1/9/09 Prognosis from Bandit's vet visit:

Bandit had Xrays on both his knees and hips.  Dr. Charles M. Pullen with Animal Medical & Surgical Center in Scottsdale said he needs surgery on his right rear knee. Dr. Pullen said it is actually Grade 3 (4 is the worst).  He said that it is not the result of an injury but is a birth defect that is very common in smaller dog breeds.  His estimate with the rescue discount is $2162 (this doesn't include his follow-up treatments).  He explained that this is a 3-part repair:
 
1.       a tibial bone must be resected and relocated

2.       the knee groove must be deepened so the knee fits better

3.       the ligaments must be shortened and stabilized
 
Most vets do #2 and then pin the ligament (kind of a quick fix).  Dr. Pullen said in order for the knee to be completely corrected you need all 3 components.  He’s done this particular surgery over 9,000 times.  Bandit will have to be confined for a minimum of 6 weeks after the surgery.  He’ll also need weekly injections for 6 weeks. 

Bandit's scheduled for surgery on Feb. 3rd.  Thank you Julia and Leon for fostering Bandit through his surgery and recovery.

BANDIT'S Bio:

My name is Bandit and I’m a super sweet 18 month old male. I entered NHCD Rescue July of 2008.  I am a lover and cuddle-bug. I do have lots of energy so I need to go to an active home that is committed to exercising me every day. My favorite thing is going for walks or runs and I’m awesome on the leash. I will walk right by your side the whole time with no pulling. I also love to wrestle and play with my two foster sisters. I like to run around the yard, chase tennis balls and chew on toys. I am housebroken and dog-door trained and I don’t have any destruction issues. I need a family that will give me lots of love, attention and exercise as well as firm discipline and clear boundaries. That’s what my foster family gives me and they say I’m an awesome dog.

Melissa and Jim thank you for opening your home to Bandit when we had no where for him to go.  Thank you for your patience, your structured and dilegent training.  Bandit is a well balanced dog because of you, now the torch is handed over to Julia and Leon to continue your wonderful work.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

If you would like to donate via check, please send it to:

NHCD Rescue,  P.O. Box 84136,  Phoenix, Az. 85071-4136

Thank you Dr. Pullen and the entire staff at Animal Medical & Surgical Center for taking such great care of Bandit!!

UPDATE: Bandit had his surgery done 2/3/09.  Dr. Pullen said Bandit's ligaments were pretty loose and the groove in his knee was not quite deep enough (sounds like this is what the xrays had shown) and that he did all 3 steps in the procedure, as expected.  He said this fix should serve him well.  

Today 2/4/09 report from the Vet's offfice is that Bandit is going to start his therapy today.