Little Cody was very fearful in the shelter. He was also in a lot of pain, so he showed his teeth and growled at everyone. He also tried to bite if anyone made a move to touch him. We were sure that Cody was just in pain, and that once he was out of the shelter he could learn to trust again. This was proved after his arrival at his temporary foster home, where he slowly showed his care-givers that he was open to their attempts to "connect" with him.

After 3 days in his temporary foster home Cody made the drive north to Daytona to meet his permanent fostermom - and his orthopedic surgeons. But the enclosed cars soon made it clear that there was something very wrong with Cody - something really stinky! Instead of waiting for his appointment the next day, Cody's fostermom took him straight to the vet's office, where we found that the fiberglass cast had not been padded - and had cut into his right leg and foot. These wounds and the open wound under the cast on his right leg had become septic (infected) - which was what caused him to smell so bad. Cody was not especially happy to see the staff at our vet's office,
but that would soon change.

X-rays revealed that Cody's legs had never been set, and the bones were overlapped by 1/2 inch on the right leg and 1 inch on the left. Once our vets removed the painful casts and got his wounds cleaned - and gave him medications for infection and pain - Cody was a new dog! He is friendly, trusting, and sweet.

 

Cody's surgeons - Dr. Robert Goring and Dr. Steve Neihaus, of Affiliated Veterinary Specialists (Orange Park, FL) - have a plan for our boy. First, they will give him time for his open wounds to begin to heal. Next, they will operate on Cody's legs, removing a small section of each bone to allow proper alignment; stainless steel plates and pins will be used to hold the bones in place while they heal. Before surgery and during the healing process Cody will be given antibiotics and medications to manage his pain. Cody's surgery is scheduled for December 8, 2009. After surgery he will spend several days in the hospital, so a close eye can be kept on his progress. Then Cody will return to his foster home for 8 to 12 weeks of recovery and rehabilitation. At 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery Cody will probably need x-rays, to make sure his bones are mending as they should.

To watch Cody's progress please use this link.
WARNING: graphic photos of open wounds - not for the squeamish!

The estimated cost of Cody Brody's surgical and medical care is $4,000 - if there are no unexpected complications. Our wonderful "Dr. G" gives us a 50% discount, so we need to raise at least $2,000 to pay for Cody's care. Please help us to reach our goal.

Cody Brody has had surgery on both legs, and so far things look very good. The first surgery was done on December 7th, on his left leg. His right leg was repaired on December 9th. Cody had to donate a bit of his shoulder bone to help repair his right leg, so he was a little bit more uncomfortable after that surgery.

Cody spent the weekend (December 11-13) at his foster home, getting extra attention and lap time, and returned to the hospital on December 14th for bandage changes and a check-up. He will need daily bandage changes for the rest of the week, and possibly physical therapy. We hope Cody can go back
home on Thursday or Friday.

Cody Brody will need x-rays in about 4 weeks, to make sure the bones are healing as they should; he will need additional x-rays 3 to 4 weeks after that. All in all his doctors expect Cody to be ready to play in about 12 weeks, after strict crate rest and leashed walks only (with lots of lap time).

 

Christmas Day Update:

Cody Brody is feeling fine! He's had all the sutures removed from both legs, and will be getting follow-up x-rays on January 4th - to make sure his legs are healing as they should. Cody is having to spend his days lounging around in his crate (with very short, leashed walks for potty breaks), but he's taking it all in stride. What a Champ!!

 

March Update:

January and February seemed to Drag on Forever for Cody;
hanging out in a crate with only a few short (leashed) walks at potty times is not a fun way to pass the time! But now...

Cody Brody is all Healed and Home with his Forever Family! He's had his follow-up X-Rays and been Released by his Surgeons. His Disposition and his Attitude are that of any
Happy, Healthy Rattie, and he's Loving Life!

Many thanks to all the generous folks who helped us
pay for Cody Brody's Surgery and Follow-Up Visits!
Without you we could not do what we do!!

If you would Like to Help with Other Ratties
who Need Specialized Vet Care...

For Credit Card payments (please add $1):

 

You may also send a check or money order to: Ratbone Rescues P.O. Box 3237 Seminole, FL 33775-3237 All donations made to Ratbone Rescues are tax deductible