Leg Update

Today, when we went to my vet to change the bandage on Squee's leg, I got my first good look at the damage that's been done to it by the infection. Besides the sore on her upper leg, she has a large, nasty open wound wrapping around the underside of her wrist.  I have a few pictures below, though I'll warn that they're somewhat graphic and you may want to skip them if that sort of thing makes you ick out.

I also called the specialist vet we've been working with to talk to him further about Squee's chances at keeping her leg. Basically, if we can get this infection purged, and it hasn't caused any nerve damage to her foot, her chances of a successful surgery are about the same as they were before, which is to say, we have no guarantees, but there is a chance we can fix and straighten that leg.

If, on the other hand, the infection goes septic, the foot begins to die or she's lost the use of her foot through nerve death, at that point, amputation is going to be our only option. If she keeps getting recurring infections, then we'll have to consider amputation as well.

For now, we're leaving Squee's leg unbandaged, and I am cleaning it and applying antibiotic ointment several times a day. She's wearing a baby sock to protect it and an e-collar to keep her from licking her leg. It's very hard to watch her try to get around, because the exact spot where she has to rest her weight on that leg is where the big open wound is, so I know walking on that leg at all has to be painful for her. But, Squee is a trooper and she's in good spirits. She's eating and drinking well, wagging her tail and playing with her toys.

Please continue to keep Squee in your thoughts, and if you have been considering donating, now is definitely the time! If Squee doesn't undergo the operation to save her leg, she will have to undergo a double amputation which will cost $3,500 and she will also need a cart which will be another $500. The trouble is, amputation would have to happen much sooner than her other surgery, so we still really need help raising the funds to give her the best of all options.

Thank you so much, all of you who are continuing to follow Squee story, and thank you especially to those who have donated to help her.

Below are the photos of her leg.
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