Special Needs - Shorty with a broken leg after surgery September 29, 2005 BF Shortcake was whelped along with his siblings; Cheesecake, Layercake, Mochacake, Coffeecake and Pancake. He ran 2 races in his short career, the first race he won but the second race Shorty broke his right rear leg. The track vets did what they could with extremely limited resources but the leg would never be the same. This career ending injury turned out to be a huge blessing for Shorty because he got the chance to get away from the cruel track life and start a new life as a loved member of a happy family.

In November 2009 MI REGAP was contacted by the Mobile Alabama dog track kennel asking if we could take in this special boy as he would need extra medical attention, how much was unknown at that time, but REGAP willingly took on the challenge. His first foster mom noticed that he had a problem with his leg since he wouldn't put any weight on it. Upon examination and x-ray, Dr. Wilson, of Sterling Heights Animal Clinic found that Shorty's leg was not healed correctly and recommended surgery and rehabilitation. It would be a long road to recovery for the sweet greyhound but REGAP's devoted volunteers were ready for the task Through the fundraising efforts and kindness of all involved with REGAP, Shorty was able to have the needed surgery to repair his leg. On December 15, 2009 Dr. Wilson had to surgically rebreak his leg, repair and set the break with pins and screws. The next day, Shorty went to a new foster home that was extra quiet for him to mend and heal. Shorty's leg is casted and he must be leashed walked whenever he goes outside, he is on medication to help with the pain and he will have to go back to visit Dr. Wilson every 2 weeks for bandage changes and rechecks for several months. Once the cast if off, he will have to go to physical therapy to strengthen the leg. Update on Shorty's Progress Hello all,

I just returned from Dr. Wilson's office for Shorty's recheck on his leg. They removed his stitches, changed his splint, and checked his leg. Dr. Wilson said that everything looked good in the x-ray but we need to get him putting weight on that leg. He wants Shorty to start physical therapy in 2 weeks when we go back for his splint removal and recheck. Shorty also has a slight fever and has had issue with loose stools/diarrhea since his surgery. Dr. Wilson gave him another round of antibiotics and medicine for the diarrhea. He said to keep Shorty on the bland diet with fiber until his digestive system straightens out. I think I may start buying rice by the 50 lbs. bag. Shorty did really good at the vet office. He did not give any attention to the 2 little dogs or the cat he had to wait in the waiting room with. He even let the little dogs smell him and approach him without any issue. I will continue to keep you posted.

Ron Stafford - Foster Dad Continued Updates on Shorty...
January 9th Shorty is doing much better and starting to get a bit more energetic. He has even started coming up to us for scratches and letting us know he wants dinner or cookies (all the time). His appetite is back and good thing since he really needs to put on a few pounds...poor thing! He still won't put the leg down so he has a way to go with rehab. We will start the rehab after his visit with Dr. Wilson on Thursday the 14th. He will start at the Northern Macomb Rehab (At Wilson's Clinic in Romeo). I will let you know how things work out... Ron - Foster Dad

To Donate to help with medical costs please send your check to:
MI REGAP
PO Box 806131
St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
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