11/24/2025
🩺 • CRITICAL CARE CASE: SANDY 🩺
Sandy was flown to us from Puerto Rico in life-threatening condition after being found with an open, compound fracture of her left front leg, bone visibly protruding through her skin, extensive tissue damage, and road rash consistent with being struck by a vehicle. No medical facility on the island was equipped to manage such a severe orthopedic emergency, so she was transported directly to the Lois Pope Pet Clinic at Tri-County Animal Rescue, where our team believed we could save her leg and give her a chance to recover.
Upon arrival, Sandy was immediately stabilized with pain control, sedation, IV fluids, and lab work. Her diagnostics revealed not only the fracture but also heartworm disease, adding another serious medical challenge to her case. Even in tremendous pain, Sandy remained gentle, trusting, and incredibly brave.
During surgical preparation, a 3–4 cm fragment of her ulna fell out of the wound, demonstrating the severity of the trauma. Our surgeon, Dr. Ramsey, performed a complex orthopedic repair involving a plate and multiple locking and cortical screws to reconstruct and stabilize the radius. The extent of the damage initially made amputation a consideration, but the surgical team was able to preserve the limb through advanced internal fixation.
Sandy is now receiving continuous wound care, bandage management, antibiotics, pain medication, and the first phase of her heartworm treatment. Her recovery will include restricted mobility, repeat imaging, and strict monitoring for healing and infection.
She is walking again, resting comfortably, and showing us every day how resilient animals can be when given a chance. We are proud of our surgical and medical team, and grateful to have the skills and resources to provide advanced emergency care to animals who need it most.
📍 The Lois Pope Pet Clinic at Tri-County Animal Rescue
📞 561-465-2159
🌐 tricountyanimalrescue.org
Where hope meets medicine. 💙🐾