A group of veterinarians from the City of Angels Veterinary Specialty Center in Culver City, California are working to save the leg of an injured dog hit by a stolen van during a police chase on Wednesday night.

The dog has been identified as a Maltese mix breed named Gordo. The wild police chase Wednesday caused the van to hit the dog, resulting in the animal suffering from a deep cut to its rear leg and leaving its left hip badly smashed.

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The police chase lasted for more than an hour as police tried to stop a white Chevrolet Astro van. News and television crews covering the chase were able to capture Gordo being hit by the van after the pooch reportedly ran into the streets of south Los Angeles where the chase was going on.

The dog's owner, who referred to the dog as "family," then rushed the bloodied animal to the veterinary center.

Allegedly, Gordo's owner was given the option of either having the pup's leg amputated or attempting to save it. The owner opted for the latter, says spokeswoman Shannon Brown of the veterinary specialty center.

The veterinarians worked on the dog for almost two hours during surgery Thursday evening, removing parts of his hip joint and doing their best to repair the damaged limb.  

One of the veterinarians, Annie Lo, who treated the dog, said that Gordo is doing great and was a "rock star" while sedated with anesthesia. Lo noted that there still are other tests they have to run such as a neurologic exam to assure that the dog can move his legs.

Brown added that although a part of the dog's hip was removed, it would not curtail Gordo from being able to run, jump, and play.

TagsCity of Angels Veterinary Specialty Center, california, Los Angeles, police chase, van hits the dog, Gordo, Leg Injury, saved by vets