Bionic Dex - The Final Step

Bionic Dex - The Final Step

The final step we have all been waiting for is finally here. After many fittings, some awkward vet sessions, some tummy problems and a new forever home - WE HAVE ROBODEX!!!!!!!

Dex on his Brace Fitting Day. 

Dex's journey is complete - he is relatively
pain free and has a great new
Mommy and Daddy. 

"Hi Everyone! Dex here. My brace is working wonders. My dad calls me RoboDex now. Makes me giggle. I have been wearing my new tarsal brace for 2 hours at a time 4 times a day since I got it. The first day or two I tried really hard to kick it off but it wouldn't budge. Then I tried walking really fast in circles but it just kept following me! It was crazy. Finally, I just decided if the brace wanted to stay, I was OK with it. (My mom totally thinks she won the battle, so please don't tell her I felt sorry for her and caved in. You know how delicate our humans can be). I don't like putting the brace on. It forces me off balance. Mom and Dad know that and they try really hard to make it a quick process for me. Sometimes, if dad is home, he stands on my good side and lets me lean into his legs and he helps me balance while mom straps me in. I now know that my bad leg can bear some weight with the brace so I'm learning a new gait as I walk. I have to say, I am pretty good at it. Spectacular, even. NO ONE can walk like the RoboDex walks! Mom says I'm a rock star. She's not wrong. I had a bout of tummy trouble the days before I got my brace (last week Friday) and spent a night at the vet. I didn't like it. They are really good to me there but I have a home now and I like to stay in it. They did a bunch of tests and lots of poking and prodding. We still don't really know why I didn't feel so good but because I had elevated amylase and lipase levels, they think maybe a mild chronic pancreatits. I'm feeling better now and my appetite is coming back. Baby steps...RoboDex style. Thanks everyone for your thoughts, prayers and support. I'm a happy dog with a home of my own. Every night I show my family my appreciation and gratitude. And every night I say a little dog prayer for my friends in shelters and homeless and wandering. May they all find safe and loving homes. Love, Dex"

We would like to thank everyone that played a part in Dex's journey. He couldn't have done it without all of your continued support, love and prayers. We will keep you updated as he continues to learn how to use his brace to the fullest and how he settles into the rest of his life with his Mommy and Daddy. 

Dex - The Fairy Tail Ending.

As I'm sure some of you have read from the previous blog Dex Medical Update: Tuesday July 2nd, 2013, Dex's story took a bit of a twist from the original plan - in a great way.

For the last few weeks following that update, Dex has been undergoing lots of tests, scans, fitting and exams. But it will all be worth it. He is a pro at vet visits now. His bio-mechanical help arrives on Oahu on Monday, so next week he will be bio-Dex very soon. We cannot wait to see pictures.

We wanted to give you an update about how he is adjusting to his new family and life in foster. To start with, we have mentioned before that Dex is a very particularly picky eater. He will refuse every treat you offer him, UNLESS.......they are Peanut Butter Flavor Softies. He will do anything you want for a Blue Dog Bakery treat. His Foster Mama told us about how he will jump right up and be ready for anything with the shake of a box. He is such a funny guy.

Even the older guys like to get their own way - a puppy isn't the only one that can throw a little temper tantrum. Apparently on Thursday he didn't like what was going on and told his Foster Mama. This involved a lot of grumbling, sulking and door attacking. He didn't want to be outside anymore and tried to rectify it. Oh boy! We think last week was a bit rough on him. He had a fitting with a new doctor he didn't know and we think it got a bit rough and hurt just a little more than he is used too. So we think he was feeling just a little sore and cranky.

We got a little insight into Dex as well. His Foster Mama was telling us about how he hates their garage. How bizarre. He will slink up the stairs and hug the walls. He hates it - maybe he knows that's where his toys get washed. Foster Mama Lisa is working day by day with him to help him to know that it isn't a bad place and he doesn't have to feel scared or insecure.

