Huntsville, AL: Zorro, 4 y/o downed doxie

[Christine]

It sounds as though they are not even sure if he is continent or what to do if he needs help. This one is urgent, guys.

Folks - we have an URGENT situation at the shelter here in Huntsville. The owner has just DUMPED her downed doxie (pic below) at Animal Services. She "can't afford" the surgery and "hoped" he would get better on meds. He went from bad to worse and is now completely down. According to her story to Animal Services, her vet (which I don't have that info yet) told her he needs surgery and a wheel chair because, by now, he won't walk again (then I have no idea what the surgery would be for??). Probably has no bladder control either.

Animal Services said his personality is WAY too sweet (and he is only 4 years old) to euthanize - but they will have no choice unless they can find a rescue or a permanent home for him. As we all know - rescues aren't rolling in money -- and then you have to find the foster home who can foster him while he recuperates. Is there anyone out there willing to take him in (we can all help solicit for donations -I'm sure someone on here knows how to set up a "chip in" account) - and does someone have the spot for him?

Karen Borden
President
Dixie Dachshund Rescue
karenb@kw.com
http://www.dixiedachshundrescue.com

[Christine]

Just received this update on "Zorro".

Christine - see below update. THANK YOU - he still needs a home! We will also be needing donations when it comes time for the rest of his "stuff". We will have the donations made out directly to Bentley Animal Hospital and probably just mailed to my address - or called in directly to the vet. Will keep you posted.

Zorro had his appointment today and absolutely charmed everyone.
Anyway, Vickie, Dr. Skidmore has a call into Birmingham to talk to the specialists there. He REALLY doesn't think surgery will do anything as this poor little man has been like this for 28 days. He said the SAD thing was that when it first happened, he would probably have been a GREAT candidate for completely rehabilitative surgery - he probably would have done great. But his piece of #### owner let him sit there for 28 plus days. His reasoning for saying this is that he does have "feeling" - when you "pinch" his feet, he pulls away. He wags his tail a bit - and he potties on his own. NOW - having said all that - he also should be in SOME pain if surgery were a true option. But there is no pain associated with his "broken" or "ruptured" back/discs; therefore, while he does have some feeling, he probably could not get back walking, etc. with surgery. It MAY take an actual appointment in B'ham to determine this, but he thinks the doctors may be able to tell him over the phone based on Dr. Skidmore's evaluation. Of course - we may find out surgery IS a viable option - then we will have to try to raise money to get the surgery done; but I'd be REALLY surprised if we find that out.


Meanwhile, his bloodwork is great. Dr. Skidmore feels that good physical therapy could help him a lot; probably not bring him back to walking on his own all the time - but maybe some of the time. He said right now (as Rose will tell you), he tries to stand on his own. Dr. Skidmore and staff fell in love with him. Said he has the personality of an angel - and he will make an awesome pet. He is doing pretty good in his wheelchair. He needs a dental and Dr. Skidmore said he does need to be neutered to prevent any future male cancer type issues. He thinks he can recuperate from a neuter just fine - but it's not urgent to do. First things first. He does not think he will have any long term bladder infections, problems, etc. He can get sores if he is always dragging himself, that's why the wheel chair and physical therapy would be a good idea for him.

[Christine]

Another update on little Zorro:

Dr. Skidmore talked to the specialist in Birmingham today. Dr. Dismukes said exactly what we all thought; surgery is really NOT an option. He said anyone could "try" it - but he really thinks it would be an unnecessary stress on Zorro as well as expensive for basically no results different than what he is now. He was just down too long.

BUT - he said he is a PRIME candidate for rehabilitation. With good rehabilitation, he could probably walk some and stand - or maybe more!! SO - that's all good news. We still don't have a determination if the foster mom here is willing to hang onto him until we can find him a permanent home. I truly believe she would LOVE to, but with her and her husband's schedule, she wouldn't have the time to devote what he needs for rehabilitation.

I will keep you guys posted; I just want so much for him --- good rehabbers and then a really good home.

Karen Borden
President
Dixie Dachshund Rescue
karenb@kw.com
http://www.dixiedachshundrescue.com

[Christine]

Update: Zorro is going to the Animal Rehab Fitness Clinic in Birmingham, AL tomorrow. His foster mom, Rose, is taking him and he will receive an evaluation as well as a "home plan". Keep your fingers crossed; Rose said he is doing well!

[Christine]

Update:

I received a copy of the report today that was faxed to Dr. Skidmore. Dr. Grant seemed to be very pleased with little Zorro's deep pain sensation and how he pulls away when you pinch/tickle his toes. She was also VERY impressed by the wheelchair that Rose's husband made - and how well he gets around in it. She also very clearly stated he does NOT have to have his bladder expressed.

She gave Rose some exercises to do at home; and basically said that if he CAN improve, he will in the next few weeks - especially with some rehab. We are HOPING Rose can foster him until we can find him a permanent home. Everyone who meets this precious little man just LOVES him!

Thank you Joan for sponsoring most of his visit to Birmingham. And thank you Pam for sending such a wonderful check that will get him neutered and go towards his dental also. We haven't worried about that yet; but that's where the money will be applied.

Everyone keep praying for this precious angel - he deserves the best! AND keep praying for Rose and her husband - they are awesome people - and hopefully, will agree to foster him till we can find him his permanent home!

[Christine]

Another update and a video!

Here is Zorro in his FIRST visit to Dr. Skidmore - when Rose and Dennis first got him. As you can tell, he was scooting around then! He is doing much better. Rose and Dennis are working with him REGULARLY on his exercises: he is standing more, walking a bit, and just in general - doing well. He goes next week for his analysis for acupuncture/laser --- possibility! Keep your fingers crossed - we will need more donations if that happens as it's just me and Rose (and the wonderful donations we have already received) taking care of his expenses.


http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ... 2&comments


Karen Borden
President
Dixie Dachshund Rescue
karenb@kw.com
http://www.dixiedachshundrescue.com

[Christine]

Here is the latest update from Karen:

Hey guys - just wanted to give you an update on Zorro. Please go to Dennis Breiner's Facebook page and watch his video. I've asked Rose to email me a copy of the video so I can send out - he is doing AWESOME!! Rose has been incredible - doing his physical therapy, getting his acupuncture - and now he is going to water therapy! Who said this boy would never walk - HA, HA, HA!!! AMAZING!!!!!!

Don't think you have to be registered to see them...Dennis is Zorro's foster dad.

https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pro ... 67&sk=wall