Getting Cody to surgery ASAP!

Today I spoke to Dr. Frier of Camino Animal Hospital in Thousand Oaks. Last Friday, when Cody was picked up from the emergency pet hospital by his temporary owners, he was taken to Camino Animal Hospital where upon his arrival, Dr. Frier took x-rays and blood work. Having never met Dr. Frier, I wanted to take the time this morning to contact him and talk about his x-rays as well as thank him for donating such extensive time to Cody. In addition to his time, Dr. Frier donated all diagnostic tests and radiology that he preformed that day.

During my call with Dr. Frier, I was saddened to learn that according to his radiology report, Cody also has a fractured scapula, a spinal fracture, and possibly a collapsed vertebrae. How much more can this little guy handle?

Dr. Frier advised that Cody receive his bi-lateral FHO surgery as soon as his lungs permitted. After a thorough discussion, we scheduled Cody for his surgery with Dr. Frier for Monday morning. The morning of his surgery Dr. Frier will confirm that Cody's lungs are clear for surgery. A bi-lateral FHO is a major surgery but a necessary one as Cody can not live with two lame rear legs.

A FHO is a surgical procedure that removes the femoral head and neck from the femur. This surgery is performed to alleviate pain and restore function to the rear legs. It is a salvage procedure, reserved for a condition where pain can not be alleviated in any other way. Unlike most other hip surgeries, the head of the femur is not replaced, but is allowed to heal and develop its own fibrous scar tissue so that the joint is no longer bone−to-bone. The neck of the femur is usually removed at the same time as the head. This prevents the post operative complication of bone rubbing on bone and continued pain.

Dr. Frier has generously offered to donate 50% of his surgical and post-operative veterinary services as well as 100% of Cody's post-operative hydrotherapy sessions. I am extremely touched by the doctor's offer, as we are scrambling to raise the money necessary to provide all the medical care this little guy needs.