I want to start by thanking all of my friends, colleagues, and veterinarians who have been supporting me through this unexpected and difficult journey.

In May of this year, after losing my sweet boy Ollie, I adopted Skeeter—a 5-month-old puppy full of love, joy, and boundless energy. Skeeter was brought to the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services by a concerned citizen who found him wandering the streets at just 13 weeks old. I was looking through shelter pages in the hopes of rescuing and he instantly caught my eye. Skeeter quickly became my little baby, a love bug who’s happiest running around and wrestling with his doggie sister Fawn.

Sadly, Skeeter hasn’t been able to enjoy his puppyhood to the fullest as he is burdened by a persistent limp in his front right leg, which after several vet visits and radiographs, was diagnosed as:

(1) Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process (FMCP) – “a developmental defect of the coronoid process, two bony protrusions on the end of the ulna within the elbow joint. One of the coronoid processes develops a fissure or crack and separates from the rest of the bone. This separation causes pain and joint instability.”

(2) Humeral Condylar Fissure (HCF) – “a crack or fissure across the humeral condyle that makes up the elbow joint. This can be painful and cause lameness and it can also predispose the condyle to complete fracture or break which can occur even during normal exercise.”

Both conditions are causing him discomfort and, left untreated, could lead to further damage and lifelong pain. The recommended treatment is surgery to remove the coronoid fragment and insert a stabilizing screw in the humeral condyle.

Although I got Skeeter pet insurance just two days after adopting him, the claims were denied because his lameness is considered a “pre-existing condition.” I never could have imagined how serious his limp would become, and I now find myself struggling to afford the care he needs in a timely manner.

The estimated cost for Skeeter’s diagnostics, surgery, and recovery is beyond what I can manage alone. I’m exploring every repayment and financing option available, but I’m also reaching out to the community for help. Whether it’s through a donation, sharing this post, or simply sending kind words—every bit of support means the world to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Skeeter. Your help, in any form, will bring us one step closer to getting him back on his feet, pain-free and ready to enjoy the puppyhood he deserves.

With gratitude,

Sierra & Skeeter