Tonto

Last Updated: January 10, 2014

Rescuer: Gail Hefley at jandg3216@gmail.com

Here is Tonto’s story, in the words of his rescuer:
“Tonto constantly limps on his left hind leg. He also weight shifts a lot to his right side. When standing, he will put his left foot down, then pick it up, and repeat until he sits down. You can see a definite weight shift and even I can see that his right hind end is more developed than his left. He has had tests both conscious and sedated to check his CCL and the vets do not think it is a CCL issue.
“X-rays reveal moderate hip dysplasia and there is something that is showing up on the x-ray on the left knee that needs to be evaluated further. At this time, we don’t know if it is an issue with his hips, or whatever is showing up on the x-ray of the left knee. He also seems a bit painful. There is no evidence of trauma.
“1/7/14 – Update: I was finally able to visit with the vet about Tonto. He has mice in his left knee!! Well, “joint mice” that is. Also it could be OCD (osteochondritis dissecans).
“Without more detailed x-rays and different views, which would need to be sent off to a radiologist and/or an MRI, Dr. Demere said it is hard to tell whether this is OCD which is an abnormal change of cartilage to bone in a joint space, or if this is joint mice — which is a small piece of bone(s) in the joint. Dr. Demere also believes that his hips may contribute to the weight shifting we are seeing.
“I asked him whether he believed Tonto needed surgery now to help him, and he said he would not recommend it at this time. He believes that as well as Tonto gets around and with the bit of improvement we are seeing with the anti-inflammatories/supplements and fish oil that we should stick with that. I asked if the conservative treatment of supplements, good nutrition, and keeping a low weight would be any different whether it was confirmed OCD or joint mice and he said no. The conservative treatment would be the same.”
CorgiAid supporters are helping Tonto with his diagnosis and treatment, as well as making sure he could get up to date on the rest of his health care. Thank you!
Tonto was rescued in Texas.

This dog is not available for adoption.