Canva custom creation Welcome to Second Start Rescue

TEX & TESSA'S STORY:

These two dogs were scheduled for euthanasia at the shelter in July, and the shelter reached out to us to see if we could help. Siblings Tex & Tessa both have Straight Leg Syndrome which is most commonly caused by a genetic defect. It can also be a congenital malformation or caused by trauma. It is a condition where a dog's hind legs remain straight instead of bending at the knee. There is no cure; but prognosis is generally good, and many dogs with Straight Leg Syndrome live long and fulfilling lives with proper management. It did not seem fair to end their lives so soon, especially since both seemed happy and not in pain. We wanted to at least try to help.

Thankfully, a foster stepped up to temporarily care for them while we worked out a better plan and had time to assess them. Our main goal at that time was to keep them comfortable and try to minimize any additional sores from dragging their hind quarters so much. In September, they moved to a medical foster who has been working with them to help them adapt to an alternative lifestyle. This process includes healing their scoot wounds, physical therapy to help build muscle, and helping them adapt to doing things differently than other dogs. She has been doing a great job with them helping the wounds heal and keeping them free from infection. Other than their straight legs, Tex & Tessa are thriving and are playful, happy pups!

Mid October they had a check up with a veterinarian to assess the wounds and provide additional insight into their prognosis. Here are the vet's recommendations:

Laser Therapy: Tessa still has a small open would near her anus and also one on her vulva. These two areas have a greater risk of infection. She feels the laser therapy will help heal these wounds quicker. Tex has a wound on his hock which still bleeds periodically. He would benefit from laser therapy as well. She is recommending twice weekly sessions for 2-3 weeks. The cost for both dogs is approximately $100-$130 each visit (final cost is determined by amount of actual laser usage). 6 sessions could cost $780 -high end of an estimated cost.

Consult with Orthopedic Veterinarian & X-Rays: Tessa's left leg butterflies out-similar to how a leg does with an ACL tear and her right leg twists around. Her legs are different from other straight-legged dogs we have had experience with. She may do best with a wheelchair or cart in her future. Tex's spine needs further examination. It's difficult to tell if it is deformed or if it's just tucked and strenghtening and lengthening the muscles around it can resolve it. With his legs, one of the bones seems thick but the other has a bone that seems thin. She is worried that if he attempts walking that the thin bone may not be able to hold his weight. For both dogs, these are things she feels X-Rays and a qualified orthopedist can help determine. She is recommending a specialist that is about 3 hours away in LA that she has worked with personally.

We would like to start collecting funds to give both Tex & Tessa their best chance at life. At a minimum, we need to address the immediate concern of the laser therapy for the wounds. We would like to start laser therapy this week (or as soon as the veterinarian has availability) and need to raise about $260 for each week of treatment. We will adjust the goal and amount as indicated by the doctor. We would also like to schedule the orthopedic consult appointment for both of them. We do not have an estimate for that yet but anticipate $1000 per dog (including x-rays). We will adjust that amount if needed. This fundraiser is for the on-going diagnostics and care of Tex & Tessa. We want to make sure we have the support of our donors to continue on with their treatment. This is a complicated case of Straight Leg Syndrome. In many cases, pups figure out how to “walk” and manage on their own. Unfortunately, Tex & Tessa’s legs are more deformed so we need to do more to assist them. There is a separate wish list for their everyday needs which many donors have generously purchased items from since September.

Both dogs are available for adoption if you have room in your hearts and homes for them. Apply to adopt here:

https://new.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/SSVA/Dog

Any amount raised above the needs of Tex & Tessa will be directed to other medical needs for dogs in our care. Thank you for supporting our mission and for loving these dogs.

With Love,

Tex & Tessa

Second Start Rescue is a 501c3 organization which specializes in giving a second start to the underdogs—the injured, overlooked, and abandoned animals who need us the most. Based in Virginia, our mission focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating dogs from South Texas, an area with one of the highest rates of animal neglect in the country. While shepherds are our primary focus, we extend our care to any dog in desperate need of rescue. Join us in our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome these wonderful dogs.

Please Support Our Straight Leg Syndrome Dogs Tex & Tessa