And here it is. The news everyone has been waiting for.......the reason for the title of this blog! As of August 7th - DEX IS ADOPTED. Yes, it is true. After months of working with him and his schedule of tests and fundraisers - Foster Mama Lisa and Foster Daddy Bruce have decided that they just could not let him go and they want to drop the "Foster" from their titles. They have fallen in love. We couldn't be happier. Dex has fitted smoothly into their pack which is now totaling five. Corey, Simon, Brittany and Jeanette didn't make it easy at first but they are now his family. Lisa and Bruce have opened their hearts and homes to many of the Oahu SPCA's angels. They are active fosters and volunteers. In fact, Brittany, Simon and Jeanette were part of the "Dumpster Babies" known affectionately as "The Chipmonks". Lisa and Bruce fostered four of the six sick puppies and fell in love. They are now super happy 10-month old piles of fun. They has also added Erin (a blind cat) and Stunner (a rehabilitated teenage feral cat) to their pack. They are true advocates for those that cannot speak for themselves. We are ecstatic that they have welcomed in their latest addition to their hearts and home. We know that he will be well cared for, get all the Peanut Butter Flavor Softies he could ever want and be spoiled rotten with love and affection.

Pictures of bio-Dex and with his new family to come very soon!

Dex Medical Update: Tuesday July 2nd, 2013

By Sass

What a wonderful Tuesday morning it has been. Dex and his foster Mama (Lisa) have been super busy with vet appointments and consults. Today, we received some AMAZING news.

As many of you know - Dex came to the Oahu SPCA in late December with a very deformed back leg. After seeing the X-Rays it was recommended by two difference sources that his leg be amputated. All the necessary blood work was completed and he was given a clean bill of health (apart from the leg of course). He recently was neutered and had some dental work done as the majority of his teeth were damaged or infected.

The fundraiser at Manifest on the 22nd of June, raised enough money to complete his amputation surgery. We were super excited and started planing ahead. However, things took a slight turn. A visiting Orthopedic vet Dr. Burns (from California) had heard of Dex's story through a colleague. He is working on building a client base here on Oahu and decided to take a look at Dex.

It was suggested that a bone biopsy be done. So, Lisa dropped Dex off to Mililani Mauka Vet Clinic. After a day at the vet and a nice nap - the results were in. Today, Lisa and Dex took a trip back to the clinic to talk to the vet staff about the results and plans. Biopsy results came back - NO CANCER, thank God. However, he probably has a low grade bone infection that will be treated with extended round of antibiotics. Easy. The Doctors did additional x-rays and Ultrasound. Now, here is the HUGE news. they do NOT feel there is a need to amputate the leg. It is not the bone that's causing the problems, it is the severed inner ligament. This is amazing news. It was thought that amputation was the only way to make Dex's life pain free - we are so happy that another way has been found.



So, the course they are looking at proceeding with is a brace (yes, Dex is going bionic) and therapy. The Physical Therapy (PT) will be intense and strenuous. However, they feel that with the brace, proper care, PT, heat therapy, acupuncture and hydrotheraphy - Dex will have full movement and be pain free. This is incredible news. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of the Mililani Mauka Vet Clinic and his foster Mama. The brace is custom made by a place out of Colorado called OrthoPets. Dex had video clips and photos done early this morning and they shot and additional two X-Rays at different angles to submit to the company. They will send us a moulding kit and Dex will have a cast put on and mould made of the leg, then cut off the cast and sent in to the company for a brace. They will send it back a as soon as possible and we again cast and re-submit and finally we get the final product. The whole process takes about three weeks. So in short - Both the Orthopedic Vet and Dr. Jamie Wicklund Furutani  of Mililani Mauka believe the brace, therapy and mild grade pain medications when necessary (i.e. Rimadyl, etc) will easily manage all pain and discomfort without exposing him to the trauma of surgery and amputation.

Without the amazing generosity of all of Dex's donation support and the support of Mililani Mauka Veterinary Clinic - Dex wouldn't have this amazing opportunity to keep all his legs!

Here is a quick note from Dex:

"Aloha, all! Sorry, we haven't been keeping everyone updated like we should but we have been busy, busy, busy. I have been to several vet appointments and met tons of new people. I liked them all! I've been super patient and well behaved while being "poked and prodded" as Mama Lisa calls it. Some of the staff at the vet started calling me Mr. Aloha because they said I have a sunny disposition. I don't know what that means but they gave me cookies, so I figure it can't be a bad thing, right?

