Harry’s specialist surgery

Hi, and thanks for visiting our gofundme.  We have set up this page in the hope we can raise enough money towards our Harry's vet bills, and raise awareness to the dangers of grass seeds.  

Harry is our 1 (nearly 2) year old Goldendoodle who is the centre of our family, and is the kindest gentle giant you'll ever meet. 

It all started when we noticed Harry's paw started to randomly swell one morning.  We took him straight to the vets, as it was very unusual to see him limping.  The vets visual assessment was either a broken bone, sprain or grass seed, which we thought the sprain could be possible because he can be very playful, and at times... clumsy! But after they x-rayed him, they could see his bones we're fine (nothing broken) and the shape of the swelling ruled out a grass seed. There was also no entry wounds in his paw to suggest grass seeds or any wounds similar.

We were given anti inflammatories, antibiotics and then sent home on the basis this injury could be a very minor sprain. When we came home, we noticed that Harry's swelling was getting worse, and to the point where his paw was discharging.    So he was taken back to our vets where he was reassessed, but this time they couldn't determine the cause of the swelling, as it was gradually getting worse and spreading to his leg - the vets were suggesting it could possibly be an adder bite, insect bite or other unknown infection which required specialist treatment.  As a result, Harry was referred to the The Royal Veterinary College where he was taken immediately. 

Upon arrival the specialists at RVC examined Harry, and they were extremely concerned as they hadn't seen swelling like this either. The skin around his paw, and parts of his leg was turning black and going into a necrotic state. We were given the worst case scenario for Harry, which absolutely destroyed us.

The following day Harry was taken into surgery where the vets opened his paw to investigate causes.  By pure coincidence/luck, the surgeon had opened him at the exact location of a grass seed. 

Thankful that the root cause had been identified, and this wasn't an 'unknown' - we were extremely confused by this outcome given the diagnosis from our local vet, however the surgeon had mentioned that it's possible for grass seeds to penetrate skin leaving very little/unnoticeable entry wounds.  

After removing the grass seed, the vets began draining his paw and flushing him with antibiotics. But because of the necrosis, this had caused dead skin cells across his paw and leg which require daily operations to remove. It was unknown if his leg could be saved as the infection caused by the grass seed was so severe.  Harry is an energetic dog who loves walking, running and being active in general - the thought of this change to his way of life is extremely upsetting for us. 

When we were referred to the RVC, we were comfortable (with the help of Harry's insurance) to cover the costs of the initial quotation provided.. However, after financial discussions with the RVC team, we were informed that the quote were initially told was very conservative, and in fact the costs of his daily procedures and medical treatment is realistically triple and will equate to between £10,000-£12,000.  Which now puts us in a very challenging situation. 

Harry is a huge part of our little family and the love we have for him is indescribable. Our aim is to give him the treatment he needs to see this through and give him the best chance possible to save his leg.  The indicative treatment plan consists of 4 weeks of medical care at the RVC, where he will need to stay for the entire duration. 

It seems crazy that Harry was his normal self just days ago - walking, running and playing with his toys as he normally does. Whilst at the RVC, due to COVID-19 we can not visit him.  Having not not seen him these past few days has been extremely difficult, and it's frightening to know that the cause of this is because of a grass seed.  

As a result of the high veterinary bill, we are hoping for some help to cover these costs and raise awareness of the dangers of grass seeds. Any donations will forever be appreciated. 

We will use this page to provide updates on Harry's progress at the RVC.  

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Week 1 - Update

Concerns surrounding the amount of dead tissue around Harry's toes.  Amputation of toes was discussed, but only as a worst case scenario.

Removal of the necrotic (dead) skin was successful. The vets are seeing a nice bed of granulation tissue forming on the wounds, which is a sign of good blood-flow and healing. 

At the moment it is looking positive that he will be ok and they can even save his leg, it will be a long process with him being in hospital for another 3-4 weeks and needing multiple skin grafts.

Vacuum bandage will be put on Harry over the weekend and wounds assessed on the Monday. 

Harry in himself is being very bright, upbeat and charming :) 

Week 2 - Update.

Small infection discovered after removing his bandage.  Swabs of the liquid were sent for testing to determine appropriate antibiotics. This may cause delay for skin graft. 

Wounds are showing good signs of healing.  Granulation tissue is still good. 

Second dressing of vacuum bandage applied. 

Second dressing removed Friday. Wounds are healing nicely, and small infection is still present but has reduced. 

Third vaccum dressing applied. 

Skin graft can potentially go ahead early next week if wounds show improvement following vacuum bandage removal.