Josh is a black male, approximately 1 year old. He had been removed from a home
because of severe neglect. He was emaciated and subdued, but was a very
loving boy. Josh was released from the shelter into the care of East
Ontario Lab Rescue. He was subsequently diagnosed with bilateral ACL
ruptures and the vet felt that bilateral TPLO was the only viable option
for good long term results. Josh also has mild dysplasia - which does not
require surgical correction.
The follow up message we received on Josh tells us that the poor fellow
had a really rough time post surgery - apparently either the anesthetic or
one of the pain medications he was given negatively impacted his liver. He
was unable to keep any food down for the first three weeks and at one
point his adoptive family's vet was preparing them for the worst. A bit
prematurely, it turns out. Josh went back to see the vet, who agreed that
while there had been some liver damage, it was nothing that won't return
to normal now that Josh is off of the medications and on a bland diet for
a month or so. The surgical sites are healing beautifully, his hair has
almost grown back (he no longer looks like a standard poodle in a show
clip) and while he's a bit frustrated at being confined, he's tolerating
the restrictions with typical Labby good humour and should have a full
recovery.
They went on to say "I can't tell you how grateful we all are. This little
guy is a gem, if there ever was a Lab worth the time, effort, and money
expended it is Josh. Wish you could meet him!"
Labrador Life Line would like to extend our thanks to you for your support
and donations - without you we would not be able to help dogs like Josh.