Blog  >  How you can help with this “Leap of Faith” so Koa can Walk

How you can help with this “Leap of Faith” so Koa can Walk

January 31, 2013 • Rescue

Rancho Coastal Humane Societ

UPDATE!! - We're Keeping our Paws Crossed...donations are still needed but it's "Lookin' Good" for Koa!  To make a donation or learn about adopting Koa call RCHS at 760-753-6413, visit the shelter at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, or log on to www.sdpets.org.  SEE FULL UPDATE BELOW!


Encinitas, CA -- "A Leap of Faith" is how Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas described it when they scheduled hip replacement surgery for a 1-1/2 year old Shepherd mix dog named "Koa." The "faith" was that animal lovers would donate the $5,600 - $5,800 needed to pay for the procedure. Today RCHS is reporting that Koa's recovery has begun and the public has responded.
RCHS spokesman John Van Zante says, "Dr. Fred Pike, who performed the surgery at Veterinary Specialty Hospital, tells us that there aren't any complications so far and Koa has put some weight on his new left hip. Spending nearly $6,000 that we don't have in our medical fund is a leap of faith. But if we didn't do it, Koa would  never leap again."


Koa was suffering from severe hip dysplasia... a condition where the ball of the femur bone does not fit properly into the hip socket. RCHS Medical Director Kathy Zerkle ordered tests and X-rays confirmed her suspicions. There is no cure for hip dysplasia. In some cases the condition can be medically managed. That was not possible for Koa.


"One little girl made cat toys and bandanas that she sold, then donated the $39 she made for Koa's surgery," says Van Zante. "Several donations came with notes that said, 'For Koa and all the other animals you help find loving forever homes.' We even got a donation from a person whose name is Koa."


RCHS President Jim Silveira says, "Donations continue to arrive and we have an offer for free canine hydrotherapy to help Koa recover. While we're optimistic that there will be enough to pay for the surgery, we cannot leave our medical fund empty. If Koa has any complications or another animal needs immediate care, we won't be able to pay for it. Thank you to the people who are designating their donations to the Medical fund. That helps Koa and any other pet that desperately needs medical care."


To make a donation or learn about adopting Koa call RCHS at 760-753-6413, visit the shelter at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, or log on to www.sdpets.org.

*******************************************************************************************************

FIDO wants to help spread the word about Koa and his medical needs - get the details below, from our friends at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas, CA:

Encinitas, CA -- It will cost $5,600 - $5,800 that we DO NOT have in our medical fund, but Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas is taking a leap of faith and has scheduled hip replacement surgery for "Koa." Koa is a 1-1/2 year old German Shepherd mix that arrived through the RCHS  - Friends of County Animal Shelters program. Donations are being accepted to pay for a new left hip.

"Every dollar counts for most non-profit animal shelters," says RCHS spokesman John Van Zante. "Spending $5,600 to $5,800 that we don't have in our medical fund is a real leap of faith. But if we don't take this leap, this dog will never leap again. We need help."

Koa has severe hip dysplasia... a condition where the ball of the femur bone does not fit properly into the hip socket. This allows the ball to slip in and out of joint.

Van Zante says, "Koa showed typical symptoms. He was very stiff after taking naps. Even a short, slow walk could leave him with a limp in his hind legs. RCHS Medical Director Kathy Zerkle ordered tests and X-rays that confirmed her suspicions."

While there's no "cure" for hip dysplasia, in many cases it can be managed with a combination of proper diet or weight loss and medication. Unfortunately, that's not an option with Koa. Hip replacement surgery is his only hope.

"Koa loves adults and children. He loves other dogs and they love him," says Van Zante. "Once he recovers from his surgery, his new family is going to be so blessed. They'll still need to monitor him and make sure he doesn't get too heavy. But his prognosis is good."

Koa's hip replacement surgery is scheduled for February 6. He'll need about 6 weeks of recovery time. Anyone interested in adopting Koa or helping to pay for his hip replacement surgery is asked to call RCHS at 760-753-6413, visit the shelter at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, or log on to www.sdpets.org.

Related blog posts

Comments
Comments