Meet Scrappy!
Scrappy is a 2 year old neutered male who was surrendered after his previous owner developed a chronic debilitating illness and no longer able to properly care for him.
Squad Foster Scrappy was surrendered to Upstate SC Hearts For Paws Animal Rescue on 10/4/22, and he joined Dog Squad as a foster on 11/20/22.
He will be a Squad Foster while he awaits finding a furever home.
Scrappy’s Surgery Fund
Your tax deductible donations will help us cover the costs for Scrappy's TPLO surgery and recovery.
Scrappy’s TPLO Surgery Estimate
Squad Foster Scrappy Update 1/2/23
Squad Foster Scrappy had his follow-up visit with Dr. Kussin on 1/2/23 for further assessment, which required sedation since he’s such a wiggle worm.
Turns out, Scrappy tore his left cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), which is the equivalent of the ACL in humans. Dr. Kussin also suspects a torn meniscus, which is a common injury with dogs who tear their CCL.
DID YOU KNOW? Unlike humans, the CCL injury in dogs is a result of subtle, slow degeneration that has been taking place over a few months, or even years, rather than the result of sudden trauma to an otherwise healthy ligament. It is often considered a disease due to its progressive development over time, hence also being referred to as “CCLD.”
At least 50% of dogs with CCLD in one knee will develop a similar problem in opposite knee at some point within 3 years of the initial injury.
Because of the degenerative progression of the CCL, humans may not notice a severe lameness in their dog’s leg initially. One of the early signs is that a dog will sit with their legs out to one side when sitting rather than being in a “square” sit position. We actually noticed this in Scrappy when we first met him a month ago- he sits like a mermaid, with his legs out to the side [not gonna lie, it’s kinda precious LOL].
When the CCL is torn or injured, the shin bone (tibia) slides forward with respect to the thigh bone (femur). This instability leads to damage and destruction of the cartilage and bones of the knee joint.
Dr. Kussin recommends tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) to surgically stabilize Scrappy’s knee. The overall intent of the surgery is to reduce the amount that the tibia shifts forward during a stride. TPLO surgery levels the tibia to prevent the femur from sliding forward, thereby stabilizing the joint.
The cost of Scrappy’s TPLO surgery is estimated ~$3,000 (including lab work, hospitalization, pain meds, etc.).
Update 12/31/22
Squad Foster Scrappy had a visit on Friday 12/30/22 with Dr. Kussin at Foothills Veterinary Hospital.
When we started fostering Scrappy last month, we noticed that he walked with very stiff back legs. He didn’t appear to be in pain, and the stiffness certainly didn’t slow down his playful energy.
A couple weeks ago, he started limping, favoring one of his back legs. The limping was not constant and only occurred episodically. He would be fine one day, then he would have sporadic limping episodes throughout the following day. And then he would be fine again the next day.
This pattern continued over the last couple weeks. However, his leg lameness progressed on the not-so-good days. He started to fluctuate from not using the back leg at all, to limping, dragging his back paw (as if he was pointing his back toe like a ballerina), then back to using it with no issues. The leg became sensitive to touch on the not-so-good days, and Scrappy started squealing if he even laid on it uncomfortably.
Even on the not-so-good days, Scrappy continued to wag is tail constantly and his playful energy never dwindled.
Scrappy was SO excited for his visit with Dr. Kussin yesterday. He was eager to play with other dogs in the waiting area, and wasn’t pleased when we told him that he couldn’t play with the sick/injured dogs. He was fascinated when a pregnant cat entered the waiting area, and his head tilted dramatically each time the cat meowed.
In Scrappy’s world, EVERY day is the BEST day ever, no matter the circumstances.
Dr. Kussin did a thorough exam of Scrappy’s hind leg. Scrappy was a wiggle worm, which was a barrier to Dr. Kussin’s ability to determine whether his symptoms were orthopedic or neurologic in nature.
Scrappy will meet with Dr. Kussin again on Monday 1/2/23 to continue the assessment. He will be sedated so they can get x-rays on his leg and lower back. In the meantime, he’ll be taking Carprofen 2x daily for pain and discomfort.
Update 12/10/22
Squad Foster Scrappy
There is no such thing as perfection in this world, but if there were, Scrappy Doo would be the poster child for it.
What we've learned about Squad Foster Scrappy since he arrived at Dog Squad:
He loves EVERYONE- adults, children, senior citizens. It doesn't matter what age or race you are- as long as you are human, Scrappy automatically loves you!
Scrappy is very playful, and will take any chance he gets to play with the other 12 Dog Squad pups. If one of the other dogs growls at him, Scrappy turns around and walks away. He's submissive and plays gently with others.
Scrappy has short legs in comparison to his giant head and bulky body. He is a couch potato, but sometimes needs that additional boost to help him up.
His feelings get hurt easily, and he does not like when humans yell even if they are yelling at one of the other dogs. Scrappy is a sensitive soul!
Scrappy is not a morning person/dog, and will stay in bed for as long as he can!
