LURCH NEEDS BILATERAL SHOULDER SURGERY March 1st

I am Lurch the Great Pyr!

I am ONLY almost 9 months old.

I am already disabled in both of my shoulders due to a pesky condition called, "Osteochondritis Dissecans".

For Info about OCD in Dogs go here:

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/osteochondritis-dissecans-or-ocd-in-dogs

Back in November (2023), My family noticed that I started limping & slacking on my usual Guardian Dog work. I was keeping my weight off my left side every time I walk. All concerns, my humans got me right up to the vet to be evaluated. The vet did a physical exam and didn't feel any kind of break or anything obvious that would cause me to limp.

Vet thought it was just growing pains and decided it best to try a trial of Caprophen (an anti-inflammatory), which didn't help or make any difference with my limp. I was still suffering in a lot of pain. Increasing discomfort moving, sitting up, laying down, keeping weight off my left side. I became a bit lethargic and since, more and more lame. All around worse.

My people decided they better get me right back to the vet, and made sure they took X-rays this time!

The vet found what she called a "flap" or lesion in the X-ray, and that she suspected OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans) in my left shoulder.

The vet then sent the X-rays to Colorado Canine Orthopedics to be analyzed by a surgeon, and CCO confirmed that there is a flattening of the left caudal humeral head consistent for left shoulder OCD. It was and is strongly encouraged that I get surgery for removal of this unkind disorder if I want to have any kind of chance at a normal quality fulfilled life.

My folks decided it best to get a second opinion. They found a vet surgeon right here in Santa Fe, NM. Gruda Vet. We had a consultation with them January 22nd, and they as well confirmed that I not only will absolutely need the surgery, but that I have the dreadful ailment of OCD in BOTH my left and right shoulders. With that noted to all of our knowledge, Gruda Vet in Santa Fe, recommended that we go back with Colorado Canine Orthopedics up in CO. For they have the less invasive procedure of arthroscopy to more gently remove the OCD in my shoulders. It was almost double the price to get the procedure with Gruda Vet in Santa Fe than it is with Colorado Canine Orthopedics.

If I am ever going to stand a chance at a life of normalcy, not be a cripple my entire life, (starting from as a very young lad of all things), It is critical that I get this procedure done as soon as possible. All of the vets involved have cautioned that if I were to miss out, or wait too long on the opportunity for this life changing antidote, I will just gradually digress worse and worse as I age.

Well that’s no life to live at all! Can't you understand how just the thought of that is a nightmare for my family and I?

We just can't let that happen! I am Lurch the Great Pyr!

The good news:

A. I get the surgery, I will have a full quality active life, with normal mobility, the ability to do the job that I love, and that I was born to do.

B. Surgery is scheduled for March, 1st 2024

At The Colorado Canine orthopedics clinic, in Colorado Springs, CO.

C. The Colorado Canine Orthopedics Clinic WILL accept direct donations over the phone! Starting anytime from now up to the day of appointment for surgery. (For those that prefer this method of grandiose support in these matters.)

D. The appointment consists of the consultation, procedure, & go home, ALL IN THE SAME DAY.

1st Analysis from Canine Orthopedics discussed with Angel Fire Small Animal Hospital can be seen here:

X-Rays done by Angel Fire:

GRUDA VET DIAGNOSIS:

GRUDA VET X-RAYS:

The NOT so GOOD NEWS:

Why do we need your help, you ask?

(Note: This is the first and only GoFundMe / fundraiser we have ever done.)

Our dogs ARE our children.

We are very protective over and caring for them.

We are a growing & aspiring micro-farm / homestead, and at this time, do not make a profit. All of our little bit of income from work has gone into animal feed and shelter, repairs or building up our life to be more self-sustainable and healthy. For the past couple of years, we have encountered & struggled with several health issues that has set us back quite a bit. Several hefty financial hardships. One unexpected expense after the other, after the other. Like playing dominoes, except it’s not fun.

Endless vehicular, house, & farm repair, & don’t forget that inflation is there to anything but comfort you. Making it difficult times for saving money. We are behind as can be on a ton of unfinished projects and repairs at that. We are trying to go through and sell what we can, cutting corners; but have hit a financial wall. No less be able to afford these excruciatingly high vet bills without any help at all.

Trying to exhaust every available option, we've been denied financing through multiple lenders and creditors, and are otherwise uncertain, exactly how we will pay for this necessary surgery.

Canine orthopedics said it can be $4,100-$5,000.

We are not sure exactly how much it will end up costing until the day of surgery.

Canine orthodopedice requires full payment up front for the arthroscopy and surgery. (Fortunately, They will take direct over the phone donations!)

I have been eager to train and follow my elder Pyr in all things protective, but I am unable to keep up. Which puts myself and all of the other animals I protect at risk.

We have yipping & hollering shady coyotes, along with roaming semi feral dogs in our immediate area. Us Great Pyrenees work very diligently every night, keeping them at bay.

I'm a well loved-loving & deserving working farm dog who needs to be fully mobile without pain and discomfort so that I can happily, do my job as a Livestock Guardian Dog, and not be a potential target for coyote attack.

Verifiable sources to confirm the accuracy of our statement or DIRECT to VET DONATE to:

Canine orthopedics Colorado springs, CO:

7 1 9 - 2 6 4 - 6 6 6 6

Angel Fire Vet: ( 5 7 5 ) 3 7 7 - 3 1 6 5

Address: 3382 Mountain View Blvd, Angel Fire, NM 87710

Estimate of Bill for procedures for with Canine Orthopedics, CO:

Any and all help with donations will go towards expenses for surgery, travel, and any other medical/ aftercare/healing tools or equipment. We are so GREATLY appreciative of ANY & ALL help & support with sparing our Lurchy a lifetime plagued with pain and suffering. Words will never be able to truly convey our deepest gratitude for everything.

Even if you only liked, shared, hung up a flyer, or donated $1, you're amazing, we thank you, and we will never forget.

We live by what goes around comes around, and are all about that pay it forward way. When we can, we do, and we will. ~We will look forward to Paying it Forward one day~ Thank you ALL so so much from the bottom of our hearts, forever ALWAYS <3

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Here are some more photos of our cutie :)

Baby baby Lurch: