Denzel’s Surgeries

Hi everyone. Over the holidays I didn’t know that a trip to the park with my dog would be our last for a long time. One moment we were running and playing and before I knew it he was limping on his back right leg. Considering Denzel is only 6 and is in good shape, I didn’t expect it to be as bad as it was. After a vet visit they told me that Denzel had a torn ligament (CCL) and needed to be referred to a specialist. Not only that but the other knee was in poor condition as well. (Apparently this is very common in Pit Bulls. Statistics say even if they have surgery on one leg there is a 60% chance they will be back for the other within a year). There are other problems that could arise if gone untreated and healing on its own really isn’t an option. He’s currently on meds and rest, no walks. He’s limping the best he can and awkwardly sitting and laying. It’s been a challenge, especially for a creature who just wants to play and doesn’t understand he’s hurt. So far my husband and I have spent $700 just on his diagnoses and meds. We are searching for a different animal hospital at a lower price, but the quote we got from the surgeon we were referred to was $6430.58 - $6954.40. It’s looking like other estimates are still completely out of the question of us being able to afford it. (If anyone knows a facility that offers this procedure and treatment plan at a better price in the Los Angeles area PLEASE do not hesitate to let me know). Unfortunately we do not have pet insurance. This is something I couldn’t really afford in the past and highly recommend to anyone who has a new pet (adopted or not). I rescued Denzel and didn’t understand that these things could happen so while so young. 2020 has changed my financial circumstance. My field of work was first on the chopping block after the COVID-19 lockdown. I’ve gotten disqualified from unemployment due to a technicality and have been waiting on an appeal for over a month. I just started school to get on a different career path. We’ve had other financial set backs and devastating news in the last few months... and this is something that would completely drain us. For me there is no bank account to drain, only debt. This last year has been hard on us all, which makes reaching out for help even harder right now. The fact that I can not afford to help Denzel feels horrible. I am scared of what the future holds especially being told that this might happen again. I don’t know what his recovery is going to look like, we will have to cross that bridge when we get to it. I don’t want Denzel to suffer and I need to do whatever is best for him even if it means me admitting I need help. Luckily this is not a terminal illness, it has a solution, it is fixable. Alternatives are too tragic. I was told that I do not have to go through anything alone. Ask for help, do your part and trust. I’m hoping that through a community of others who know and love Denzel, or who knows what it’s like... something can be done. If there is anything you can contribute you’d be another hero in my sweet baby angel Denny’s story. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and if sharing this information is the best you can do, we are already very grateful for you. Denzel’s favorite thing is to run and play on the beach, it’s his happy place.

UPDATE: Thanks to all of you Denzel has had a successful first surgery and now in recovery! As predicted, he will be needing another surgery on his opposite knee. After finding a trustworthy vet and a solid second opinion (and a significantly lowered price) we will need to have surgery again once this one heals. Poor boy! We are trying to reach our original goal of $7,000 which will be enough to cover both legs.