Ask Squee About It - 10.17.13

This 'Ask Squee About It' is from Gale Haugh and her Eskie pack. Gale asks: 

I'm wondering how the vets are going to strengthen Squee's better front leg?

That's a really good question, Gale!

The first step is the splinting we've already begun. Splinting Squee's leg will encourage any new bone growth to happen in a normal, straight direction. It also keeps Squee from walking on the side of her arm, which was creating a sore and could have caused a lot of problems if we'd let it go on much longer. Squee needs a few months to let her leg finish growing, and splinting will help that time be as beneficial as possible.

Then, Squee will undergo an operation. The surgery will have two components: the amputation of her very deformed front right leg and the reconstruction of her front left leg. Removing the little 'chicken wing' leg will allow the vet to actually use some of the bone from that leg to rebuild the other leg. The rebuilding process will consist of breaking and reforming portions of bone that are curved and twisted. Because her joints are also malformed, they will have to be fused. This means her new leg won't be fully functional, but we are hoping it will heal straight and strong. It won't have the flexibility of a normal leg, but in conjunction with her regular back legs, this strong, straight front leg should allow Squee to support her weight, walk and run without assistance.

Thank you for your question, Gale, and for helping Squee!

If you'd like to ask a question about Squee (or dogs in general) on 'A Leg To Stand On', donate $20 or more to Squee's fund and e-mail me the question you'd like to have answered!