As an open admission animal shelter, the Regina Humane Society receives may animals with variety of health conditions. When Lacey, a somewhat shy and timid dog, arrived at the Shelter she was in desperate need of extensive dental work and was having trouble using one of her hind legs. One of the benefits of having a donor-supported vet team on site is that conditions such as these can be assessed quickly and actions taken to relieve animals of any pain or discomfort they may be experiencing.
The first condition to be treated would be Lacey’s considerable dental work. Three of her teeth had severe periodontal disease that had caused the bone surrounding the tooth roots to decay, leaving the teeth sensitive and painful. One tooth had so much bone loss around it that it had become loose. All would need to be extracted.
From time to time, especially during the busy seasons of spring and summer when our own veterinary resources are stretched to the limits, the Regina Humane Society is very fortunate to work with area vet clinics which help animals in our care receive needed surgeries and treatments. One such clinic is 24 HR Animal Care Centre, who generously donated their expertise and provided Lacey with the dental work she required to get her ready to meet a new family.
Once the dental work was completed, attention moved to her disabled leg. Lacey would need a femoral head and neck ostectomy, which would remove part of her hip joint but allow her improved use of her leg long-term. Lacey was a true trooper as she made the short trip to Indian Head Animal Clinic to have her surgery. Once back in the care of the RHS vet team, Lacey was set for some rest and healing with one the Regina Humane Society’s caring foster families.
Following her surgery, it became apparent that Lacey was not putting weight on her repaired leg as was needed to ensure good function. Lakewood Animal Hospital to the rescue! Their clinic generously provided discounted water therapy sessions to support Lacey’s full recovery.
After several therapy sessions, Lacey was given the green light to start the search for that special family that she could call her own. But, as it turns out, she had already found her family. Over the time Lacey was recovering, her foster family fell in love with the gentle girl and felt they just could not let her go.
Lacey’s journey of recovery is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community works together. With many hurdles to overcome, Lacey never gave up and we never gave up on her thanks to your support.
Happy trails Lacey!
