My name is AUSTIN!

AUSTIN

10/14/08



LIFE OR DEATH - A CONCERN FOR AUSTIN



A FRACTURED NECK VERTEBRAE AND A FRACTURED LEG



We received a call from another rescue over the weekend asking if we could help with a boxer that needed expensive surgery. His name is Austin and he is a wonderful 2 year old who was hit by a car on September 26th. Abandoned by his family at Angel Memorial Animal Hospital we were told that he was scheduled to be euthanized on Monday. We immediately called the hospital and spoke to the doctor to get more details, and quickly made arrangements to have Austin transferred to Tufts Veterinary Hospital.



Austin sustained serious (possibly life-threatening) injuries including a fractured vertebrae in his neck and a radius/ulna fracture in his forearm. Prior to NBR learning about Austin, he was kept as comfortable as possible at the hospital with pain medication for 15 days. A splint was placed on his neck and his leg.



When we arrived at Angel to pick him up, it was clear how well liked Austin was by all the staff. Everyone knew his name and sent him off with heartfelt waves and words of encouragement. It took a few minutes for Austin to settle down in the car, but once he did, he snoozed until we arrived at Tufts.



The doctors at Tufts who initially examined Austin were very concerned about the fracture in his neck. The break is located in the “dens” area of the spine between the first and second vertebrae. We were told that if the fracture shifts it would most likely kill him. With continued instability, there is a risk for suddenly luxating the spine, with acute paralysis and death. They said he was a “very lucky boy” so far and hoped that his luck would continue.



We are awaiting surgical consults on both his neck and forearm from the specialists. More radiographs and possibly a CAT scan are scheduled for tomorrow. Should his neck require surgical stabilization along with his front limb, his medical bills were estimated at $10,000. Austin is a very sweet soul who deserves to live.



10-19-08:



STILL HOLDING OUR BREATH ON AUSTIN’S PROGNOSIS



The radiographs of Austin’s leg confirmed that he needed surgery. The operation was completed and his leg required a metal plate and screws. Due to his neck injury we were told that it was possible Austin could die on the table. Any movement could have caused his death, therefore they took extreme precautions to immobilize his neck.



Austin has been heavily medicated for his pain, and it took him longer than normal to recover from the anesthesia. He has been placed in the Intensive Care Unit and is being monitored around the clock. Short of death, their main concern is if Austin starts showing any signs of a neurological problem caused by the neck fracture.



Following Austin’s leg operation, the doctors tried another type of cast around his neck which totally restricted all head movement. Unfortunately, this cast caused Austin extreme discomfort and it was decided to remove it for the time being; the doctors will reassess the situation when they see how he does.



The radiographs of Austin’s neck showed that the vertebrae appears to be trying to heal itself. The surgeon said that ideally they could repair the fracture surgically, however, their concern is that they could possibly cause compression on the spinal cord and do more harm than good.



The doctor’s plan is to stabilize Austin’s neck as best they can and closely watch his neurological signs. Should his neurological condition deteriorate they may have no choice but to operate despite the danger.



Austin is currently heavily sedated so that he cannot get up. When they feel he is ready, they will move him out of ICU and monitor his status for several more days. If all goes well, he would be released from the hospital sometime next week.



We were told this is a “waiting game” and Austin’s condition can change at any moment. We are giving him a chance at a good quality of life….but we are all holding our breath on his outcome. He will not be out of danger for several more weeks. Please say a prayer for this courageous little boy.




URGENT: PLEASE HELP Austin by sending a donation to help with his medical bills. Our funds are depleting rapidly. We will soon be unable to help dogs with medical issues. YOUR HELP IS IMPERATIVE.
10-29-08: SO FAR SO GOOD



Like many of the severely injured dogs who have entered our rescue program, Austin seems to have guardian angels watching out for him. Luckily, Austin started to improve while he was in the hospital and, despite his injuries, is doing well. The doctor’s decided to leave his neck free of the cast since the tight restriction interfered with his breathing.



Austin was released from Tuft’s Animal Hospital and is now resting comfortably in his new foster home. Austin did very well in the car on the way home. Initially he seemed a bit “worried”; he was up against the passenger door laying down with one eye open, but once we drove a few miles he settled in and seemed to enjoy the ride.



Austin’s leg is still quite swollen but we are keeping a close eye on it and making sure that he has minimal use. Hopefully, he will have his staples removed this week. He is currently on Rimadyl and Antirobe twice daily. He takes his medication easily and has a wonderful appetite. He is on complete exercise restriction and must be crated for the better part of the day per doctor’s order.



He weighs in at 48 pounds but could use some extra weight. He loves people and always has the boxer butt wiggle =)



Austin has an appointment to go back to Tufts in early December. The doctors will take radiographs of Austin’s left forelimb to make sure that his leg fracture is healing well. They will also take radiographs of the cervical fracture in his neck to make sure that it is continuing to heal. We are still hoping that he will not need additional surgery for this injury, and we are praying that there is no incidents that will interfere with his progress so far. He also has a fractured tooth as a result of being hit by the car which can not be addressed until his neck is all better, and he will need to be neutered as well.



Although Austin has only been here a short time he has already proved to us that his is one awesome boxer boy.



11-11- 08



We have been receiving many inquiries regarding Austin’s progress so we thought another update would be appropriate.



“Austin had his staples removed last week. He was a brave patient…not a whimper. There were twenty staples in his leg (so he had twenty cookies!)



The swelling on his leg has subsided a bit and we are still keeping him off of it as much as possible. We are following the doc’s orders on complete rest….no exercise, steps, walks etc. I must confess though, we have given him a bit more freedom during the day, however, at night he is still being crated.



Austin is completely housebroken and has not had one accident. If he needs to go out, he will let you know by standing at the door. He is such a good boy!



For the first time, we heard Austin bark. I’m not sure who was more surprised…him or me. Austin noticed a neighbor walk by the front door and wanted to "warn" us; of course, his nub was wagging at the same time



He is no longer on any meds, however, we are still very concerned with the neck injury. He does stretch out on his bed and we have heard him wince a few times. We all hold our breath when that happens. We know we can’t stop him from certain actions so we say quite a few prayers when he shakes, bends or stretches.



He still has a wonderful appetite. His dishes are raised so he does not have to bend his neck when he eats or drinks….which brings me to his “neat” table manners. He has none. Little Austin gets as much in his mouth as he gets on the floor… so we help him “recycle’ by putting whatever he misses back into his dish =)



Austin has a difficult time chewing his food because of his dental problems which cannot be addressed until his neck is healed. We soak his kibble thoroughly and make sure all treats are soft. I also cook boneless chicken breasts, cut that in small cubes, and give them to him as treats. He now knows that the tall rectangular box in the kitchen is a great big treat jar. He will sit in front of the refrigerator for as long as it takes for you to open it and give him his treats (and this boxer boy has patience)!



Aussie is the best!!!"