Pistachio is a 4 Month Old Boston Terrier in South Paris, ME, Who Needs $2,000 for Bilateral Elbow Luxation Repair.

Pistachio was born with a deformity in his front legs. His vet told his breeder that there was no surgical treatment available. She contacted me because I have done doggy rehab and doggy PT with multiple foster and family dogs. I was happy to be able to offer him anything that I could do for him. We arranged for me to pick him up when he was 8 weeks old. Almost immediately we began his rehab.

His new rehab veterinarian practices out of Portland Veterinary Emergency ans Specialty Care in Portland, Maine. X-rays were done and the subluxations in his elbows were easily appreciated. She spoke to a member of the surgical team who shared that surgical repair might be possible. We consulted with the surgeon and she was very optimistic.

“Toshi” is an amazing little guy. He is full of energy and does not know he is different. He is a lovebug, but also loves to do his exercises. He swims 3 times a week, walks in his front cart, does stretches and works on making his back legs strong. With a stronger hind end, it prepares him to be able to progress better during his post-op rehab.

When Toshi joined our family, we were totally prepared for his PT needs. Surgery was not in the picture. But we learned he can benefit from surgery and the prognosis is very good for having normal mobility after.
But we can’t afford to provide that for him.