Squad Foster Bernie

The surgical intervention was less invasive than anticipated. Bernie’s skilled surgeon opted for the implantation of two metal plates over external fixation—a decision we cautiously celebrate. However, our joy is tempered with patience; Bernie’s bones must now accept these foreign aides as part of their healing process. According to the surgeon, the roots of Bernie’s injury trace back 3-4 weeks, a revelation that brings with it a heightened risk of infection. Despite the surgeon’s expertise, not all fragments could be cleared, leaving Bernie vulnerable to complications that could necessitate amputation as a result.

Post-Op Recovery

Bernie’s surgery turned out to be less invasive than we initially feared. His surgery was a success, involving the placement of two metal plates and a rod to aid in his healing, rather than opting for an external fixation or amputation.

Bernie’s bones now face the challenge of integrating these foreign objects into their healing process. The surgeon informed us that Bernie’s injury dates back 3-4 weeks, which unfortunately increases his risk of infection. Despite the surgeon’s best efforts, some fragments remain, posing a risk of bacterial complications that could ultimately lead to amputation.

The next 12 weeks are critical. This period is crucial for Bernie's bone to heal after what was a major operation. To mark your calendars, Bernie’s 12-week checkup is scheduled for Memorial Day. In the meantime, his sutures will be removed in two weeks, and he will be donning the cone of shame to prevent any disturbance to his healing wounds.

Bernie’s post-op care includes icing the top and bottom of his incision 3x a day for the next 4 days, followed by warm compressions. Additionally, we will be initiating at-home physical therapy exercises to support his recovery. These include weight shifting, passive range of motion exercises, and massage. We are also enhancing his medication regimen with supplements such as glucosamine chondroitin and fish oil to support his healing.

May 8, 2024

Today, Bernie met with Dr. McDonald-Lynch at Fetch Specialty & Emergency Veterinary Center. As many of you remember, Bernie underwent fracture repair surgery on March 5th. Over the past two months, he showed promising signs of healing, but unfortunately, he faced a setback this week with increased lameness in his leg.

Fresh x-rays revealed that the fracture and the surgical hardware are intact, yet the bone is not fully healed. One particular metal piece seems to be irritating the surrounding soft tissues, which could be contributing to his discomfort and lameness. Bernie is scheduled for another set of x-rays in 8 weeks, and if his lameness persists, surgical intervention might be required to remove the irritating piece of hardware.

Complicating his recovery, Bernie’s treatment for heartworm has put a halt on his hydrotherapy sessions. He will receive the 1st of 3 critical Melarsomine injections this Friday. During this treatment, Bernie must remain on strict kennel rest to avoid any life-threatening complications, which sadly delays his physical therapy and overall healing process.

Once it’s safe, Bernie will resume his physical therapy with Dr. Kennedy. We’re all rooting for his smooth and steady recovery from here on out!

Thank you for being part of Bernie’s journey to recovery. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for the big guy!

May 10, 2024

Squad Foster Bernie had his first of three Melarsomine injections today. Shoutout to the best vet tech, Robbie, for taking such great care of him today at Five Forks Animal Hospital.

Treating heartworm disease is a complex, costly, and intense process that takes a toll on a dog’s body. Melarsomine is an arsenic-based medication, and three injections of this drug are required to kill the adult heartworms.

After the initial injection today, Bernie must undergo strict kennel rest for the next 30 days with a tapering dose of prednisone to reduce inflammation as the worms die. In 30 days, he will receive his second injection, and the third will follow 24 hours later. This rest period extends for another 6-8 weeks after the final injections to minimize movement and prevent life-threatening complications. Physical exertion can be fatal at this stage because it might cause the dead or dying worms to break apart and create blockages in the blood vessels—a condition known as pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). 

Translation: exercise during this stage can be fatal. 

PTE is a significant risk during heartworm treatment. Dead worms can dislodge and block distal pulmonary arteries. This not only increases the risk of complications but can also be fatal if significant blockages occur. These embolisms are why it’s critical to restrict Bernie’s activity; allowing the immune system to gradually break down and absorb the dead worms without additional stress on his body.

Exercise or any vigorous activity can agitate the fragile state of a recovering dog like Bernie, causing what is known as the “shaking the tree” phenomenon where the weakened worms shatter and potentially cause a stroke or sudden death. By restricting movement, we allow his body to slowly and safely process the dying parasites, significantly reducing complications.

Heartworm disease is preventable, yet treating it is a daunting task that underscores the importance of regular preventative care. For dogs like Bernie undergoing treatment, adherence to a strict regimen including antibiotics, injections, and most critically, kennel rest, is essential for recovery.

June 7, 2024

Squad Foster Bernie finished his 3rd and final round of Melarsomine injections today!!! Thank you Dr. Jones and Robbie for taking such great care of our gentle giant at @fiveforksanimalhospital . He received another tramp stamp today, but don’t worry, his fur grows back quickly! Bernie will be placed on another 6-8 weeks of kennel rest and activity restriction while the dying and dead adult heartworms continue to dissolve in his body.

Bernie has come such a long way, and the light at the end of this winding tunnel is shining much brighter today. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU to everyone who has continued to support Bernie’s recovery. Your encouragement and generosity mean the world to us and to Bernie.