Today when we went to the vet, we got some really good news. They did a test on me a few days ago and today we learned that I do not have cancer. Mama said she knew that but it was still a huge relief to hear someone say those words out loud. Mamas worry, you know? They said there is some low grade infection in my leg, waaayyyyyy down in the bone so I have to take some medication for a while. I hope it tastes like a treat. Otherwise, I plan to make things difficult cause that's just how I roll.

And the really, really, super duper good news.......are you ready?????............I get to keep my leg. Mama and I were in disbelief at first and Mama must have asked the vets at least four times if they were sure, really sure, really really sure...well, you get the idea. They are certain! I did have a really bad fracture or break, no one knows for sure (and I'm not at liberty to say) but that's not really my problem. My pain comes from a severed ligament. And may I just say 'OUCH'. So I am being fitted for a custom made orthotic brace for my leg. That combined with some therapy like massage, accupuncture and things like hydrotherapy will make me almost pain free. If I stick to a regimen of low grade pain medications (Dr. Miss Jamie gave me Rimadyl today to try) I will be one happy, comfortable dog. Plus I will look like a Transformer with my leg brace and everyone knows that's wicked cool.

So, my friends, I just want to say again how very much Mama and I appreciate everything you have done to help me reach a solution to my pain and suffering. It means a whole lot to me. I'm about 3 weeks out from having my brace and probably another 3 weeks of build up wear time. After that, I am ready if anyone wants to party, take long walks on the beach or do other random fun things that require canine companionship"

We will keep you all posted :)

Special thanks to :

Mililani Mauka Veterinary Clinic
95-1095 Ainamakua Drive
Suite 5
Mililani, HI 96789
Phone: 808-626-7600
Fax: 808-626-7603
mililanivet@hawaiiantel.net
http://www.mililanivet.com/Templates/ModernElegance.aspx

Blanca

By Montana

Blanca, perched in her usual spot on
an afternoon "walk"

Ah, Blanca.  One of my personal shelter favorites.  This big mastiff mix stole my heart from the moment I met her at the shelter.  There's something about the way she looks at you with her big brown eyes and horribly and probably painfully cropped little ears.  This girl is my big sweetheart and every time I'm at the shelter, even if its for five minutes, I stop by her kennel to say hi.  Sometimes she's right at the front, hoping I'll have the time to take her out and cuddle her while we watch the world at the shelter.  Other times, she's laying on her raised bed and gives me a happy grin.  No matter what, Blanca is always there to say hi and give me that dopey mastiff grin of hers.

Blanca is an older girl, six or so years old.  Laid back and mellow, she likes to go for slow short walks and loves to lay outside and watch the world pass her by. Her and I often venture out of her kennel on a short walk  to sit in the grass and nap or laze around and watch all the people and dogs walk by. Blanca will sit for hours if you'd let her, lazing the day away.  When you try to take her back to the kennel, she puts on the brakes.  This girl is stubborn.  It's hard to reason with this big girl, but it can be done!  With a bit of coaxing (usually involving food - she loves her treats), Blanca will rouse herself and reluctantly head back to her kennel.  

Blanca receiving some loving pets from friends at the shelter.

In January, Blanca came to the shelter from a hoarding situation with two other mastiffs (both of whom have been adopted.  She was unhappy, very thin, and suffering from hairloss from who knows what.  Blanca was not very tolerant of people.  She did not  pass the behaviour assessment, and refused to let people in her kennel.  Now,  almost five months later, she loves her people, her hair is back in and she's a very healthy weight.  Unfortunately, her weight gain was a blessing and a curse.  When she came in, Blanca was very stiff in her back legs.  As she put on more weight, it became apparent that something was not quite right.  It became more and more uncomfortable for her to walk.  Often times on our outings, when it comes time to go back to her kennel, she becomes stubborn and hard to rouse. We think its because it hurts her hips and it's difficult for her.  Once you get her up and moving, you have to maintain a light jog or she'll stop and refuse to go further.  We need X - rays to further determine what is going on with her back legs.  Along with issues in her back legs, Blanca's senses are quite dull.  Her eyesight isn't all that great, but her nose is amazing.  This girl can smell a treat from a mile away!  Anytime I have treats (or even crumbs from treats) her nose goes to the pocket they were in!  What she lacks in eyesight, she more than makes up for with her awesome sense of smell! Sass had her out one day, sitting as usual, and before Sass knew it, Blanca had Sass's whole hand in her mouth.  Blanca knew Sass had a treat in her hand, but thought Sass's WHOLE hand was the treat.  Upon realizing her mistake,  Blanca spit out Sass's hand and gave her a dirty look as if to say "hey, your fault for having the treat in there and not giving it to me!'.  

