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Here is a note sent by Tucker's foster mom. In it, she explains his condition. (8/25/09)
"Our little Toad had his neuro re-check last week and it did not go so well. The poor guy is losing muscle mass and the joints in his rear legs are starting to break down. While this will not cause him any pain since he doesn't feel them, they are worried about infection. They are afraid it will follow to his knee and could cause a systemic problem. Also his front legs are turning in at the carpus from overcompensating. The Dr. feels that eventually these will cause him pain and further limit his already diminished mobility. He gave us few options and said that unfortunately pain is inevitable for him. Since he has such a unfavorable prognosis and it seems unfair to make this little guy suffer with splints and braces that might not even work, the BOD has decided he is to stay with us and play and be a happy puppy until it is time for him to find a working body that can match his outgoing spirit...
He is a great boy and we love him so he will no doubt be even a little more spoiled in the weeks to come. He is having his first beach outing next week with our Frenchie playgroup and I know he will love it! Keep him in your thoughts and hope it takes a while for those pesky front legs to bother him."
Poor tiny Tucker. Just a few months ago, his life was off to a splendid start. A darling brindle puppy, he was completely housetrained and learning his basic commands. Then, he began having spinal problems. His official medical diagnosis was scoliosis and kyphosis of the spine, but to put it simply, he was in trouble. His mom loved this sweet little button very much and tried her best to keep him. Sadly, he was soon partially paralyzed in the rear and mostly incontinent. Caring for him correctly became too much for someone who lives alone and works full time. Regretfully, she relinquished him to FBRN.
We are already in love with this sweet-natured fellow. Now six months old, Tucker weighs just twelve pounds and his doctors said he probably will not get any larger. His growth is stunted due to prednisone therapy. He loves to run around in his cart and is anxious to play with his foster siblings. As his original guardian promised, he is a little love bug with a wonderful disposition. He's good with kids, other dogs and cats. He may have a little control over his elimination, and his foster mom hopes a regular schedule will help.
Tucker’s future is uncertain. Scheduled for neuter surgery prior to his surrender, the operation was canceled as the doctors were reluctant to put him under anesthesia. He is also still on prednisone and they debated about whether to take him off. FBRN has him scheduled for a physical therapy evaluation, and we promise we will do whatever is needed to give him the best possible life.
Tucker is in California where veterinary costs are exceptionally high. Won’t you please help this baby toad who is wishing for stable health and a loving home? By clicking on his picture to the right, you can help his dreams come true.
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