Rinty was dumped in a kill shelter in Texas along with 3 of his siblings. All of them suffered from Straight Leg Synndrome, a genetic problem resulting in rigid hind legs that are unable to bend normally. One dog was put down and Rinty and his sister Nanette came to the rescue. They were flown up just hours before they were going to be put to sleep.
Rinty at Aurora Animal Clinic having the leg examined. His straight leg deformity can be seen clearly in his right rear leg.
Xray shows the abnormal femur (thigh bone) and hip causing the deformity of his right rear leg.
Xray lateral view.
Since Rinty's left leg was normal, it was decided that amputation of the non-functional leg would give him the best outcome for mobility.
Rinty being prepped for surgery.
Intubated and under general anesthesia prior to surgery.
Rinty's right leg is suspended up to make the amputation easier.
Initial incision of the skin.
Exposing the muscle.
Exposing the joint.
Exposed bone - head of femur.
Femur removed from hip socket.
Amputation completed - closing muscle and skin.
Postoperative Recovery.
Waking up after surgery.
Ready to go home.
Surgical wound healing well.
Resting at home.
Getting some healing light therapy to reduce inflammation and pain.
Now mobile on three legs and starting his new life!
Rinty in the water treadmill
Rinty's water therapy
Rinty - More therapy working those muscles
Rinty March 2019
Rinty was scheduled for an MRI of his spine because he had a curvature and we wanted to make sure if it was something that had to be treated.
Rinty on the cart prior to the MRI scan under sedation and on a ventilator.
Rinty being positioned for the scan.
The legs must be supported for a clear scan of the spine.
Rinty in position and secured to the table with his IV and ventilator.
Rinty entering the scanner.
Rinty's MRI image monitor.
Reviewing Rinty's MRI images.
MRI and CT images are shown in different views. This view is a cross section or slice that shows the body as if looking from "the feet up" while the patient is supine (laying on his back). The bottom part of the screen shows the back resting on the table and the top is the stomach. The left hand of the screen is actually the patient's right side and the right side of the screen is the patient's left side.
The lower central image being pointed to is the spine and spinal cord. Around it we can see muscle on either side of that and extending out to fatty tissue and skin.
The top of the screen shows the inner organs (bowel, liver, etc.)and then again out to fat and skin.
Out of the scanner and ready for recovery.
Rinty awake but groggy - he did just fine for the scan!