Medical Care for Rufus the Golden Retriever
Donation protected
Central Coast Dog Services is raising money for long-term treatment of Rufus the Golden Retriever, who was recently diagnosed with bilateral elbow dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia is common in larger breeds and is mostly genetic. While Rufus appeared in perfect health when we first got him back in December, he started limping after strenuous exercise. The limping would go away with rest, but after the limp returned several times, we took him to Atascadero Pet Hospital for examination. X-rays were sent off to a specialist for review, which concluded our fears that his limp was joint related and caused by genetics.
Atascadero Pet Hospital gave us the names of two surgical specialists in California to inquire about arthroscopic surgery for both of his elbows. After one of the surgical specialist clinics reviewed his x-rays, I was informed that a solid recovery after $8,000-10,000 arthroscopic surgery (PER ELBOW) is really only seen in dogs with mild elbow dysplasia, and Rufus's condition is more severe than that. The vet tech on the phone explained that even if I put him through this expensive surgery and post-surgery recovery process, he would always have some level of physical lameness. The woman I spoke with on the phone advised that financial resources be put into fish oil, glucosamine, anti-inflammatory medications, and aqua therapy treatment to keep his muscle mass up while preventing extra strain on his elbows.
Rufus has begun taking Fish Oil and Glucosamine already, and will begin Aqua Therapy sessions with Splash-Dog Swim Therapy in Morro Bay on Wednesday, June 24th. We are raising money for long term care and aqua therapy sessions to ensure that Rufus gets all the care he needs to slow the deterioration rate of his elbow tissue. Rufus will not be able to be a service dog any more due to his condition, but we want to make sure that whoever decides to adopt this boy has all the financial help to continue his treatment.
Rufus has already given back to his community so much. He spent several months at Lakeridge High School bringing joy to students and staff on a daily basis, helped his puppy raiser through the emotional grief of losing her husband to cancer, and has helped teach countless new service dog teams handling skills necessary for success. This sweet young boy has touched so many lives in such a short amount of time. Receiving the news of his condition this week has been a rollercoaster of emotions for everyone involved, but we are choosing to let go of the things beyond our control and focus our efforts on what can actually make a difference in this special dog's life. Whatever you can give toward his care would be greatly appreciated.
We will be posting updates on his treatment and adoption here as well!
Atascadero Pet Hospital gave us the names of two surgical specialists in California to inquire about arthroscopic surgery for both of his elbows. After one of the surgical specialist clinics reviewed his x-rays, I was informed that a solid recovery after $8,000-10,000 arthroscopic surgery (PER ELBOW) is really only seen in dogs with mild elbow dysplasia, and Rufus's condition is more severe than that. The vet tech on the phone explained that even if I put him through this expensive surgery and post-surgery recovery process, he would always have some level of physical lameness. The woman I spoke with on the phone advised that financial resources be put into fish oil, glucosamine, anti-inflammatory medications, and aqua therapy treatment to keep his muscle mass up while preventing extra strain on his elbows.
Rufus has begun taking Fish Oil and Glucosamine already, and will begin Aqua Therapy sessions with Splash-Dog Swim Therapy in Morro Bay on Wednesday, June 24th. We are raising money for long term care and aqua therapy sessions to ensure that Rufus gets all the care he needs to slow the deterioration rate of his elbow tissue. Rufus will not be able to be a service dog any more due to his condition, but we want to make sure that whoever decides to adopt this boy has all the financial help to continue his treatment.
Rufus has already given back to his community so much. He spent several months at Lakeridge High School bringing joy to students and staff on a daily basis, helped his puppy raiser through the emotional grief of losing her husband to cancer, and has helped teach countless new service dog teams handling skills necessary for success. This sweet young boy has touched so many lives in such a short amount of time. Receiving the news of his condition this week has been a rollercoaster of emotions for everyone involved, but we are choosing to let go of the things beyond our control and focus our efforts on what can actually make a difference in this special dog's life. Whatever you can give toward his care would be greatly appreciated.
We will be posting updates on his treatment and adoption here as well!
Organizer
Kelly Sosa
Organizer
Atascadero, CA
