One of our pups needs surgery. Actually, that has happened before but never anything this complex.
Dodger has a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Basically, part of his right knee has to be rebuilt. Don't even ask what it will cost. We've spent less on some excellent vacations.
But this is more important than any vacation or any material possession. This is a member of the family, and we love him.
So what led to this? We think the original injury occurred months ago while he was playing with Mandy. He limped back then for a while. We took him to the vet, but surgery didn't seem vital then. Instead, he took anti-inflammatory medication and seemed to be doing better. In fact, he seemed to be doing quite well recently.
Then, a few days ago, he was heading up the stairs when he gave a cry and stopped suddenly. Since then, he has been walking on three paws. He uses both front paws and hops on his back left paw.
So Marc and Dodger went for a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon today. It appears that the existing injury was a partial tear of the ligament, and it seems that it has now torn completely. Things that should be fixed in place in his knee are moving around very freely (and painfully).
So our Dodgie is going for surgery on Friday. He goes in Friday morning to have surgery, and he will be in the hospital for two days, during which he will have various meds and three rounds of physical therapy. Then we have to take him for walks and do various other things to help his leg heal. I understand that healing can take three months. It must be quite traumatic, since, in my experience, dogs usually heal a lot faster than humans. (I remember that Mandy's spaying--basically, abdominal surgery--slowed her down for about a day. Think of how long something like that would slow down one of us.)
We love Dodger, and I hope you'll all keep him in your thoughts and prayers. To some, he may just be a dog. To us, he's a loving family member with as good a heart as can be and a love and commitment for us that is beyond compare.
5 comments:
Sending good energy Dodger's and your way. I completely understand - my dog Jessie ended up undergoing a ton of incredibly expensive procedures (aside from my home and my truck, I've never spent that kind of cash on myself) - and I never regretted one cent of it. She was, in every sense of the word, my family. (Besides, she also had a cool name ;) )
Poor little guy! I am so sorry to read this, Jess, and of course I will hold him in my thoughts and prayers. He's one hell of a fine fellow. I'll be thinking of all three of you tomorrow. I completely understand how pets become members of our family. I've had a number of dogs win my heart.
Poor little pup! I will definitely keep him and you in my thoughts and hope for a speedy recovery.
I'll light a candle for Dodger. I believe animals have souls and certainly, hearts. More so than some people, actually. Sending healing energy to Dodger, and hugs for you and Marc.
Thank you, everyone. He had his surgery today, and he's doing okay.
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