During this strange and difficult time, we continue to do what we have always done, see and treat sick animals. Sometimes things go well, sometimes not, but for the next few weeks, we will try to recount some good things, that make our work worthwhile, and that hopefully will bring a smile to your face.

This is the story of Charlie, an 8 week old Boston terrier, who happens to be an unusual color- brown and white. She came to us having had her foot stepped on, which fractured all of her metacarpals (rather like all the bones in our hands). It was an accident, which is often the case, and the owners felt terrible. They felt even more terrible when told by a specialist that the only treatment option available was to pin the toes. Of course, they had no insurance. They came to the Timberlea Veterinary Clinic for a 2^nd opinion.

Now surgery is always an option, and sometimes the best option, but one of the advantages of having older veterinarians is that we have practiced before there were specialists, and sometimes see things from another practical view. There were few or no specialists 30 years ago.

We offered to cast the foot with no guarantees. Casting immobilizes the fracture, and with a young growing dog can be challenging, as they are so active. We also need to change the cast every 2^nd week, since they are growing and we don’t want to impinge on their growth plates. 3 changes were needed for little Charlie, each requiring a sedation. Our cast cutter had broken, and Dr. Glew had to improvise using her own wood cutting oscillating saw. 5 weeks later, repeat radiographs showed healing. A support bandage was placed just to help little Charlie resume her activity and to protect the fragile area.

Seeing Charlie run around on her leg certainly made our day-especially during this time. It was our little Easter gift in the form of a happy puppy! Happy Easter to all…

The Timberlea Veterinary Team.