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A LIMITED PAST…AN UNLIMITED FUTURE

Multiple Surgeries Required

OLIVER

We received the following email regarding a young male boxer who was born with a congenital deformity which affected both hind legs. He was brought to an animal hospital to be killed by a pet store owner when he could not sell him.

“I know you must get a lot of emails like this one, but I am sending it to you anyway with the hope that this story touches you like it touched me. Is this a puppy that you can help (please, see attachment). This sweet puppy is at the animal hospital where I take my pets. I found your email address on the internet. I understand that you have many animals and may not be able to help him, but I thought I would send it to you just in case you may be able to help him.”

NBR responded immediately and offered our help. We learned that Oliver has basically been caged his whole life. He was born in a cage at a puppy mill, shipped to a cage in a pet store, and survived in a cage in a vet hospital where he had been brought in to be killed by the owner of a pet store. Oliver never had an

opportunity to walk on grass or feel earth underneath his deformed legs. Luckily the animal hospital staff decided to seek help for Oliver instead of letting him die.

Our first task, was to collect information regarding his condition. We discovered that the animal hospital staff took Oliver to a local orthopedic surgeon who diagnosed him with Genu Valgum, which is a congenital/heritable deformity affecting large breed dogs. This condition results in “knock knees“, lateral patella lunation, external rotation of the paws and severe muscle atrophy. This condition affects the hip, dysplastic, stifle and tarsal joints. Left untreated, degenerative joint disease and arthritis will progress.

The surgeon’s report stated that the correction of Oliver’s deformity would require femoral osteotomy to align the bone-quadriceps muscle axis, release and tightening of lateral and medial para patellar ligaments, tibial tuberosity translocation to a medial position, patellar ligament lengthen and femoral trochleaplasty. Surgeries would need to be six to eight weeks apart. Ultimate function would also necessitate daily physical therapy for optimal results.

Oliver is now with his foster family and doing well. We have scheduled the first available appointment at TUFTS small Animal Hospital for a consult with orthopedic surgeon, Dr. McCarthy (see Gulliver’s story). We trust Dr. McCarthy’s opinion, and his excellent surgical skills, so we know Oliver will get the best treatment.

Oliver's foster mom's report:

“Imagine spending the first 9 months of your life indoors, and not even in a home. Oliver has had a rough start, but is adjusting to "house life" like a true champ!

Everything is new to him; from the grass outside, to the stairs or cars passing by the house. Oliver seems to be forgetting that his past was so limited. He has recently realized that stairs are how you get to the people. He has figured out that the grass outdoors is for running on and playing around with your foster brother.

We are patiently awaiting Oliver’s evaluation with Dr. McCarthy at TUFTS, so we can get his surgery underway. His condition, known as "Genu Valgum", will need to be corrected so he can live a pain free life as he continues to grow. This condition is a congenital and heritable deformity that almost ended his life in the first place; when the pet store owner wanted to kill him.

At the moment, Oliver looks like a puppy with disproportioned legs. The simple things in life, such as running and playing, will sometimes make his legs go out from underneath him.

Luckily, there are caring people out in the world that are willing to give him a chance at life.”

Once again, our organization will incur very large veterinary bills for Oliver’s surgery and care. We are still in need of your financial support. Please help us save more dogs who need special care by sending a donation. We are very grateful for whatever help you can provide.
If you can help with the medical care for Oliver
You can send a check directly to: Northeastern Boxer Rescue
P.O. Box 95 Sunderland MA 01375. or use

makes it easy and secure to send payments online via credit card.

Available for adoption through Northeastern Boxer Rescue