How can you not love this face?

As stated before, this girl is one of my favorites, and I've fallen madly in love with her. I would love more than anything for her to find a forever home, even a foster home would make me happy.  Unfortunately, due to the stairs that lead to my home, and the fact that I have an obnoxious six month old "in-your-face" Shar Pei that would drive this sweet older gal up the wall, she cannot be mine.   She is friendly and likes everybody, though she would probably do best in a home with no children under ten.   She's a sweet girl, who loves to petted and cuddled with. She would love to have a window or a back patio to lounge on to watch the world go by. Often times, she ends up being my big white dog pillow (yes, I've fallen asleep on her on our outings).  She is not a fan of cats and  can be picky about her fellow canine friends, so a meet n greet is a MUST if she's going to live with other dogs, thought she would prefer a home where she is the only animal. Due to her hips, we'd also like to see her go to a home with NO stairs leading to the entrance (one or two might be okay, but stairs are rough on this old girl).  She would love to finally find a home of her own, preferably a more mellow, quiet home.  Please help this beautiful girl find her forever loving home.  Give her a chance to show you what a shelter dog's love truly is!   

This awesome lady needs some medical care for bad hips. If you wish to help - please donate to www.gofundme.com/DexsSurgeryFund. 

The "Piggies"

Meet the Pigs!

Gargoyle (m) and Gremline (f) came to the Oahu SPCA on May 12th, 2012. These adorable six-month old Blue Pit Bull siblings are the sweetest babies. The are extremely affectionate and will do anything for a cuddle. We knew when they came in that they had been diagnosed with Demodectic Mange. Demodectic mange is caused by a sensitivity to and overpopulation of Demodex Canis (a tiny parasitic mites that live in or near hair follicles) if the animal's immune system is unable to keep the mites under control.

However, after a short time with us we noticed that Demodectic Mange wasn't the only thing that may be wrong - healthwise. Unfortunately, it looks like their family history is a little close - in short, inbreeding. Gargoyle has started to become under developed. His walking is labored. When Gargoyle first came to us he weighed 25lbs. Gremline was 35lbs. This is unusual because Gargoyle is the male and would normally be the larger. He is also suffering a corkscrew tail. 

Their picture and story was shared on the Oahu SPCA Facebook page and it went viral. A short time later, the shelter was contacted by Kama'aina Pet Hospital (www.kamaainapethospital.com). They offered to take care of the treatment of the Demodectic Mange to help them recover. They have supplied their medication and vet care free of charge and love their company each week for their check up. 

On their first visit (6/7/13), Gargoyle's condition was definitely a concern. However, they had their full health work up. Gremline was at 52lbs and Gargoyle was at 32lbs. A definite improvement. Their skin was also starting to look a little better. After hours of tests and skin scrapes, a new treatment plan of Simplicef, Ivomectic, Maleseb/Pyoben baths and Diphenhydramine (Benedryl) was prescribed. Grem is well on her way to looking and feeling so much healthier with her new treatment plan. Gargie will need some more in-depth care. 

An X-Ray of his lower half shows some serious malformations in his spine and rear end. We are working with Dr. Erik Pegg and Dr. Deanna Pegg (and the staff) to come up with a plan of attack for his care and future health. The Oahu SPCA cannot thank you enough for the help, support and care that was shown by Kama'aina Pet Hospital and they look forward to our weekly visits. 

Gremline - 6month Old Blue Pit Bull

Let's introduce them a little more!

Gremline, or Grem for short, is an amazing girl. She is very loving baby. She is never short of a kiss and a hug. With help, she is learning to sit on command. This little thing (little being age, not weight) is as loyal as they come. She will happily sit beside you and will never turn down a snuggle on your lap if it's big enough. Just recently she received her first toy at the shelter - it was a grey elephant with lots of legs. It was her best friend of all time. She carried it everywhere. She was even super nice and shared it with Gargoyle. 

