The beautiful Labrador attacked and seriously injured in Derry earlier in the week, has survived his first night under intensive veterinary care.
The male dog, whose owner has not yet come forward, was too ill and shocked for any treatment after he was rescued from a garden on Wednesday afternoon by a local charity.
His rescuers asked for prayers for him as they left him in Drumahoe Vets on a drip, safe after at least 24 hours on the run following a savage attack in the Glengalliagh area of the city.
A spokesperson said: "Huge relief here guys, our boy has made it through the night and is well enough for treatment today.
"There’s a lot of dead tissue already so that will be removed and his wounds thoroughly cleaned and sterilised. He has a freshly broken canine which will also be removed.
"He has started to relax a bit and isn’t as terrified of the veterinary staff so all signs are good at the minute."
However what vets discovered while the dog was under anaesthetic has created even more concern.
A spokesperson for the charity said: "He is recovering after his surgery but unfortunately his wounds are much worse than the vets initially thought. Once he was under anaesthetic the true extent of these injuries was revealed.
"The internal injuries are much worse than those visible in the pictures and much of his leg muscle is already dead. As much as possible was done in one sitting today but more surgeries are needed.
"Due to his weakened state he won’t be operated on again until Monday. Please keep him in your prayers, we were perhaps a bit too optimistic this morning."
It is understood the Labrador was set upon by up to five 'hunting dogs' on Tuesday night and suffered severe bite wounds.
And it is thought he tried to defend himself, suffering a broken canine tooth in the process.
The charity who searched for and found the dog have set up a funding page to help with the medical expenses.
WARNING : DISTRESSING IMAGES FOLLOW
FBI Pet Rescue revealed the horrific injuries suffered by the Labrador including severe and numerous bite, rip, puncture and slash wounds.
He was so weak when he was picked up, that vets were unable to safely sedate him to have his injuries flushed. But that work will be done today under sedation.
His rescuers said he would not have survived another night without medical attention. Despite weighing around five stones and in otherwise apparent good health, the dog's injuries and shock left him vulnerable to collapse.
It remains unclear who the owner of the dog is, if he has been stolen or lost or potentially recently sold.
Derry City and Strabane District Council is due to debate the ban on hunting with dogs on Thursday, after a Private Members Bill on the matter was thrown out of Stormont at the end of last year.
It is estimated that there are more than 8,000 dogs licensed within the council area and there are no registered dog breeders.
Northern Ireland remains the only part of the UK where hunting wild mammals with dogs is still permitted. The Private Members’ Bill, which was brought by Alliance MLA John Blair, was thrown out of the Assembly.
Sinn Féin voted against the Private Members’ Bill while DUP MLAs got a free vote with some backing the bill while others voted against.
If you wish to donate to Pet FBI Rescue, you can click here and follow the link.
