What happened to Roxy?

At one time she was probably a happy little bundle of Boxer joy & energy.  Like many puppies, she learned to trust and love her human - but then something went horribly wrong!  Her human didn't take her to the vet to get vaccines and other proper care so she developed worms and parasites. They have been inside her body for quite some time, robbing her of the nutrients she needs to be healthy.  Because Roxie was not given proper medical treatment, she now has colitis.  She eventually ended up in a shelter in North Fort Myers totally emaciated,  with bloody loose stools.  Unfortunately, between the time she was a happy healthy puppy and now, she has had at least one litter of puppies and has had a broken hip/leg.  This injury of course, was not treated, and is causing pain to this precious girl.

 

When Roxy arrived in foster care she still had bloody loose stools (even though she had been at the shelter for SIX months) and was also in a full blown heat.  We had to address her more serious health issues immediately. We are so grateful to our vet staff who did extensive blood work on her right away.

This precious little girl only wants to be loved and taken care of . . . that shouldn't be too much to ask for, right? She has a long road of recovery ahead. Roxy must overcome the worms, parasites and colitis before she can undergo expensive surgery and therapy for her hip injury that was never treated.  She is already having difficulty putting weight on that side of her and the concern is as she gets healthier and gains weight it will become even more painful as time goes by.

 

 

 

Roxy is responding well to her medication (even though the stool is still loose, it isn't as frequent or bloody).  The most amazing part is that in only four days, she has more energy, meets you at the door wiggling from head to toe and is full of trust, love & kisses! Roxy has true Boxer Spirit despite all of the humans she has encountered in the past who have let her down terribly.

 

UPDATE 6/12/08:

Just a quick update on Roxy...It's been a rough couple weeks for her. She was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst and had to have surgery to remove it. She seemed to be doing well for the first couple of days but then developed an infection. After changing her medicine she is doing much better, and is really coming out of her shell. I would like to thank Dr. Rumore and Lake Seminole Animal Hospital for all the help and love that they have given to Roxy and also a thank you to Dr. Fucci. I will keep everyone updated and will get some pics soon.

 

UPDATE 5/18/08:

 

Isn't it amazing how things work out? My foster mommy couldn't get me to Port Richey for my therapy, so instead she was going to attempt to do it on her own.  She was very disappointed that there wasn't anybody who could help with the travel.  Then. . .

guess what?  Some angels of mercy that live in St. Petersburg have agreed to foster me while I am having therapy done on my hip.  Their Boxer boy got very, very sick and is now waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for them.  They saw all the problems I have had and opened their hearts and home to me while I am recovering.  

 

I am not really looking forward to the therapy (it hurts you know) but am thankful that I will be able to get therapy now. 

 

I also have two new playmates.  I fondly call them two leg-eds but my foster mommy & daddy call them "children."  Anyway, gotta love 'em.

 

I am going to my new vet on Monday just to make sure everything is okay and they may even be able to help with the colitis so I don't have to take medicine anymore.  I am going to start the therapy for my hip on Wednesday and will be very glad when Friday rolls around and I can go back to my new family. 

 

Thanks to all of you out there who have given donations to help cover all the expenses to get me back to normal.  I would not be a happy, bouncy girl without you.  I guess most two leg-eds are really pretty neat!

 

Rumor has it that I already run the house (tee hee).  I have already given lots of Boxer kisses and nub waggins.

 I will keep you posted on my progress.

 

UPDATE 5/1/08:

 

Well, this has been a rough week for me.  My foster mommy met another "angel" named Veronica and she took me to Dr. Hay to be evaluated for surgery.  I spent all day there and they decided which surgery was best for me.  I am

having my operation on April 29.  Ouch!!!  They are cutting the ball to make it fit the hip joint.  I won't be going back to my previous foster mommy because I have to have therapy twice a week and she can't drive all the way to Tampa every week.  I have heard it through the

grapevine that she is very sad that she won't see me again. But she knows that this is the best thing for me.  I know my new foster home will love me and take care of me until I can go to my forever home.  The last year has been very hard for me but I am thankful for everyone who has

helped me get to where I am today. I am looking forward to the day when I am the healthy, happy Boxer girl I was surely

meant to be.. I still have a long, painful road to recovery, but with all the love and support I am going to be fine!!!!

 

UPDATE 4/24/08:

 

It sure is hard being a dog sometimeS. . . I went to my doctor and he gave me medicine to help with the colitis but

it looks like I may have to be on the medication for the rest of my life, if my poor messed-up digestive system doesn't respond soon.  Unfortunately, that is the least of my problems.

 

The doc says I have Canine Hip Dysplasia.  If my previous human had taken me to the vet when I was younger it probably wouldn't have gotten this bad.  My hip area didn't develop correctly and I no longer have the ball & socket that I am supposed to have.  Surgery is

 necessary to keep bone from rubbing bone and creating inflammation.  I don't use my leg at all; it is basically detached from my hip.  The fact that my human was irresponsible and allowed me to birth puppies, hasn't helped either! The extra weight and the drain

of nutrients to feed the puppies has just exacerbated the condition for me.

This is usually a genetic disorder so my poor puppies (where ever they are) may

have developed the same affliction.

 

I have to go to a specialist and see what can be done. There are several options, it just depends on the extent of damage to my hip.  Surgical considerations are a total hip replacement or excision arthroplasty.  The arthroplasty would remove the femoral head and neck to eliminate the

pain but this would not help the deformity.  Both options are going to

require a long recovery time with therapy.

 

Thank you for being interested in my story and for caring about me. Big Boxer

Slurps go out to the sponsors of some of my medical bills (generous donors are listed below). My bills will be extraordinary, so if you can help, we'd appreciate a donation in ANY amount.

 

Please consider helping this little girl to once again be a happy, healthy Boxer girl.

Your online donation is safe and secure. ANY amount is greatly appreciated and will help pay for Roxy's vet bills. As always, your donation is tax-deductible as we are a certified not-for-profit organization.