A Wigan woman's plea to help nine-month-old puppy who needs surgery fast
A Wigan family is urgently seeking donations for their beloved German Shepherd puppy, Zena, who needs costly hip surgery to alleviate severe pain.
Louise Fazackerley, 49, has owned Zena - a nine-month-old German Shepherd for only a short while, but has since fallen in love with her as a member of their family.
Louise said: “She’s such a lovely little thing, her character is so soft.
“She’s really protective over my grandchildren already and she’s just so good. I’ve got another four-year-old German Shepherd and they’re brilliant with each other.”
However recently, Louise noticed that Zena was having problems with her back legs.
She said: “I took her to the vets and they said they thought it was hip dysplasia and that she would need double hip surgery.
“She had an X-ray done and they’ve said how urgent it is. You can see on it that they’re completely out of place.
Hip dysplasia is a painful joint disease where a dog’s hip socket does not fit well. It causes bone rubbing, lameness, and stiffness. Large breeds like German Shepherds get it most.
In its early stages, hip dysplasia may or may not be painful. But as the condition progresses, the cartilage of the hip begins to wear down. This leads to painful arthritis, bone spurs and other joint changes, muscle atrophy, and limited mobility.
The operation is due to cost £5,800 per hip, Louise has been asked to be referred to the animal hospital which could bring the price down if accepted but it could still cost between £8,000 - £10,000 in total.
Louise said: “I had every intention of insuring her but she’s had all sorts going wrong with her. She’s got a severe grass allergy, a chicken allergy. All of my money has been going on the vets since the week I got her.”
If Zena doesn’t get the surgery that she desperately needs, life will get much worse for her.
Louise said: “She’ll get to the point where she will not be able to walk. She’ll just seize up and she’ll be in too much pain.”
As a result of this, Louise and her family have set up a GoFundMe to raise the money needed, but so far only have £50.
To donate and help Zena, go to: https://gofund.me/5c61ecba6