Tess - The injured working dog with a story!

Tess came into the Vet clinic (Where I work as a Vet Nurse) after she sustained an injury while working. Unfortunately the decision was made to Euthanize her. It was clear from shortly after meeting her she was a special dog with an amazingly placid nature. When this news of euthanasia was mentioned I wanted to offer the owner another option of him handing her over to me instead of having to euthanize her, this was mentioned and he was thrilled by this idea and said yes! This was a huge relief and also very exciting to get the opportunity to help this beautiful dog (Now named Tess). There is two options, amputate Tess' leg or do a salvage procedure of a pan carpal Arthrodesis surgery. After much discussion the decision was made to go for the surgery and give this girl a fighting chance for the best quality of life she deserves! This is a massive under taking and it will be a long slow process to nurse Tess in her recovery. The injury is to her right carpus, radiographs show medial carpal instability. This is caused by damaging the ligaments on the inside of her carpus causing laxity (Meaning her 'wrist' moves 45 degrees further than a normal range of motion to the side). We are essentially fusing the whole joint which is a major procedure. After her surgery Tess will be in a cast with numerous bandage changes needed and then a brace that has to be ordered in and specifically fitted to her. She will also then need a lot of physio. We are expecting a 6 month recovery to get her pain free and able to walk and run again, she will then hopefully be found out on the farm with me working sheep on a very light work load - enough to keep this working girl mentally happy and comfortably moving with her brace. We are very lucky to have the support of everyone at the Vet Centre however this is going to be a very costly ongoing procedure and any donations will go directly to the Vet Centre and onto Tess' account. Thank you for reading Tess' story and for the support! It is highly appreciated!!!