GADSDEN, ALABAMA.....We got a call from a Vets office in Gadsden, AL. They needed help with a four-year-old pocket pitty that appeared to have a dislocated hip. The Humane Society had brought him over. Not sure what happened to this sweet pup, but he had left-sided craniodorsal hip luxation. Unfortunately, by the time they had reached out to us, the injury was now chronic and would require a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO).
Pluto was flown to us from Gadsden, AL, and taken to CVRC in Charleston, SC. Cute does not even begin to describe this sweet pup. He has an underbite that is too adorable for words. I am always thinking of repair before we ever remove anything. Sadly, by the time Pluto was seen, moving that joint around was almost impossible, so the only option was to remove the Femoral Head.
When Pluto arrived, we also became aware he had heartworm disease. He had a slight cough and had to be evaluated by our Cardiologist, Dr. Sophy Jesty, before he could have any surgery. When x-rays were done, it was discovered Pluto had an incidental gastric foreign body. He did not appear to be in any signs of GI distress, but the foreign body would have to pass through his system before any surgery.
It is never a quick fix with any of the dogs we rescue. The other pressing issue was both of Pluto's ears had raging infections that required weeks of Baytril antibiotics. The list just kept on going before we could do this sweet pup's surgery. The good news was that after Dr. Jesty did Pluto's Echo, she determined treating him for his Heartworm Disease would take care of any heart-related issues he was experiencing now. She also cleared him to have anesthesia for his surgery.
Pluto was placed under anesthesia after the echocardiogram, and the gastric foreign material was removed by endoscopy. Removal was difficult with several large pieces through the lower esophageal sphincter, but eventually, all were successfully removed without complication. It appeared Pluto had eaten a Horseshoe Crab that was causing the problems he was having. He was then prepped for surgery, and the FHO was performed uneventfully.
No dog is happy after surgery. Dogs (just like humans) come out of anesthesia and are very disoriented. Pluto settled into his good high on drugs and did not want to get up for any reason. He refused to get up and put any weight on his leg until the next day. Pluto was happy being pampered by the ER Team while he was recovering. He was finally coaxed out of his comfy bed and inspired to get up and go outside to use the bathroom.
The problem is everyone loved kissing on his adorable face. His short, stocky body wiggled every time he walked, and that added to his cuteness. Spoiled Rotten should be his name since he is milking his surgery for every last treat he could possibly get.
Pluto did eventually get up and came back to the Rehab Facility to recover. He has done two rounds of his Heartworm Treatment and has one more round to go before his treatment will be done. Now, we have to pay for his surgery and medical bills to help more pups like Pluto get the necessary surgery they need to prevent them from being crippled for Life.
