This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

A Clearfield boy was in serious condition Thursday after surgery to repair numerous injuries suffered when his family's new pitbull dog attacked and mauled him.

Clint Thacker, director of Davis County Animal Control and Services, said doctors at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City expect the 5-year-old to stay hospitalized for at least another week, with a full physical recovery expected.

However, he feared deeper, psychological wounds will affect the boy for a lifetime.

"This is definitely in the top 10 worst cases [of animal attacks] I've seen here," Thacker said. "It was very severe and very unfortunate. This child may now be afraid of dogs for the rest of his life."

The boy was playing early Wednesday afternoon outside his home, near 1100 S. State St., when the dog — a neutered male rescued by his family just two weeks before — attacked. What may have prompted the attack was undetermined.

Thacker said the boy sustained broken ribs, a facial bite that nearly removed an ear, and multiple slashing wounds on his stomach so severe that paramedics found him with his intestines on the point of spilling out.

He was flown to Primary Children's Hospital and underwent emergency surgery.

The dog was surrendered by the family to be euthanized. Health officials are awaiting results of tests to determine if the animal may have been rabid.

Twitter: @remims