Marley's Story - Leg Amputation
This is Marley's story, a young boy who came into us with a damaged leg that may require amputation. Click here for latest update on Marley.
May 2010
Marley came into our care in May 2010 and presented with a history with his right hind leg. When he was younger, he had fallen off a wall and fractured his femur.
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Marley had surgery in April 2009 but unfortunately it was unsuccessful and, as you can see from these photos, he has lived with severe muscle wastage and a permanently dislocated knee. He is also currently in pain with nerve damage and is unable to use his leg, but is receiving pain medication.
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Poor Marley is now in our care and will have his leg amputated on 25th May 2010, as recommended by vets previously. Thankfully he has a lovely foster home and he will remain in foster until he has recovered enough to find a new home.
23rd May 2010
Here are some photos of Marley in his new foster home. As you can see, he is certainly relaxed and is enjoying some home comforts. Marley is a underweight but is having lots of fun with his foster sister and getting used to playing with all his new toys!
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25th May 2010
Marley went to the vets today for his planned surgery, but got sent back home again! He needs to gain a little more weight and muscle before he can have the surgery. The vet was also impressed at how much more he was using his leg and has suggested that, if he is not in pain, he may be able to keep his leg. Although it is of no use to him as a limb, he uses it as a balance while he is standing etc. He is due to go back in two weeks time for a reassessment. Fingers crossed!
9th June 2010
Great news! Marley has been given the all clear with his leg and now wont need to have it amputated. Since he has been in foster, he has been able to gain the weight he has needed to in order to start recovering from his initial surgery and to start building up the muscles he will need to use his leg. Whilst he will never be able to use his leg properly, Marley can now move around without being in pain and uses his leg as a prop or rest. It may be that he will still have to lose it in later life, as arthritis sets in or the scar tissues causes problems, but for the time being he can live the life he wants to!
Even better news is that his foster Mum and Dad decided they couldn't be without him and Marley is now staying their forever, with his new sister Lily. The pair became very close, very early on and now they wont be separated. Well done Marley!
July 2010
Unfortunately it appears that the problem with Marley's dislocating knee cap may be worse that was first thought and it seems to be constantly slipping in and out every time he moves. He is due to have x-rays and the vets will decide whether or not to operate to deepen the groove the knee sits in so it can't pop out. It also appears that Marley is pretty much certain to suffer from arthritis in his hip due to the broken femur.
On the good news front, Marley has gained a great deal of weight and has improved his muscle tone. He is having the time of his life with his new sister Lily and the pair are as thick as thieves! We have everything crossed that Marley doesn't need to have any more surgery.
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