"Tail"
"Tail" came to our hospital in November with extensive damage to her left front leg. She had been to the Emergency Hospital and was sent to us the next morning with her x-rays, which showed that her humerus, or upper arm bone, had been shattered. Tail's x-rays also showed us that she had suffered a gunshot wound, as the bullet fragments were present on the x-rays. Since the bone in Tail's leg was beyond repair, the only option left was to have the limb amputated. Being young and otherwise healthy, her chances of complete recovery and adjustment were very good.
Tail was hooked up to intravenous fluids, given antibiotics and pain medication, and once she was stabilized we proceeded with the surgery. Tail came through her surgery with no complications; her recovery was rapid and uneventful. Within two weeks, she was racing around the house as though she'd never been injured.
Animals don't have the same psychological attachment to body parts as we humans, and they are usually able to adjust very rapidly to the physical change. As we say in the veterinary world, "All animals are born with three legs and a spare."
