Chloe is a cute Dapple Dachshund, approximately 2 years old, who was brought to a local municipal shelter as a stray with a broken leg. No one came looking for her! For an animal to have a chance at living a full life, the pound is not the place to come with medical issues. While a plea went out to please save Chloe from of a bleak future, she was kept as comfortable as possible with pain medication.
A rescue group picked Chloe up from the facility and took her immediately for veterinary care. X rays revealed a broken humerus in her left leg. A pre-surgery blood panel indicated liver values off the chart. Chloe had probably been hit by a car which resulted in some liver bruising, the leg fracture, and scrapes on her backside. The surgery would have to be postponed until her labs returned to normal or she might not survive the procedure. Even with a leg splint, an IV and difficulty moving, she kept giving little kisses to everyone who cared for her.
The next day there were grave concerns that Chloe was not improving. She was not placing any weight on her legs but could move them lying down. The veterinarian was worried she might have suffered a spinal cord injury. Her lab results were still abnormal. She was given fluids, steroids, antibiotics hoping this would improve her prognosis.
Five days later, Chloe was doing much better! Her liver values had come down, but she was running a temperature. It was decided to schedule the surgery regardless. The veterinarian remained optimistic that there would be enough bone to attach a plate from the humerus to the elbow joint, place a pin and screws to stabilize the leg and save her limb.
Chloe did well through the operation, but her bones are so small that there is apprehension the operation may not be successful. She remained under observation at the clinic until she could place weight on her legs. On the third day post-op, Chloe stood on her three legs and her blood work had returned to normal! She was discharged that same day.
She is now on strict crate rest. Out to potty and back in her crate for the next four weeks at least. Since she keeps wanting to put weight on that front leg, her foster mother has devised a strategy to hold her front legs off the ground with a wrap around her abdomen and torso when she goes out to relieves herself.
Her foster mom keeps repeating what a sweet little girl she is, always wagging her tail and how much she loves to snuggle. Chloe has a follow-up appointment in two weeks to have her staples removed and have more x-rays of her leg. These initial post-op radiographs will indicate if the surgery was successful.
Please help with Chloe’s surgery and medication costs by making your donation to Animals Abused & Abandoned here. Chloe will require more care with frequent visits to the clinic to assess how the fracture is healing. She will be treated for heartworms and be spayed at a later date. The only way these rescuers can continue their good work, is by being assisted financially by wonderful benefactors who believe in helping an innocent little dog like Chloe. We thank you for your kind gift.