OSPCA in need of funds to assist ailing dog

MUSKOKA — With four animals already this year in need of specialized care, the animal care funds for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Muskoka branch are severely depleted.
The two animal hospitals in Bracebridge, Centennial Animal Hospital and the Bracebridge Animal Hospital, each collect donations from the public to go towards their OSPCA animal care funds. So far this year, Gracie, a Jack Russell terrier, Archie, an eight-month-old orange tabby cat, and Mary Jane, a two-year-old long-haired grey tortie have all required veterinary care outside of the usual general health care.
Now Phoebe, a seven-year-old Pomeranian is in need of help. Phoebe joined the shelter in January when her owners surrendered her, after realizing they were no longer able to care for her financially. Upon arrival, the small dog was limping and seemed uncomfortable. She was taken to Centennial Animal Hospital for assessment.
“After doing radiographs, they were able to determine that she had a fractured hip, as well as a luxating patella, which is basically a misalignment of the knee,” said Jane McCamus, OSPCA Muskoka branch manager. “So they’re both different problems, but the knee problem can be a result of the fractured hip … it can be a very, very painful condition.”
It was determined the only treatment was surgery to correct both problems. As the conditions are painful, the only other humane alternative was euthanasia.
Fortunately for Phoebe, there was about $1,500 in the Centennial Animal Hospital animal care fund and the surgery was performed. However, the followup care, including further radiographs to assess the healing, plus a separate condition of advanced dental disease, which requires the removal of the majority of her teeth, will require another $1,500. With the fund depleted, the OSPCA is looking to the public to help Phoebe.
“She’s a dog that we know if we can alleviate some of these medical concerns that she’s got a great personality, she loves people, she’s going to make somebody a great family member,” said McCamus. “So for that reason, we feel that we need to make an effort and we want to try to ensure that we give her that new beginning if we can.”
Once Phoebe’s rehab is complete, in about eight weeks, she will be ready for adoption. In the meantime, she is living in a foster home.
“It really boils down to support from the veterinary community, from our volunteers who foster animals like this for us, and from our donors and supporters who have always risen to the challenge to help us provide for animals like this in the past,” said McCamus.
Of the other animals that required specialized care earlier this year, Mary Jane, the two-year-old grey tortie, is still awaiting adoption.
A beautiful cat in both appearance and disposition, Mary Jane had entropion surgery to correct the eyelids of both eyes, which were turning in, causing the eyelashes to rub against her corneas. It is a very painful condition that causes abrasions on the eyes and can be genetic or caused by an injury to the eyes.
Following her surgery, she is healing well, while she awaits a new home.
The OSPCA Muskoka branch provides food, shelter and general care to over 1,000 animals a year. Of those, 30 per cent require more specialized veterinary care.
“Finding the resources to help those animals so that we can place them in a new home is very challenging on top of trying to provide for daily care,” said McCamus. “So that’s why funds like this are important to us.”
To help Phoebe directly, donate to the animal care fund at the Centennial Animal Hospital or mark your donation “special appeal” and leave it at the OSPCA Muskoka branch at 1234 Muskoka Road 118 West.
To help replenish the animal care funds for future animals, donate to the funds at either the Bracebridge Animal Hospital or Centennial Animal Hospital anytime throughout the year.

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