Rennie's battle is over

(June 2,2008)

It is with deepest regret that we inform you that Rennie has moved on to a better, pain free place. For fourteen days she fought for life, and dedicated veterinary professionals fought for her, but at the end it became clear that nothing more could be done.

We knew from the beginning that it would be the infections resulting from the original bites that would be the greatest risk factor. While complicated, the orthopedic repairs were fairly straightforward compared to controlling the infections. In spite of a wide array of antibiotics Rennie developed sepsis, which is essentially a systemic infection resulting from more localized wound infections.

Until Saturday it seemed that while we weren’t actually getting ahead of the infections she was doing fairly well. Late Saturday Rennie went into a decline. Her entire system was failing, She needed, and got, an immediate blood transfusion. As time progressed her system continued to deteriorate. Her heartbeat became more irregular, and there were signs that the bones in the repaired leg were starting to break down.

After much discussion, and many tears, it was decided that in spite of anything we could do we simply were not going to be able to save Rennie. It seemed that further attempts to prolong her life would be unnecessary cruelty. And so, this afternoon, nestled in her owners arms, Rennie was allowed to drift off to a better world.

Those of us who were privileged to be a part of Rennie’s struggle wish her godspeed and happiness in the next phase of her journey, whatever that may be, and we hold in high regard the courage and dedication of her owner as she put her own life on hold to try to save her dog. Knowing Rennie, and knowing Lisa, has to some degree changed all of our lives.

UPDATE: MAY 27

As you all know we had Rennie transferred to another facility where around the clock care could be provided. Her surgeries were done there by one of the finest orthopedic surgeons in the state. The facility is still providing round the clock care for Rennie to control infections and provide the needed wound care. It is anticipated that she may be well enough to return to our facility early next week.

In the meantime expenses are mounting. While the other surgeon and facility are substantially discounting their normal rates for us the current bill is at around eight thousand dollars, and will probably near ten thousand before Rennie returns to us. Once she returns Rennie will still need at least one more surgery, and potentially several, depending on the progress of healing. And once the breaks mend she'll need extensive therapy to regain full use of her leg.

While the immediate crisis is past and it looks like Rennie is well on the way to recoverythere's a long way to go. We'd encourage you to continue to pass along Rennie's story to your friends and coworkers or maybe set up a donation cup near the coffee pot at the office. Your responses, donations, and prayers have brought Rennie this far. We encourage you to help her make it to the end.

 

 

HERE'S THE NEWS WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!

(MAY 23, 2008)

Rennie's leg and jaw have been repaired!

Orthopedic surgeries to repair Rennie's rear leg and jaw have been completed. Her leg was broken into several distinct pieces, and they've been reassembled. The breaks in her jaw were set. There are never any guarentees in life, but the outcome looks great for Rennie at this point!

She's still got a long road ahead of her, but getting those bones set is a real major step forward. For the first time in nearly a week it's looking really good for the gator dog!

There's still a long road ahead for her on her way to full recovery. We'll be continuing to treat the bite wounds and trying to control infections. She'll need at least one more surgery on the leg. And even after the bones fuse she'll need therapy, but thanks to the help and prayers of people all over the world Rennie is finally really on the road to recovery.

Update:May 22

Rennie did not have surgery today. She's hanging on, and doing about as well as can be expected, but she did suffer a bout of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) which might have made surgery dangerous. Doctors are continuing to treat her to get her stabilized and ready to successfully make it through the needed surgeries. Keep in mind that every day is another step toward recovery and keep those prayers and good thoughts coming!

Rennie is hanging on...(May 21)

Rennie made it through another night, and the first of several surgeries that will be needed to put all her working parts back in working order. Today doctors worked to once again clean and debride her wounds to minimize infection. We're hoping that tomorrow she'll be strong enough for the first of the orthopedic surgeries. Already she's strong enough to object to getting injections. Weve been told, and experienced, that Rennie "isn't so sweet when you have a syringe in your hand."

Keeping infections under control is still the most urgent thing. Apparently there is little in life nastier than a gator's mouth. As that risk is reduced doctors will be able to begin reconstructive surgeries. In the meantime, Rennie is doing as well as can be expected, and getting stronger by the day.

Support and concern for Rennie is amazing and often overwhelming. It's awesome to see people's concern and compassion for her, and there is no real way to convey our gratitude for the support she's receiving. We thank you. Rennie thanks you.

update: May 20

Dr Eric Schneirmann worked late into the evening yesterday to clean up and stitch up the worst of Rennie's wounds and get her stabilized. That accomplished she made it to one of the first milestones in her healing journey- she made it through the night. Xrays showed that Rennie's rear leg is broken in three places and her jaw in two.

Rennie was examined today by an orthopedic specialist. It was determined that both her leg and her jaw CAN be repaired, or at least that the bones can be repaired. Further testing is needed to evaluate vascular and neurological damage, wound infection, and her overall strength. Dates for surgery will be set based on the outcome of those tests. Again, be assured that the timing of Rennie's surgeries will be based entirely on her condition, NOT on available funds. Rennie is a real trooper, and a sweet, sweet girl, and every possible step will be taken to assure her wellbeing regardless of cost.

There has been a tremendous community resonse to Rennie's plight. Donations are coming in, as are encouraging calls and emails. At last count it was estimated that about half the funds needed to cover Rennie's surgeries have been recieved, although we actually aren't yet certain exactly what those costs may be. We'd like to thank all of you for your support, and we ask you to contune to support Rennie with donations, prayers, good wishes...

DOG MAULED BY ALLIGATOR

Renie, a nine year old German Shepherd mix, was swimming in a canal on May 19th when she was grabbed by a gator. She was dragged to safety, but her ongoing safety is still questionable. She has a leg broken in several places, and a broken jaw. Just fending off infections will be an ongoing concern.

Renie has come to Paws2Help, where she's been sedated to control pain until corrective surgeries can begin. While surgeries will NOT be delayed by lack of funds, Renie must be stabilized before the surgeries can be done. While we work to stabilize Renie and get her strong enough to begin the repair and rehabilitation process, we ask for your support, both in the form of donations to help cover the expenses associated with her surgeries and care, and with your prayers and good thoughts for her healing and well being.

We'll be adding information about Renie's progress and condition as it becomes available.