Meet Gimli, an eight year old Shar pei mix from Montana.
Gimli has Shar pei Fever and is already considered high risk, but now this adorable little guy is currently in need of a very important surgery that will allow him to walk again.
Everyone that has ever met Gimli has described him as the sweetest, softest dog they have ever met. If there ever was a guy that didn’t deserve strife in his life, it is certainly him, and he has endured so much of it in his little life. Despite that, he is the happiest dog that just wants to be loved by everyone he meets.
Gimli was given a diagnosis of a double CCL tear today, which means that he will have to endure a bilateral (simultaneous) surgery to both of his dog knees and be on severe bed rest for several weeks. This surgery is necessary, the orthopedic surgeon made that incredibly clear, but unfortunately I am not working right now and our family cannot afford to give him the quality of life he deserves today.
Gimli means the world to me and I am eternally grateful that there is a solution to his pain, but we are in desperate need of your help now, please. The specialist wants to move forward with the surgery ASAP, so I am now asking that anyone able help—even a dollar would do so much.
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What is are the costs of his surgery?
Fortunately the surgery costs are all inclusive at just under $6800. This will include all of his anesthesia, surgery, medication, and physical therapy needs.
What happened that made him need this surgery?
Gimli already has some issues with his legs due to his Shar pei fever, and then tweaked his leg getting out of the car. The vet said this is a common injury in dogs, and in 40% of cases it will cause the second leg to give out because it is picking up the slack for the originally injured leg.
Have you tried Care Credit?
Since I have no income right now, I would not be eligible for a new line of credit. It is just really unfortunate timing all around, sadly.
What is Gimli’s quality of life without the surgery?
He is in pain every day and is on medication to reduce that, but the medication affects his liver due to his Shar pei Fever, so it is not a long term option. Right now he just sleeps about 22 hours a day. He was a pretty active dog before the injury, so this is very different for him. He seems very sad. He has lost a large amount of muscle mass in his back legs in such a short time, so even standing is incredibly challenging.