This past month, the practice had a terrible week for emergencies. In only 3 days we had 6 emergencies; the majority were unfortunately hit by cars. However, out of this week came one particular patient that has warmed all of us at the clinic: meet Peggy!
She arrived at 8 pm on a weekday in a lot of pain and severe shock from a car hit. The team kicked into gear and she was immediately placed on a drip with a combination of pain relief and muscle relaxants so we could examine the damage.
Peggy stabilized over the evening and we were able to identify that there was one major concern: she had a very swollen right back leg that was very painful. We suspected she had a fracture.
The next day, the care takers of Peggy and our team discussed a plan forward. We needed to know more information and agreed that an x-ray of the leg would provide us with exactly that. Here on the Galapagos, our diagnostic equipment is very limited so we found a local clinic where we could take Peggy for some imaging.
Rightfully so, we found a very impressive femoral fracture. Poor girl!
Without much surgical equipment to correct this fracture, we decided to anaesthetize Peggy and tried to manipulate the bone into the right position and then splinted the leg with a special type of bandage called a ‘Robert Jones’ Bandage.
Every 5 days Peggy returned to get this large bandage changed, and after 3 weeks the fracture had stabilized and she was able to use it again.
Peggy has a long way to go yet before the leg will work the way she needs it to, but the fact that she has made it this far is what our team are delighted in!
Our clinic is able to treat animals such as Peggy due to your continued support. Consider contributing today!!