Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Hello everyone.

Just a little update, or brand new news for those on my side of the family.

Monday, Zuma and Molly got into a dog fight in the midst of the family gathering.

Most of those present saw Don Small interrupt the fight when he grab Zuma by the collar, stand up lifting her from the fight, turn and then throw Zuma approximately 4 feet in the air and a distance of 6 feet. She landed with a yelp in pain.

For the next 17 hours, Zuma did not place weight on her foot at all.

The update:

Zuma finally was seen by the veterinarian and x-rays taken, anti-iflammatory and pain killer medications prescribed and a temporary split applied... $197.00. This is to hold Zuma over until the surgeon is seen and a high probablity for surgery because she has been very seriously injured. The injury Don's actions have imposed on Zuma is: Traumatic Luxation (dislocation) of her left tarsal-metatarsal joint with possible fracture. She has 3, possibly all 4, of her toes/metatarsals dislocated and a possible fracture. Right now, they say she must be seen by a surgeon who specializes in and repairs these types of injuries. The current vet said that surgery is very likely, without surgery, if left to "heal" on it's own, it is likely she will not have use of her foot. She will be seen on Friday by a surgeon who will view her xrays and make a recommendation as to Zuma's care.

Surgery has been estimated between.... $2,000 and $4,000.



Even with the splint, she still isn't putting weight on it, and she has started to periodically yelp. The splint is a weight she isn't used to, so not she is off balance, hobbling and has a hard time getting up from a laying position.

With the information we have right now, I suppose the choices on the table are:

1) Proceed with all needed medical care to repair the injury Zuma has sustained.
2) Do nothing and live with an untreated injury leaving Zuma crippled in both body and quality of life because of someone's "accident".
or
3) the unthinkable, some would consider putting the her down if she was to live crippled.

I feel that, even in the events of "accidents", reparations have to be made. That's true in cars, children and in the Bible.




As you can imagine, despite the summer weather, a dark cloud has descended upon our home and emotions. I don't want to think about any of these choices, and I really don't want to have explain them to Caleb. He loves Zuma so much. Until Friday and more information is available, I am most concerned with watching Zuma to ensure shock or other secondary side effects are not observed, praying that the best possible prognosis is found for Zuma, and keeping the kids and Tigger away from her until Friday.


I most likely will not be able to update this posting until after Zuma's appointment on Friday.

If something specific changes in the lives of Zuma or the kids, I will of course post and update.

No comments: