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Arrow's Limb Deformity Surgery

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Arrow and Cookie are a puppy duo that were found on the side of the road near one of the beautiful Florida State Parks, Peacock Springs in April 2017. They were taken in and loved instantly by the (cave/technical/shark) scuba diving community, which was how they were both named. Arrows and cookies are used in the technical scuba diving community as direction and nondirectional markers by scuba divers. These two brought a community together.  By ensuring they went to a good home, taking care of initial vet bills (rabies shots, initial vet examination, and getting fixed), individuals from around the state and country were supporting these two puppies. Arrow and Cookie will always have a special place in our hearts. They represent what is very meaningful to us, and that is: community.



There were people near and far that instantly became connected to these two adorable babies who needed a "fur"ever home. When Arrow and Cookie were found, Arrow had a slight limp in his walk, and Cookie had what seemed like a skin infection around her eye. Through time (with a healthy diet and much love), Cookie's skin condition started to go away. However, Arrow's limp started to become worse.



Two months later, Arrow visited the UF Small Animal Veterinary Hospital. It turns out that before the puppies were found, Arrow suffered from an unknown traumatic event with lead to early closure of his right distal radial physis.



"Arrow has been diagnosed with premature close of his right distal radial physis. The physes are growth plates which allow bone to grow until they reach skeletal maturity. Arrow suffered an unknown traumatic event which lead to early closure of the physis. His right limb is currently 2 cm shorter than his left due to this closure. Arrow is a young healthy puppy and may do well with surgical correction of his right front limb. The surgery would require mnultiple cuts in the right radius and ulna with placement of an external fixator. The external fixator will be a series of rings and rods which encompass the limb. Daily maintenance of rotating the nuts connecting to the device will allow the bone to "stretch" and create development of new bone".

"Bone grows quickly in young dogs and heals well, the limiting factor is the soft tissue structures around the radius and ulna which will require small daily adjustments to the device. Daily maintenance and weekly rechecks with the UF Orthopedic Surgery Service will be required for the initial estimated 2-3 weeks post-operatively. Common complications of the procedure are self inflicting injury to the bone and infection. Strict monitored exercise is important. Arrow will be required to have minimal exercise, leashed walks, and absolutely no running or jumping during recovery. Another complication is infection which will require daily cleaning and application of topical ointment. Precise daily measurements and more approximate time estimate will be made during surgical planning and a review of the device will be shown post-operatively".

"The cost of the initial surgery, including today's evaluation would be $3,300-3,800 and then each recheck with radiographs is approximately $250. There would be four, potentially five of these rechecks"

We do not expect the funds to be paid in full or even half of the amount, however, every penny will help. Arrow, Cookie, and Mowgli (their big brother) mean the absolute world to us. Their kindness and loving personalities make it all worth it and we know that this surgery will be life changing for Arrow. Arrow is scheduled to go through his procedure on Friday, June 30. Thank you in advanced to all that are able to contribute. Positive thoughts are 100% welcome!

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Donations 

  • Jude Moon
    • $100 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer

Amy Vu
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