Willow is a 6 month old Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy who had been outside playing in the yard with the other family dog. When she came back into the house her owner noticed that she was holding up her left back leg. So off they went to her veterinarian who examined Willow and did two radiographs.  Imaging revealed that she had two fractures that would need surgical repair with a plate and/or pins. The vet put on a temporary splint and provided the name of a veterinarian with advanced orthopedic surgery skills. She also told the owner that surgery would probably run between $3,000 and $4,000. 



Unfortunately a few days after the vet visit, Willow started having serious gastrointestinal problems. It turned out that the Carprofen that was prescribed for pain and inflammation had triggered hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. It is rare and unfortunate side effect of Carprofen that thankfully improved with dietary changes after taking her off the medication.  Her owners then applied for assistance from Bandit’s K9Care since they could not cover the cost of surgery after the money spent for the vet appointments, x-rays and the surgical consultation.

While waiting for the consultation, we sent the x-rays to Bandit's K9Care's orthopedic surgery advisor for input. He recommended surgical repair using a plate. It was the same conclusion the local surgeon came to at the consultation. The surgeon also said that it was critical to get the procedure done within the next week, since a week had already gone by since the injury. A longer wait might result in the bones fusing together improperly, after which amputation might remain the only option. 



Willow’s owners are a young one income family and her “hu-mom” is expecting a second child. Her Mom has medical problems as well, so Care Credit is not an option. The funds they had set aside for veterinary care were used to pay for the initial exam and diagnostics plus the surgery consultation. Willow's family is very grateful for any support that will help their sweet pup keep her leg.

Owner: Rachel Holesapple

Veterinary Hospital: Herrin Animal Hospital, Cassville, MO