From Jake’s owner Kim: Jake is my Border Collie service dog. He was injured when riding in the car and my daughter, who was driving, had to jam on the breaks to avoid an accident. When we got home, Jake was not putting any weight on his back leg, so we gave him pain meds and put him on crate rest. After a couple of days with no improvement, we took him to the vet and x-rays revealed that he had dislocated his hip. We had no idea Jake’s injury was that serious because he is so stoic.
I have been disabled since 1998, when a tornado hit our house and threw me across the room and against the wall and knocked me out. It caused permanent injuries to my back and neck as well as neurological issues that, among other things, give me balance problems. When I walk, Jake helps me to regain my balance when I start leaning to one side so that I don’t fall. I recently started working with a new puppy who is being trained to take Jake’s place, but he is still young and needs a lot more training until he can be used for this purpose. Jake is otherwise healthy besides the hip injury, and I need him to help me until the puppy matures and is fully trained.
We reached out to every hospital in the region with orthopedic surgeons to get surgery scheduled and the soonest and best option was one close by that Bandit’s K9Care had worked with in the past. The earliest they could get Jake in is on Tuesday, April 23rd. At that time, once he is under anesthesia, they will attempt to manipulate the femoral head back in place, and if they can, to see if it will stay in place. Unfortunately given the time that has passed, the chance of it working is quite slim. Consequently we are anticipating his needing surgery, which must be paid in full on Tuesday. (Note they are giving a discount since he is a service dog.)
Any assistance would be so appreciated! Jake has been by my side going everywhere with me and I need him to be by me once again. Thank you so much for your help!
Owner: Kimberly May
Veterinary Hospital: VCA Metzger Animal Hospital, State College, PA
