Joseph's Medical Story

 

When Joseph was about 2 1/2 months old in KY, the 2 other family dogs literally tore him apart. I envisioned that they thought he was a toy and each had a leg in their mouth. They fractured his pelvis at that time. The incredible part is -- then the *people* - wish I could use another term for them -- allowed him to stay that way with no medical treatment for a month. The only reason he is alive now is a neighbor heard about it and demanded that they give him to her. She contacted a rescue in KY that we work with & Susan told her to take him to her vet who had to amputate his left leg. Susan sent out an URGENT e-mail explaining his story to all the rescues she works with.

 

From previous experience of working with "broken dogs" I knew that he would need extensive PT and since our Vet, Dr Brad Gray specialized in this, I knew he needed to be with LNF Dog Rescue.  I also knew his treatment would be expensive but thankfully we had an extremely wonderful end-of-year donations that had been doubled by our long time sponsors Arlene & Ed Loveland so I felt we could take on the treatment for an extra special case like Joseph.

 

Joseph's Medical Story --

AP and lateral views reveal an aged pelvic fracture and a right coxofemoral luxation.The right hip joint was explored revealing a complete lack of an acetabular ligament. The toggle procedure was completed which should give more stability to this joint.

 

1-20-11 - Joseph had a surgery to correct the right hip subluxations. This "toggle" procedure replaced the acetabular ligament that had been previously ruptured. His injuries are aged as well. He will be sore from this procedure and need help walking until he heals a bit. We are trying to correct the abnormal way that he carries his right hind leg under his body since the amputation of his left hind limb. He is an excellent candidate for rehabilitation as we have to retreach him how to use the leg properly. We should start the rehabilitation in 7 days and he should have at least two sessions weekly.

 

1-24-11 - Sadly Joseph's incision became infected which has required being hospitalized so he can have IV fluids and antibiotics. We are hoping that a five day course will help him get well so he can come back home to be with his foster family. He is improving day by day but his foster Mom misses having his sweet spirit where she can see him at all times.