Dr. Joe Harari of Veterinary Surgical Specialists in Spokane called me this morning after examining Kasha, the Shepherd mix puppy from the county shelter. Dr. Harari found that Kasha's leg had been severed just below the hock -- he called it "a clean cut of the bones" -- and said that it looked as if a machete had sliced through it. There is less than an inch of the metatarsal bones remaining below the hock.
I asked him if it were possible she had been caught in a leg-hold trap of some sort. He said he doubted it, because trap wounds are "messier," as he put it, with the wound and bone remnants usually more jagged. Kasha's bones were sheared off cleanly.
It's at a time like this when you really, really wish the animal could tell you what happened ... and who was responsible, you know?
Leaving her leg in this condition wasn't an option, of course. We did discuss an experimental prosthetic device, but given the fact that she is still young and growing, the nature and location of her injury, and that fact that she is an energetic puppy who would be inclined to chew off anything attached to her, we concluded that a prosthetic device would not work well for her. Dr. Harari thought that an older, "quiet" dog might be a suitable candidate to try a prosthetic, but Kasha wasn't the right case for it.
So Dr. Harari took Kasha into surgery this afternoon and amputated the rest of her leg. He called after the operation and said she did fine. Kasha will remain in the hospital until mid-week, when we'll head over to Spokane to get her.
Although she looks big in this photo, Dr. Harari said she only weighs about 30 pounds. He called her a "beautiful puppy" and said she was very sweet.
We told our other three-legged resident at the ranch, Cody, that he will soon have another tripod to play with!
(Click on photo for larger image.)
So glad Kasha is going to join the ranch and be loved forever....thanks, Steve and Alayne, for taking her in! She is such a precious pooch!!
Posted by: Nina | June 12, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Kasha & Cody just sound like they go together. We hope she recovers well from her surgery.
Big hugs all around,
ginger & Tobias
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | June 12, 2007 at 05:27 PM
Wow. Those beautiful eyes and vibrant pink tongue totally distract me from her missing foot. I agree 1000% about REALLY wishing there were knowledge and JUSTICE related to how it was severed given the Dr's. insight.
It reminds me of "The Bark" cover- gorgeous dogs that you would never notice thier disability until told, or 3rd or 4th look. Kasha's a true beauty, inside and out, and is a blessed addition to RDR. We hope her recovery and transition are smooth as can be. Tell her that her special blankie is inbound soon as hugs from us all in Issaquah.
Posted by: Margaret | June 12, 2007 at 03:13 PM
God bless you for taking such measures... I can not image how difficult all this on everyone. Thank you to the doctor for such great care and to you and all at the ranch that will welcome Kasha into the family.
Posted by: Karen | June 12, 2007 at 12:37 PM
I mentioned the look in Kasha's eyes yesterday; that's where her story lies. I think she'd like to start her story over in a place where care, consideration and love abound. She's a very deserving candidate for RDR and I can't wait to see her frolicking on the grounds!
A big hug and thank you to Dr. Harari for his expertise.
Posted by: Boundforglory | June 12, 2007 at 09:39 AM
It is lovely to hear that Kasha will not be in any more discomfort once she recovers from surgery. And what a lucky girl she is to end up with all of you!
Posted by: Kae | June 12, 2007 at 03:59 AM
Cody loves life and so will Kasha! You've given her a second chance--thank God for Rolling Dog Ranch! Growing up as a young girl we had a three-legged cat for 17 years--she loved life!
Posted by: Shirley & James | June 12, 2007 at 01:14 AM