The Diagnosis

When Shmi first arrived at her foster home, it was evident that the injury to her right leg was a continual source of pain. Despite the constant ache though, Shmi's true personality began to shine through! She would try to headbutt anyone's hand for attention and would purr almost non-stop. She tries to make 'biscuits' and happy paws to show that she was content with her new surroundings. She spent the majority of her time in crate confinement - as recommended until the injury could be assessed - but would come out a little at meal times. The foster dad - Keith- describes her efforts to walk as one of the most painful things that he has ever seen. Her natural resting position for when she tried to stand was to stand on both front legs while she her back legs would rest to the side - with the injured one up in the air.


She was taken into the vet at the first available opportunity (unfortunately, the date coincided with New Years closings) for an exams and x-rays. Their findings were grim - Shmi had been shot with buckshot - riddling her body with small metal fragments. The worst of it - at least three of the bullets had hit her right femur - breaking it into several portions. The rest of the pellets scattered across her pelvis, tail and hips - luckily causing no major injuries.

The vet also noted that she had a luxating patella in her other knee (her knee can dislocate out of the socket, the socket is too shallow to keep the knee in place). This unfortunately meant that she couldn't have the leg amputated - with all the weight on the remaining back leg, the knee would give out. Without orthopedic surgery - Shmi would not have a chance for recovery and since the expense for the surgery is immense - the vet recommended euthanasia. We all understood - it wasn't that she wanted to euthanize Shmi, but the majority of the time, when the treatment would require upwards of $2000 in medical needs, non-profit rescues couldn't afford the cost.

But Shmi just kept purring and melted our hearts - and the foster parent took her back home to regroup and find another way. Hope came when we consulted other veterinarians and an orthopedic surgeon - they all agreed that amputation would not be needed - Shmi could keep her leg and her life!!