Besides the limp in his hindquarters, Pepi's
coat was dry and scaly plus he was a bit underweight. He has already been
put on a quality nutritional diet and we've started medicated baths... these two
things have already started showing a change in Pepi's size and coat... you can
no longer see his ribs and spinal column showing through.
Pepi has now seen two different vets and the
opinion is that either Pepi was kicked severely or he was hit by an automobile,
fracturing the pelvis in three places and then allowed to heal without medical
attention. Accordingly, the leg bone now sits out of place and there is
bone-to-bone pain between the ball and socket - and they rub - which causes Pepi
to favor that leg and limp due to the pain. Both vets recommended a FHO (femoral
head ostectomy) instead of the radical amputation of his back hind leg
because of his young age and small size.
While this is a longer recovery time than a
swift and radical amputation, it will allow Pepi to retain his hind leg without
pain. Because of his small size and predisposition to not being
overweight, we are very confident that with the surgery, rehabilitation, therapy
and time, Pepi will finally no longer be in pain and use all four legs.
We are absolutely amazed he is as friendly and
sweet as he is --- despite all that he has gone through. Pepi is a cuddler
and quiet little dog that thoroughly enjoys belly rubs and affection. Once
Pepi has had his surgery, recovered and is healthy again, he will be available
for adoption. You can keep up with Pepi's progress at his blog
HERE.
