A handsome 3 year old Labrador Retriever mix named Spike, originally from a Texas shelter that had reached its capacity, arrived at Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) this past July.  Shortly after Spike’s arrival, DCHS’s Animal Medical Services realized he was limping and favored his hind leg.  After further examination and x-rays, it was determined that Spike had a complete tear of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL or “ACL”) in his knee and needed immediate surgery. 

In early August, Dr. Jim Stevenson from Oregon Veterinary Clinic, kindly offered to perform Spike’s surgery at a reduced rate.  The surgery was a success and Spike was transferred to a loving foster home to rest and recover in a calm environment. 

Recovery was going well, but while outside for a bathroom break last week, Spike moved too quickly and injured his other hind leg.  Unfortunately, this is a common double injury for dogs that tear their CCL; 50% of dogs that tear the CCL in one knee will also end up tearing the other while in recovery. 

Dr. Stevenson has again offered his help and expertise to repair Spike’s other knee.  Since Spike is only one-month post-op from his first cruciate repair, he is now being forced to bear all his weight on the recovering hind leg until the second surgery can be arranged.  His foster mom has a sling that she uses to help support Spike for bathroom breaks.  Spike is currently on pain medications and crate-rest, but needs this additional surgery as soon as possible. 

Thank you for your support!

UPDATE 09/20/2012

DCHS is delighted to report that Spike received a tremendous outpouring of support quickly after introducing you to this handsome Labrador Retriever mix and the funds have been raised to provide surgery!

Donors who provided $10 or more* between noon on Monday (9/17) thru noon on Tuesday (9/18) were entered into a drawing to win a pair of tickets to the upcoming UW Badgers football home game on Saturday, September 22, at 11:00 am.   Congratulations to our winner, Michael!

The funds surprisingly surpassed our goal.  Any funds that are leftover from Spike’s surgery and follow-up care will be used to continue the work DCHS’s Animal Medical Services does every day.  These funds will help other animals like Spike heal. 

Continue to Help Animals Heal

DCHS helps animals heal each and every day.  Our animal medical services department is a full service veterinary clinic for the animals in our care.  Shelter veterinarians perform procedures including spay/neuter surgery, wound care, ringworm treatment, and reparative surgeries every week.

Please help continue DCHS's work by donating to the Help Me Heal fund.  Select "Donate to:  Help Me Heal" when donating online.

*Please note that contributions of $10 are not tax deductible.  Donations greater than $10 are partially tax deductible, less the $10 entry fee (example $50 contribution is a $40 tax deductible donation).