Sol, a lover of sunshine and beacon of light, came into Kim and Noelle's lives on the solstice this past year – an unexpected but fated encounter that has brought daily delight and abundance into all of their lives.
The runt of the litter and the last to be adopted from the shelter, Sol's initial adopters withdrew their application after learning that Sol had mild angular limb deformity of his front left paw. Since adopting him in December, Noelle and Kim have witnessed a significant progression of lameness in this paw, causing limping with minimal to zero weight bearing, daily falls (despite best efforts to prevent it), and visible signs of pain such as groaning and biting his wrist or stopping in the middle of a serious play session to whimper and lay down. Pain is also likely the culprit of some new behavioral changes in the last weeks.
The most recent x-rays show that Sol's radius is 2cm shorter than his ulna (which at 37lbs is quite significant!) causing the bones in his wrist to be pushed together and turn his paw outward. After consultation with two veterinarians and one orthopedic surgeon, it was recommended that they take Sol to the U of M Small Animal Hospital for a specialized surgery where they can lengthen the ulna and restructure the radius. This surgery gives Sol the best long term prognosis with front legs that will be matching in size, greatly minimizing the risk of compensational injuries and arthritis.
The average of the low and high end estimates for the ulnar wedge osteotomy with the external fixator comes to $5,481.95. Unfortunately, because this is considered a pre-existing condition, insurance will not cover any portion of the cost. Kim and Noelle, who have both been navigating their own serious medical issues and have limited income at this time are looking for support in covering the cost of surgery. They have already spent over $2,000 in getting to this juncture and will have additional costs during the 12 week recovery period with medications and follow-up appointments.
Any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for helping Sol thrive! <3
