Little Nala is a 7 months old boxer. She isn’t ours,belongs to my son, we are just caring for her through her recovery. On Friday, July 25th, Nala ran out into a busy road and was hit. Her left leg was obviously badly broken (compound fracture) and she had road rash. She seemed to be in shock and we just didn’t know if she would be okay. We rushed her to the vet expecting the worst. They stabilized her and showed us the x-rays of the leg. It was pretty mangled and they explained the benefits of amputation. It felt awful to consider for her, but we were so grateful that she was going to be okay that it really didn’t take long to sink in. They kept her for the day to continue to watch for other injuries. The plan was that we would take care of her at my house where she could receive round the clock care and bring her back on Monday morning for the surgery. Well, the plan got so much more complicated when we went to pick her up. The had noticed swelling in her other front leg and found that it too was broken 🙁 Now she would need to wear a cast on it for at least 4 weeks.
The weekend was spent with the family taking turns sitting on the couch with her and spoiling her. We would take her out to potty by supporting her with a pillowcase to keep her broken legs up.
Her surgery was very successful, she was a rock star. She came home groggy but in good spirits. She didn’t sleep much at all the first night, she seemed frustrated and a little disoriented. Likely because I didn’t put her in her kennel, I put her on my bed so I could be right there if she tried to stand up. She seemed scared to be in a strange place. Last night I placed her back in her kennel and she slept just fine 🙂
If it weren’t for the second broken leg I think that she would be off and running and the hardest part would be trying to slow her down. As it is, we are trying to find the best ways to get through the next 4-6 weeks. We found that the ‘Ruffwear’ harness has helps immensely. It doesn’t put any pressure on her incision and we can lift, or even carry her, similar to luggage 🙂 Before the harness it was very awkward to help her go potty with her only front arm remaining being in a cast.
We are trying to find ways to keep her comfortable and hope that there are others that could offer any advice. Has anyone gone through anything similar to this? Any advice for us?
Home from surgery
Trying to find a comfortable position.
Welcome Nala!
She is adorable and obviously one tough cookie. I don’t have any experience with what you are going thru, but there are several on here that have and will be able to offer some advice. I just wanted to say Hi and let you know we are here to help.
We look forward to getting to know all about Nala and her journey.
Take care-
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Oh my gosh! What an unbelievable nourney you are on!! And how very, very lucky she is to be sooo loved!
But look at her photos…how could you not love Nila?! She is just beautiful and looks so sweet!!
No, I don’t have specific advice on your situation, but Some here have “somewhat…somewhat…similar situations as far as only two legs working for awhile. I’m going to email Kathi, she’s Murphy’s mom…she may have some good suggestions.
Did the vet suggest any type of p hysica l therapy or special stretching and massaging for her back legs?
I applaud you for your devotion and commitment to seeing Nila through this. She is just so darn cute and clearly a very specil soul with a lot of determination and spunk!
Sorry I’m not able to offer any help. We are really cheering for you, that’s for sure!!
PLEASE .stay connected and let us k now how she’s doing! She WIL L get through this and live a life full of j o y.and love and tons of tummy rubs and treats!
Oh, and Murphy is doing just fine and is a very hap o y b o y!
Sending lots of hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Wow…Nala is just a precious pup!! She is so fortunate to have such a devoted human pack to help her. I too do not have any specific advice to offer as my Leland was a hind leg amp. I just wanted to let you and Nala know that I’m rooting for her and hope she has a safe and speedy recovery!!
Sending positive thoughts Nala’s way and a BIG HUG!!
Sahana and her Angel Leland
And I concur…..Nala is adorable and very lucky to have you all in her life 🙂
From the pics, it looks like you have already found several ways to keep her comfortable. I’m sure she is on pain meds which are so very important during the healing process.
So glad to see you already have the Ruffwear harness….it continues to be helpful for me and Tuck on walks, getting in and out of the car and during his PT appointments with his vet.
Looking forward to more updates
Many hugs
Linda and Tucker