Parker's Crisis

Parker, our number 5 Greyhound, had a crisis this past Sunday. It was about 7am and we were at the park for a morning run. He was in his second or third sprint when--POP! We could hear the horrible sound and then his cries of pain. He pulled up his back leg and went to Debbie. Seems his right rear leg, which was already damaged due to an old racing injury, was now lame. We knew that he had a broken bone that was not properly set from two years ago, and someday would probably need corrective surgery. What we didn't expect was a ruptured calcaneus ligament (like our Achille's tendon).

So a quick trip to Airpark Animal Hospital on an early Sunday morning. Fortunately Dr. Flannery was wrapping up an earlier emergency and took us right in. After some pain meds were on board and the preliminary assessment was made, we took a digital x-ray of the leg. (see below). Dr. Flannery referred us to the specialists in Phoenix and off we went for a 2 hr drive down to get him evaluated.



That portion of bone at the upper right (it faces upward left at the top of the foot) is the talus bone. It should be straight and not bent like that. That's the old break that had left him mostly lame in that leg. It's the bone structure that the ligament attaches to. The ligament must be at just the right length and tension for the leg to function. Because it was not taut, there was limited motion for the leg. Now the ligament was snapped.

Concerns were raised about whether or not we could get a good strong repair to the bone to attach the ligament. If they could not, then the leg should be removed. Since he has been mostly operating on three legs for two years, it would not be a major adjustment for him. Of course we prefer that our young boy have 4, but we would not have an issue with three if needed.

Surgery was Monday 11/10. Results so far are that surgery went well, reconstruction looks good and hopefully in a few months with some physical therapy, he should be OK.

We're waiting for the word that we can drive to Phoenix (Sonora Veterinary Specialists, a great 24/7 emergency facility with the latest in high-tech vet equipment) and pick him up and bring hom home. I'll post an update when he's back!