This May, SEMO Animal Rescue in Mo received a call from local police about a dog running loose with an obviously hurt leg. When the rescuer arrived, she learned from Ducky’s family that he had gotten hit by a car a few days earlier. But instead of taking him to a vet for treatment, they duct taped his leg up and let him keep running the streets (hence his name). SEMO insisted on taking Ducky and they got him immediate treatment. Although no bones were broken, Ducky suffered severe nerve damage in his left leg. Initially the vet recommended removing his leg, but they were seeing some improvement so they decided to let him continue to heal it.
Ducky arrived in Illinois at the end of July and Placing Paws have had him examined by an orthopedic surgeon as well as rehabilitation specialists. They’ve confirmed the nerve damage as well as some muscle issues due to compensating for his damaged leg. Rehab experts have recommended a course of intensive therapy to help regain as much nerve function as possible. There is a window of about 6 months for nerves to recover and we’re already halfway through that. This therapy, including laser treatment for pain and to heal a wound on his toe, electrical stimulation on his muscles, acupuncture for pain and nerve stimulation, and hydrotherapy to help him gain strength in the muscles that have already atrophied, does not come cheap. The first four weeks alone will cost about $2000.
Despite what he’s been through, Ducky is an amazing guy. He is sweet and affectionate, and yes he can be a little mischievous! He doesn’t let his bad leg stop him and is an active pup.