For most of her life, she has been taking care of her baby brother (Gargoyle). She makes sure he is warm and will always protect him on a walk. She will even lie beside him and put her arm over him to make sure that he is warm and safe. 

This girl is a social butterfly, she loves to go on her long walks and play in the park - she even loves her weekly visits to Kama'aina Pet Hospital because she gets to ride in the car (her favorite) and see all her favorite people and smell amazing things. Grem loves life to the fullest and hasn't let her previous life slow her down. 

Gargoyle - 6 month old Blue Pit Bull

Gargoyle, or Gargie for short, is a very unique little man. He has always been the littlest and has never let that stop him. He goes for what he wants - DINNER. He loves his chow and his kisses. Born with a spinal defect and corkscrew tail he will always have a distinct walk. In the words of a friend of his "he was born into retirement". He will have limits for the rest of his life, he will be unable to walk long distances, walk up and down stairs, or be able to run/jump. But he is ok with that. 

He is a little slow waking up, but he is extremely friendly and always wants to be a part of the show. His favorite spot is on his comfy bed where he can watch what is going on. He isn't big on toys, but he does like to pick on his big sister. He will walk up beside her and nibble on her ear. She will gently play with him and he loves it. Gargie has one of the best smiles around - just look how happy he is (pictured right). He loves to walk out to the grass and sit down and smell all the smells - you can truly see the goofy pup that he is. He will also never turn down free ride (you carrying him) back from his walk. He loves a long cuddle. 

These two beautiful babies will be followed through their treatments and hopefully onto their new and wonderful forever homes. The "Piggies" are currently residing at the Oahu SPCA if you wish to go by and say hi. They love visitors and you can see just how long their loving tongues really are!

Dex - From Tethered to Tremendous

Dex's journey started with the Oahu SPCA started December 21st, 2012. He was tied to our fence early one morning. He was barely able to walk and had very little fur. He was diagnosed with Demodectic Mange and a recently injured leg. In the last few months, he has been receiving treatment for his Mange and we are managing his leg injury with pain medication.

The Great Staff at Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital on his Stage 1 check in day.

At the beginning of May,  he received his second NEGATIVE skin scrap and has officially been cleared of Demodectic  Mange. His coat is looking fine and he is stronger than ever. The Oahu SPCA decided to look into other management options for his read leg. We decided to consult with Dr. Achiu at Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital. When at the vet, Dr. Achiu gave us some medical insight into Dex. They believe that Dex was slightly older than we believed. She put his age at over 8-Years old. They evaluated his teeth and made an alarming discovery that the majority of his teeth were shattered or cracked. They recommended 70% removal of his current teeth. On May 23rd 2013, he spent the day at the clinic and had his teeth removed and he was neutered. 

It was also confirmed by x-rays that his back right hock joint was dislocated and not set properly - hence his limp. This is why we started Dex's Surgery Fund. We are looking into removing the effected joint area - amputation. Which is a very serious and expensive surgery. He is managing very well right now and will even bear full weight on it - unfortunately we cannot keep him on pain killers for the rest of his life. The vet has recommended to remove the limb. X-Rays of the L hip were done to see if the hip would handle the amputation and everything looks great. 

Due to his age, we wanted to limit the times he is sedated. Hence why we are doing his surgery in stages. His first stages was the teeth removal and neuter.  Then after recovery (in a few months) completing the amputation.  He is ready and waiting on enough funds to pay for Stage two. 

All of this comes at a large cost. We wanted to share his story with you to see if you would be interested in helping Dex with his two surgery dates. The complete cost is almost $4,200. Dex is a great dog, he isn't letting his injury or mange slow him down. 

Foster Words - 

Dex loves his car rides!

After Stage 1 - Dex wasn't feeling so good, but Lisa (foster Mama) looked after him. 

Dex always has a smile on his face !

Dex loves to follow bugs!

He will also require a long term foster home to recover in - we are looking at someone who has had experience with rehabilitation. If you are interested in helping donate, please do so on here. If you wish to help Dex in other ways (foster/wet food donations) please email sarah@oahuspca.org! You can also donate at http://www.gofundme.com/DexsSurgeryFund. 

Even the Office Cat (Cali) is on Dex's plight!

Dex looking happy and handsome!