  When we pulled Elke from the shelter, they thought she had been hit by a car.
You could tell her pelvis was out of line or crooked. But she could walk, with a slight limp, and had bowel and bladder control.
I took her to my vet for ex rays though. My vet said she had a broken pelvis, but it appeared it was either healed, or healing. And nothing else could really be done. So, Elke was soon spayed and even had a dental. She did fine with all of this. So I had a very eager adopter and soon placed her in that home. Well a week later, the adopter reported that Elke was hiding under the bed most of the time, did not want to eat, etc. So she took her to her vets for x-rays. Her vet said that Elke would never get better. What ever that meant. She wanted to return Elke. We were fine with that. When she brought Elke to me, we were shocked. This little girl was no longer walking, nor had bowel or bladder control. We then took her to The Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA. Exam and x-rays showed that Elke had vertebral fractures and sacroiliac luxation, and a fracture in her tail. She could move her left leg, with weakness of course, but her right leg was non-functioning. And of course no bladder or bowel control. The neuro surgeon felt that surgery could not be done, since the injuries were already healing. He felt we should try pain management & strict crate rest. She is on tramadol, metacam and has a fentanyl patch on. Elke was also dehydrated, had a low heart rate and high blood pressure, which they treated. But she did leave with her blood pressure still high. We are so sad for this girl. But are hoping we can get her pain free. And to be able to have some quality of life. Elke is getting evaluate today for rehab and aqua therapy. Of course all this will cost money. Can we count on you for some support, both financial and emotional. Any amount helps - even $5! July 23, 2010: Poor Elke is slowly improving. We think the pain from the broken vertebrae is finally easing up. She actually tried to use her rear legs this week! She still does not have any bowel or bladder control, but we are continuing to do therapeutic laser therapy on her back. Elke will also have an ultrasound done on her bladder this coming week because she cries out when her foster Mom tries to express her bladder. So we are needing to know if she also suffered some damage to her bladder. We will keep working with Elke, hoping with each new day to improve her quality of life. She is so sweet and such a gentle little soul. UPDATE: September 2010: Elke is still having once a week therapy sessions, but is doing great. She can walk a little, mostly spinal walking. She is happy and has even started to play. We tried her in a cart, but she hated it! She would rather wobble around on her own. Elke would love to find a family who would love her for who she is and she would give back as much or more love than imagined. |
