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Leo is a 6 month old German Shepherd Mix puppy who is vibrant and sweet , but who has had a really rough start to life! At about 3 months of age, he was diagnosed with canine parvovirus, a severe GI virus and had a prolonged hospitalization of about 3 weeks, where he was kept in a kennel and couldn’t get out for exercise. It wreaked havoc on his GI tract and he became very emaciated and it caused the muscles in his hind legs to atrophy. With his legs being very weak and without the ability to gain muscle while he grew, his legs became contracted and he is unable to extend them. His previous owners attempted physical therapy, but it is expensive, and they eventually exhausted their finances and looked for other options for him to get the care he needs.
Lori, a seasoned vet tech with extensive medical foster experience, decided to foster him and committed to intense daily physical therapy. While she can do most of the labor on her own, the regimen that needs to be followed comes with significant financial burden.
Leo will need daily massage and heat therapy along with specific range of motion exercises, swim therapy 3-4 days per week, weekly acupuncture and laser therapy and medications to control pain associated with stretching the tendons. Physical therapy uses a multitude of tools to help promote strength and balance, which are often not inexpensive.
Any money raised for Leo will go towards therapy devices that he can use daily at home, acupuncture and laser appointments, specialized harnesses and mobility tools, veterinary consults with specialists to aid in his recovery, and his prescription dog food to help his intestines heal from parvo. We project that this intense physical therapy regimen will need to be followed for at least one year, in order to allow Leo to walk again, but will need to be continued long term.
It takes a village to help dogs like Leo and anything that can be done to ease financial burden for this sweet boy is greatly appreciated. He is not giving up, so neither are we! You can follow Leo’s progress on his Instagram page, @Leowillwalk to stay updated on his progress as we go on this journey.
Thanks so much for your love and support.
Lori, a seasoned vet tech with extensive medical foster experience, decided to foster him and committed to intense daily physical therapy. While she can do most of the labor on her own, the regimen that needs to be followed comes with significant financial burden.
Leo will need daily massage and heat therapy along with specific range of motion exercises, swim therapy 3-4 days per week, weekly acupuncture and laser therapy and medications to control pain associated with stretching the tendons. Physical therapy uses a multitude of tools to help promote strength and balance, which are often not inexpensive.
Any money raised for Leo will go towards therapy devices that he can use daily at home, acupuncture and laser appointments, specialized harnesses and mobility tools, veterinary consults with specialists to aid in his recovery, and his prescription dog food to help his intestines heal from parvo. We project that this intense physical therapy regimen will need to be followed for at least one year, in order to allow Leo to walk again, but will need to be continued long term.
It takes a village to help dogs like Leo and anything that can be done to ease financial burden for this sweet boy is greatly appreciated. He is not giving up, so neither are we! You can follow Leo’s progress on his Instagram page, @Leowillwalk to stay updated on his progress as we go on this journey.
Thanks so much for your love and support.