MEET MURPHY

Murphy is about 11 1/2 years old and came to ESRA after his owner passed away. We noticed quickly that his leg was very swollen and quickly got him to a vet to be looked at. X-rays showed an injury/infection and we were sent home with antibiotics. That evening Murphy’s abscess ruptured and we saw the emergency vet. They referred ESRA to a surgeon as Murphy’s wound is extensive. So far we’ve spent about $4500 on Murphy.

Murphy was presented to BluePearl Kirkland Emergency department for evaluation of a ruptured abscess. Based on his history and physical exam, the abscess is suspected to have developed from a hygroma over the right elbow. A hygroma is a fluid-filled swelling surrounded by a thick capsule of fibrous tissue that develops under the skin. They occur in response to repeated trauma to the tissue over a bony prominence. That is one reason why the elbow is the most common site for hygromas to develop. Especially for larger dogs, the repeated trauma of lying down on hard surfaces. Hygromas are typically not painful but can occasionally become infected if bacteria is introduced into them. They can form over any bony prominence on the dog’s body, such as the side of the hock (ankle) joint or over the side of the hip, but they are most commonly found over the elbow. When they first form, hygromas are usually small, soft, and fairly mobile. They may never grow large enough to even notice. If they do grow larger, they can become unsightly or hard to the touch. In the worst case scenario, hygromas can become infected, in which case they are painful and must be dealt with aggressively.

Treatment of hygromas is mainly focused on limiting the amount of trauma to the area and providing padding for the elbow. There are now commercially available elbow pads designed specifically to protect hygromas (dogleggs™), in order to prevent them from growing or becoming infected and painful. These elbow pads are sized to the dog and then adjustable for a fine-tuned fit. Most dogs will easily tolerate protective elbow pads. Surgery is typically not recommended in the treatment of hygromas.

In Murphy's case, his hygroma likely grew and developed bacteria, resulting in abscess formation. With enough pressure and trauma, the abscess ruptured. Because of this, some of the skin had become necrotic (dead), leaving him with a large open wound on the elbow. There is a piece of skin covering most of the wound that remains connected. This will be the main factor for his recovery. If this skin flap dies, then this will significantly complicate his recovery and we may need to consider amputation.

If the skin flap stays viable, we can continue to manage Murphy’s open wound until it heals. Given the location of Murphy’s wound, healing may take a prolonged time. If we want to save Murphy’s leg and promote healing it will require nursing care at home with frequent vet visits to mange his wound. Healing may take up to 2 months to allow skin growth/scab formation over time.

Currently Murphy has a tie-over bandage and a limb bandage to protect the wound as it tries to heal. This bandage needs to be changed daily during this initial healing period, and then every few days depending upon the healing process.

ABOUT ESRA

In March 1998, ESRA began with the development of a friendship between two ladies from opposite sides of the country who shared a passion for English Springer Spaniels. In 1984, Jan Flagg, a southern California resident, adopted a five-week-old puppy from a shelter in Carlsbad, California. This adoption brought the awareness of a rescue operation needed for these loving Springers. Judy Manley, an Ohio resident and breeder since 1979, was pursuing a project to form a rescue committee for the national breed club, the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association. These two kind-hearted ladies met, and a partnership began to rescue English Springer Spaniels, out of which ESRA was born.

English Springer Rescue America, Inc. was incorporated in August 1999 in Orange County, California. On September 10, 1999, the organizational meeting was held in Oceanside, California, where a group of five people gathered (among them were Marie Devaney, Barbara Ellerbrock, Jan Flagg, and Christina Santos) to officially organize the rescue and served as the first directors of ESRA. In turn, the directors elected the first officers of ESRA, which included Jan Flagg (president); Judy Manley (vice president); and Christina Santos (chief financial officer/treasurer). The directors then identified 26 people who wanted to become members of the corporation and named them to membership. Sadly, Jan Flagg, the founding president of ESRA, passed away in November 2002.

Today the orgainization thrives with over 2500 members, a Board of Directors, consisting of seven active members around the country, a President, CFO, Treasurer and Secretary. English Springer Rescue America rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes over 600 Springer Spaniels a year and continues to be 100% volunteer.

Special Needs Springers

By English Springer Rescue America Inc

Special Needs Springers

We Need Your Help With Murphy!