LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - A woman attacked by a pit bull is recovering at University of Louisville Hospital after another round of surgeries. The dog went after its victim Monday night in Cloverport, located in Breckinridge County.
Shirley Sturgeon completed a more than 12-hour marathon surgery Saturday after a dog knocked her down and began chewing her arm.
The hearing impaired woman's brother said there is a 95 percent chance her arm will not have to be amputated. "So far, she's had three surgeries. Three today would be six total," Robert Boone said.
Newly released hospital photos show Sturgeon days after a pit bull mauled her. Sturgeon's wounds are so graphic WAVE 3 will not broadcast or publish unedited photos.
"The dog probably took three-fourths of her arm and right below the shoulder. Then, another huge chunk out of her wrist and forearm. Her wrist is broken. Eventually, they'll insert screws in her wrist to help the healing process," Boone told WAVE 3.
Cloverport police said it was an unprovoked attack. Sturgeon, who lives in an adult care facility, was walking to a friend's home. When she turned the corner, the dog's lead line failed and the pit bull went after her.
Witnesses swung a bat to release the dog from Sturgeon's arm.
Paramedics rushed Sturgeon to University of Louisville Hospital where she remains.
"I'm pretty confident we're going to get the best in the world. You can't ask for much more than that," Boone said, crediting the medical care Sturgeon is receiving.
Cloverport police cited and fined the dog's owner for having a vicious animal and not keeping it confined.
"Considering the damage to her, it's a slap in the face," Boone said.
WAVE 3 will continue to update you on Sturgeon's progress as she continues to heal.
Copyright 2012 WAVE News. All rights reserved.
Shirley Sturgeon (Source: Robert Boone)
