04.09.07
Update - Kula Parks - Hit by car Lhasa boy - cruelty case
Well, we’ve started physical therapy on this cutie. Becky, his foster mom and physical therapist, has taken some new pictures. Shaved, of course, since his coat was totally matted. Take a look at the “critter” beside him in this picture. That “critter” is his coat. LOL
Here is Mr. Kula being checked out by Dr. Bertrand at Dallas Veterinary Specialists. He is great. He has worked successfully on several of our little broken kids. I’m sure Kula is saying THANK YOU THANK YOU for caring!
This shows Kula’s mangled foot. Although the leg is not broken, the pelvis was and the untreated break caused a great deal of nerve damage. He does have feeling in his foot so we’re trying physical therapy for him to strengthen the structure of the leg.
Becky reports he is terribly thin - so not only no vet care, no groceries!!
And finally, here he is using his new splint. Becky says that his walking improved immediately after putting on the splint. Look at that proud stance. What a dog!
Of course, all of this means more dollars adding up, but not as much as if we had put him through surgery. Frankly, I would rather have had a chance to do surgery on him and fix that leg. We’re hopeful we can improve his use of the leg enough so that we do not have to amputate.
Ja Peck said,
July 3, 2007 at 10:37 am
Becky helped Kula through the first stages of his physical therapy and because of her help, Kula now has the use of his leg and he gets around just fine. The beginning of June, I took over for the next stage in Kula’s physical therapy. Kula’s remaining problem is with his weak (or torn) ankle muscles and nerves. Left unattended, he walks on his knuckles which causes them to bleed and become swollen from rubbing on the floors. I keep a brace on Kula during the day - one that he wears on his physical therapy walks, while playing, etc. Because he is such an active boy, he wears out this brace in about a month. We have to order new ones which cost $45 plus shipping. A human orthotist donated her time to custom make a night splint that Kula wears. Basically we are hoping that between these two devices, that his muscles/nerves will regenerate in the correct position. If not, Kula faces surgery to fuse his ankle in place. Amazingly enough, Kula is a very happy boy and loves all the activity of puppy playing that goes on in my house. Ja
Tricia Havis said,
August 1, 2007 at 10:02 pm
Good luck to Kula! I hope he’s doing better and will not need additional surgery. He’s been through so much already.