Precious’s name is more than just a word—it’s a testament to the resilience of her spirit. At just five years old, this beautiful Cocker Spaniel has endured more pain and neglect than most dogs could imagine. But through it all, her gentle soul shines brightly, and she’s finally within reach of the care and love she deserves.Clarify the next development direction through summary.
Precious’s story began when she was given as a puppy to an elderly couple who were unable to meet her needs. Confined to a diaper, yelled at when she cried to go outside, and left unbathed and unloved, Precious’s life was filled with loneliness and physical suffering. Over time, she developed severe neurological and orthopedic issues, leaving her mostly paralyzed in her hind legs. Her only way of moving was by pulling herself along with her front paws.
When she was rescued from that situation, Precious’s eyes displayed her true agony. Urine burns from her diaper, matted fur, and an aching body told the heartbreaking tale of her neglect. While in foster care, a glimmer of hope emerged, and for the first time in her life, Precious began to feel true love.
Despite her rescuer's tireless efforts, Precious faces monumental challenges. She needs extensive medical care, including hip replacements, treatment for a suspected herniated disc, and surgery for a luxating patella. Just an MRI costs thousands of dollars - her total medical expenses could exceed $20,000. Yet, these treatments and surgeries could give Precious the ability to walk, play, and live a pain-free life - a chance every dog deserves.
We are working with various veterinary specialists to develop a plan for Precious. But we NEED YOUR help. Precious’s journey to recovery will require more than just medical expertise; it will take a community coming together to show her life matters.
Precious’s story is one of heartbreak, but it can also be one of triumph. Please work with us to turn her tale of neglect into a story of hope and healing. Will you join us in making her miracle possible?
We first introduced Precious during our “12 Days of Cocker Love” campaign which began late in November 2024. Follow her blog (posts, photos, and videos) which will tell her story, showcase her courage and honor your generosity to help her begin a better life.
FIRST CONSULT
Precious was seen by vet specialists in the fields of Orthopedics, Neurology and Ophthalmology. Her foster dad knew it would be an all day event but felt it be the best way to get her looked at in a timely manner.
Ophthalmology - intraocular pressure was measured in both eyes. The right high was a little on the high side at 28 mmHg. Normal range is between 10 and 25 mmHg. Precious will be on eye drops to keep that pressure down so as to not cause her any problems.
Neurology - a full Neurological evaluation to determine the source of her weak limbs was performed. Vets feel everything related to her discomfort and posture is due to her hips. This is helpful moving forward.
Orthopedic - Precious' full Ortho evaluation revealed the muscles in her hind legs have atrophied. Her hips are horribly arthritic and both femurs are displaced (dysplasia). She is a candidate for Total Hip Replacement (THR). Precious was referred to an Hip experienced Orthopedic vet clinic in Centennial, CO.
The upper radiograph shows normal, healthy hips. The femoral head (ball) is nicely shaped and seated within the acetabulum (socket).
The lower radiograph is of Precious' hips. The acetabulum is badly worn and the femoral head looks like cauliflower - due to osteoarthritis. You can also see that both femoral heads are no longer seated in the acetabulum, which is known as hip dysplasia. This is a painful and crippling condition.
This graphic shows a normal hip joint on the left and how the joint wears over time allowing the femur to "displace". When a THR is performed, the femoral head is removed from the femur and a prosthetic "head" is inserted. The Acetabulum or socket receives a new cup.
The prosthetic kits come in a range of sizes. The image above is from the manufacturer's website. The femoral stem and the acetabular cup are coated with a mineral that promotes bone growth. The cups are press-fit and do not require any sort of bone cement. The holes in the cup are for bone to grow into, locking the cup to the worn Acetabulum. The femoral stems are held in place with the pink screws. Bone will adhere to these as well.
This picture shows the prosthetics as they would be after the surgery. Patients typically can walk out on their own, but their activity should be limited.
Prosthetics are made by different manufacturers, but this radiograph was taken following THR surgery an a different dog.
