Kuyu was diagnosed with canine parvovirus, which its initial symptom is weakness, adding that it was receiving treatment.

Canine parvovirus is a contagious virus mainly affecting dogs and is believed to originate from cats. The virus is highly contagious and can spread from one dog to another by direct or indirect contact with their feces. Vaccines can prevent this infection, but mortality can reach 91% in untreated cases. Its treatment often involves veterinary hospitalization. Canine parvovirus may infect other mammals, however, cannot infect humans.

Kuyu was adopted by the Beykoz Fire Crew after it underwent medical examinations following its rescue.

The puppy dropped into a 70-meter-deep well that was drilled by the municipality early in February in the Dereseki neighborhood in Istanbul’s Beykoz. 

The dog was provided with necessary food and water during the rescue operations.