A veterinarian has come up with an innovative solution to treat a dog with severe burns by using fish skin
In January, a dog named Archer, living in Alaska, endured severe burns when a fire broke out in his home. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found Archer trapped in the flames.
Panicked, the dog ran away as the firefighters tried to rescue him, leaving everyone fearing for his life. Fortunately, Archer was soon found near the ocean and quickly taken to a nearby vet.
Living in the remote town of Haines, Alaska, emergency veterinary services are limited, so in situations like this, Dr. Michelle Oakley, the star of Nat Geo WILD’s *Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet*, is often called upon for help.
However, Dr. Oakley was returning from California at the time, and Archer had to endure a seven-hour car ride in harsh weather conditions to reach the nearest veterinary clinic capable of treating his severe injuries.
Once stable, Archer returned home to continue his recovery with Dr. Oakley’s guidance. Dr. Oakley set up a special burn unit in her office, ensuring a sterile environment for Archer’s care.
However, it became clear that Archer needed specialized treatment, so she consulted with a burn expert from the University of California, Davis.
The expert recommended an innovative treatment using tilapia fish skin to aid in the healing of burns. The expert even visited Archer to demonstrate how the fish skin could be applied.
Covered in fish skin, Archer took on the appearance of a «dragonslayer,» earning the affectionate nickname. The relief from the treatment was immediate, especially for the dog who had painful burns, particularly on his face.
The local community rallied around Archer, with Haines residents helping cover his medical costs, including surgeries, laser therapy, and multiple bandage changes.
Over time, Archer’s condition improved dramatically. From a burned and frightened animal with no fur, he healed into a joyful, healthy dog, with only a small bald spot on his face as a reminder of his ordeal.
While Dr. Oakley played a significant role in his recovery, she credits Archer’s resilient spirit for much of his healing. Despite his pain, Archer never visited the vet without wagging his tail.
His journey has also been invaluable to Dr. Oakley, as it has expanded her knowledge of treating burns, which she now uses to help other animals in similar situations.
Dr. Oakley views this challenging case as one of the most rewarding of her career, noting that Archer’s recovery has helped her make a lasting impact on the lives of many animals in need.
