Poor DONTAY! A four year old sweet boy the backyard breeder surrendered because she couldn't sell the puppies... Perhaps the potential buyers went to the breeder's home and saw the condition of this boy!
DONTAY is in serious need of groceries. Look closely at his rear legs. There is very little muscle. He can only stand up for a few minutes before his rear legs buckle under his weight. He is also debarked, most likely by the breeder shoving a pipe down his throat.
Remember that when you buy a puppy on-line from a breeder, you just might be supporting someone who is concerned only with the money from the sale of puppies. Fostered by Alissa in TN.
Update 12/23/08: DONTAY made it through surgery!! While under anesthesia, we took several x-rays of his hips and spine. His hips are good, and the spinal changes are minimal - both good news. He does, however, have an infection of the spine known as discospondylitis which has apparently been going on for quite some time. This certainly answers the questions on why he has so much pain! Poor DONTAY!!
The vet sent off a sample to the lab to determine the type of bacteria present. When we get the results, we will adjust the treatment accordingly. With the holidays, it may be into January before we have the results.
Update 12/30/08: The lab results are in, and his infection will be deemed cured after about six weeks of antibiotics. He is already showing signs of improvement, and is actually playing with toys and the other dogs. He is trotting around the house on a regular basis now, and has been trying his paw at countersurfing, too.
The vet did confirm significant soft tissue damage in the throat. He had to intubate him with a tube designed for a 20 pound dog due to the accumulation of scar tissue in the throat.
Save Our Setters, Inc.
DONTAY
Here are some new pictures of me. Don't you think I look a whole lot better?
