Midas came in to the Animal Hospital of Willow Street on Monday April 13th. He was brought in by a man who found him in his yard. He was unable to stand and had no identification on him. On examination he was found to be a male intact pitbull mix about 7 months old. Even though it was quite obvious that he was in a great deal of pain he never cried out or showed any aggression.
His left leg was very swollen and his abdomen was badly bruised. Xrays taken on Tuesday found his left femur to be broken in 4 pieces (see pic above), the head of the femur was displaced, his pelvis was broken in several places and the head of the right femur was also fractured. He was given pain medication as the staff tried to figure out what to do with him. They weren't sure his fractures could be repaired of if he would ever walk again. He needed an orthopedic specialist and he had no owner to pay for the surgery he desperately needed.
The Willow Street Vet Staff began making phone calls and sent out a flurry of emails. When we heard about Midas we knew we wanted to help. Tuesday evening the Vet staff took his Xrays to an orthopedic veterinary surgeon. She looked them over and said she could fix him! And that she felt with surgery and the proper rehabilitation he would walk again! By Wednesday morning Midas had stollen the hearts of every employee at Willow Street Vet.
Thursday morning Midas was loaded up by streacher for the trip to the surgeon. Even though he was scared he still managed to give kisses and tail wags to the staff as they anxiously waved goodbye and Dr Young drove away.
Midas underwent 6 hours of surgery. He had his left leg repaired with a plate, 9 screws, pins and wire. He also had a bilateral femoral head osteotomy and a ileal shaft fracture plated as well. Dr Young picked up Midas and returned him to the animal hospital on Friday morning. We were all very worried about him. He had come through the surgery with flying colors. He was still very swollen but in good spirits. The staff carried him outside later in the day and he was able to stand with support for a short time. It would be a couple days before physical therapy could begin. Until then he will be kept comfortable and lavished with love and attention by the staff. Please check back here again as I will post his progress and more pictures, as well as how we are doing with donations.
Sunday April 19th
Update
One week post surgery and today Midas would have ran up the hill if we let him! He has been doing better every day. He walks from his run in the kennel to the grassy area outside the animal hospital with two techs. One with his leash and the other slinging his back end. He is completely housebroken and really enjoys sniffing EVERYTHING outdoors. He continues to receive pain medication 3 times a day and has physical therapy morning and evening. The swelling is down in his plated leg and his sutures look like they are healing well. His appetite is wonderful. He is a happy, loving boy. He has however become a bit spoiled ;) and will whine when left alone too long. But the staff takes frequent "Midas" breaks and often have to wait their turn spending time in his run! It will still be awhile before he is ready to leave but the nice people from Helping the Helpless Pets, a rescue are busy looking for the perfect forever home for him.
