Dogs with bone injuries will be back on their paws again, thanks to the SPCA’s efforts in raising over R200 000 for a new bone plating kit.
“Broken bones previously broke our hearts because we didn’t always have the tools we needed to save animal lives,” says SPCA spokesperson, Belinda Abraham.
The SPCA says that if bone fractures are too close to the hock (wrist), then the dog’s leg would be amputated.
If more than one leg is fractured or the pelvis or spine is broken, then the poor hondjies would be put down, leaving vets and owners devastated.
“This plating kit will change so many lives, not only for the animals we treat, but also for our veterinary team whose hearts will now be spared,” adds Belinda.
Ozzy, a crossbreed, was the first dog to receive the surgery after a dog attack which left him with a fracture in his front leg.
He was playing in the park last week when a dog bit him, putting a pause on his doggy adventures.
Ozzy’s operation took about 90 minutes and involved realigning the bone and attaching the plate.
The SPCA says they are delighted to save Ozzy’s leg and other dogs with bone fractures.
“He is such a sweet boy! Without this surgery, there is no doubt that Ozzy would’ve lost his limb.
“We couldn’t be happier that we now have the tools to heal dogs like Ozzy,” says Belinda.
The operation was successful and Ozzy is set to be up and about and wagging his tail in no time.