May 21, 2009 UPDATE: Thanks to overwhelming support and a large contribution from a single donor who wishes to remain anonymous, we can pay for Mystic's surgery in full. Because of everyone's generosity, GSRCA is able to rescue and completely pay for THREE heartworm positive dogs to be made well. Check our webpage soon at www.gsdcentral.petfinder.com to learn who these dogs are that YOU helped.

To all who have contributed: Thank you!

May 14, 2009 Vet Check: We saw Dr. Milton for a follow-up today. The vet is very happy with how she is walking and bearing weight on her leg. She got to see the physical therapist and we were given exercise lessons that will encourage Mystic to use her leg more

Mystic's Story

German Shepherd Rescue of Central Alabama (GSRCA) rescued Mystic this past Saturday, March 28th. She had been hit by a car approximately 3 or more months ago. She was given away by her owner when she learned of the cost of surgery to another person who put Mystic out in a small outdoor kennel (and no vet care).

Several months later, Mystic was given away again and this owner called GSRCA for help. We couldn't say 'no' because the owner felt her only alternative was to put Mystic to sleep since the surgery was so expensive. Mystic's a very sweet 3 year old black German Shepherd who deserves to be well and free of pain. She had surgery - arthrodesis - Tuesday, March 31st. She is under the care of Dr. James Milton, orthopedic specialist in Birmingham, AL. 

Mystic's elbow had a very serious, rare fracture called a 'T fracture'. Dr. Milton said it was the "worst possible fracture a dog could have".  Due to the age of the injury and the complication of the break, Mystic had only two choices - amputation or arthrodesis. Arthodesis means fusion of the joints with pain relief as a primary goal. Full mobility of the elbow itself will no longer be possible because a plate is used to hold the bones together. But the hurt leg will still be useful.  

Did you know that a dog's forelimbs bear 60% of their total body weight? Keeping this injured leg (even with its limited function) will reduce that burden of weight on Mystic's good leg, thereby keeping it healthier and less prone to future arthritis pain. 
 
We'll need lots of prayers and positive thoughts for our Mystic. Even with the most meticulous post op care, her prognosis is guarded on viability of the leg. She has a plate and 13 screws. I count 33 skin staples. Dr. Milton said it was a very long surgery - 2 1/2 hours - and he spent a lot of time just trying to clean things up. He grafted bone into the elbow joint for healing. The actual cost of the surgery was $1785.
 
Mystic is on strict crate rest for 12-16 weeks and controlled leash walks 3-4 times a day. No running or playing until healed. She goes back April 15th for re-evaluation, staples out and x-rays. When Mystic was released from the vet, the nurses at the surgery center bragged on what a lady Mystic was throughout the whole thing. She is certainly a special dog!
 
An alternative way to donate is to mail your tax deductible donation to:
 
GSRCA
PO BOX 640561
Pike Road, AL  36064
 
Be sure to mark it 'for Mystic'.
 
Thank you,
 
Chris Wilson
GSRCA Secretary & Foster Mom
German Shepherd Rescue of Central Alabama
www.gsdcentral.petfinder.com  

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