Our Little "Gimpy" GUS

Poor little Gus has had a hard start in his short life. He was found wandering the streets as a stray. At only one year old, he was diagnosed with heartworms, so underwent treatment and is now HW free. All during the time he was being treated, he was suffering from a broken hip, which nobody noticed. He hid the injury well, as he'd run like the wind with the other dogs and never indicated he was in pain. Sure he lifted one leg occasionally, but other symptoms went unnoticed. A vet examined him and said his limping was due to a short hamstring in the leg.


After his HW treatment was finished, he came to New Rattitude and into our home. What a delightful little guy! He loves all people and most dogs he meets. Big dogs can be intimidating, but Gus is fine with them if they don't tower over him.


A couple of days with us and we noticed that Gus had an odd way of sitting with his hind legs straight out to the back, which told us his problem was more than a "short hamstring". So off to a different vet who took xrays and confirmed that Gus had a broken hip. Poor little guy! To be so loving while in pain - what a dog!


Gus had Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)surgery, which involves removing the head (ball) of the femur. In time, new bone will form and he'll be back to normal. Stay tuned for updates on Gus' therapy and recovery.