There are not a lot of things in this world that are worse that we can imagine then hearing a young animal cry out in pain and fear. That is exactly what happened this past weekend to a family who’s community is partnered with Canine Action Project when this young pup was thought to have had something fall onto his back. This poor boy, just 3 months old, was found with little to no use of his hindquarters leaving the family and rescuers to rally to him to ensure that he wouldn’t know pain for long. He was rushed to a veterinarian clinic and a quick x-ray determined that he was suffering from a small chip/crack in one of his vertebrae just before his pelvis. Because he has control over his bladder, with the exception of excitement piddles, and bowels there seemed to be hope for him that time and pain control would bring down the swelling in his spinal cord.

One of our dedicated foster homes was out with Canine Action Project and met him and knew they needed to help so he was brought into our care. Patrick is currently resting and happy as can be. He is already trying to stand and absolutely loves people. While his prognosis will remain in the air until the swelling has gone down we are hopeful that this little fella will get to continue to love and grow. He will likely require physical therapy.

Update: On Saturday, April 13th, Patrick lost his appetite and only ate about half of his breakfast, by noon he vomited it up, by 4pm it was decided to take him to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine where he was admitted after being tested positive for parvovirus. Over the next 9 days the phone call updates were anticipated as he slowly became sicker, including the bloody diarrhea that tells us how sick he really is. A nasogastric tube had to be placed and he had to be given multiple small meals every day. The time, care, attention, as well as his extended cheering section sighed with relief when we heard he had pulled out the feeding tube and ate his meal without stimulants. Another, louder one was given when we were told he chewed off his IV, these are just a few signs that he was healing. And on Monday we were given the best news, Patrick could come home to his foster family, those were happy tears being shed. Meanwhile a neurologist examined him prior to his discharge and their thoughts were that Patrick may actually have a parasite known, Neospora, which can cause muscle atrophy and limb contractions in puppies , so he has been started on an antibiotic to treat that as well.

In other good news, Patrick is walking around using his right hind leg, he’s a goofy and slightly naughty boy who has won the hearts of everyone who has been with him and he is truly looking forward to snuggling with his forever family when he is cleared from his isolation and we learn the fate of his left leg that is still quite immobile at this time.

Update: Patrick is recovering well from his parvovirus. He is scheduled to have his left leg amputated as it has not recovered from his injury like the right side. In other news, Patrick is the KING of the puppy eye and will melt your heart!

Update: Patrick has had surgery to remove his left hind leg. He is back home and recovering wonderfully, he will soon be ready to find his favourite people!

Update: Patrick has started seeing the team at Bridge City Veterinary Rehabilitation to build up his strength in his back and his right hind leg. He has enjoyed laser therapy treatment as well as time on the water treadmill. He has signalled that he would much rather not swim in the treadmill space because then his ears get wet and he does not care for that, thank you very much. We are so excited to see the continued strength in Patrick and he can hardly wait to find a home that will continue his physical therapy with him.

Update: Patrick is continuing to get stronger but it is a slow process. We are now looking to get him a special harness that will allow his foster to help hold up his hind end while he does his exercises to help him strengthen his core and learn proper foot placement does not equal bum scoots across the floor.

Please consider making a donation to our Guardians of Hope program where your donations continue to help dogs like Patrick. 100 percent of all donations towards this fund goes directly to the animal’s medical expenses for major medical care.