Bolt Needs Surgery

Hi, we’re Amanda and Tyler, and this is Bolt. We live together as a happy family in North Platte, Nebraska. A medical situation has come up concerning our good boy here, and we are turning to all of you reading this for help.

We rescued Bolt in July of 2022. Bolt was abandoned and found by a local rescue organization. Shortly after we brought Bolt home, we noticed he was limping. At first, we thought he might have hurt himself while playing, but it became more concerning after a few weeks.

We recently took Bolt to the vet for a diagnosis and received the heartbreaking news that our boy has Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD/OD) in both his front shoulders. Bolt has been on anti-inflammatories for weeks which has helped with his pain and mobility. OCD occurs when a portion of the cartilage in a developing joint fails to mature into the bone, causing damage to the joint. The exact cause is unknown, but it does occur in large-breed rapidly developing puppies. Without surgery to remove this cartilage, subsequent severe arthritis will develop.

Even with the anti-inflammatories, Bolt continues to limp in pain when walking, playing, and running. We are now moving forward with the surgery option to increase Bolt's quality of life. The surgery costs between $3,000 to $4,000, with additional costs for medication, cone, sling, and other devices needed for recovery. It may not seem like a lot to some, but it would significantly dent our finances. Bolt is only a year and a half old, with many more years ahead of him. With surgery, Bolt can live his life to the healthiest and fullest.

We are fundraising to help alleviate the cost of Bolt's surgery costs. Anything you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Bolt after his x-rays, which resulted in the OCD/OD diagnosis.

Tyler and Bolt snuggling.

Bolt loves sleeping on his back and belly rubs.

Bolt and his baby cow.