Marley was brought to an animal hospital in Abbotsford by his owner after being hit by a car. He was crying out in pain with a seriously injured hind left leg. Marley was surrendered to the hospital when the owner realized they could not afford the veterinary care required to treat the injury appropriately.
“We were contacted by the hospital and asked if we would take on Marley’s care,” says Ashley Fontaine-Ost, the BC SPCA’s senior manager, Interior & Fraser Valley. “He was picked up and brought to a hospital that we work closely with, where he was given pain medication and x-rays to determine the extent of his injury. Unfortunately, Marley was diagnosed with a dislocated hip. This kind of injury is very painful and requires an expensive surgery to repair,” says Fontaine-Ost. “We know this was an incredibly difficult decision but the guardian definitely did the right thing by surrendering Marley so he could receive the care he needs.”
Fontaine-Ost says that Marley was brought to the BC SPCA’s Vancouver animal hospital for further examination to determine the best treatment option. “The surgeons determined that Marley would be best served with a femoral head ostectomy.”
A femoral head ostectomy is a surgical procedure where the femoral head (the ball part of the hip joint in dogs) is removed when it is causing pain and inflammation as it no longer fits properly in the hip bone.
The removal of the femoral head leaves an empty socket and, over time, scar tissue forms to provide cushioning called a “false joint”. This prevents bone-on-bone contact and provides pain-free mobility to a diseased or damaged hip.
“Marley is currently staying with an incredible BC SPCA foster volunteer while he waits for his surgery,” says Fontaine. “He is an extremely sweet and calm dog who is so trusting. I would like to think it is because he knows we are helping him.”
Fontaine adds that Marley is affectionate with everyone he meets and is thoroughly enjoying spending time with his foster brother, an English labrador named Roxy. “They were instant friends,” says Fontaine. “His tail never stops wagging, even in spite of his injury.”
Marley will be available for adoption in approximately four to six weeks.
When Petsecure Pet Health Insurance* learned about Marley’s story, the company generously offered to match all medical donations up to $3,500 to help with his care and other animals who need urgent medical help.
* This grant was made by the Definity Insurance Foundation at the recommendation of the Definity Insurance Company Petline Insurance Company.