Help Archie Walk Without Pain Again

Hi there! My name is Kendal, and chances are if you know me you’ve met or at least have heard me lovingly gush about my wonderful dog Archie. I rescued him in May of 2024, and he just turned 2 years old in January.

I noticed about a month ago that he was limping when he got up after his naps, which I casually mentioned to my vet, assuming he was just stiff after long periods of rest. Just to be safe, they had me bring him in for x-rays to see if there was anything to be concerned about. I was devastated to learn that they did find an issue with both of his legs: essentially, his kneecaps become dislocated any time he runs, jumps, walks, or gets up after lying down for too long. Not only that, but they also discovered that his femurs are misshapen, causing him to be bow-legged, which is contributing to the issue and causing him further discomfort and pain. They told me that he was in a lot more pain than he had been letting on, which as a pet owner, was a gut-wrenching thing to hear.

We were referred to Animal Surgical & Orthopedic Center in Shoreline, specialists who have experience treating this condition and could offer their expertise. They have recommended a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO), in which they will surgically change the orientation of the tibia and stabilize it with a plate and screws. The team there also said that there is a possibility that Archie has an injury to his cruciate ligament (an important stabilizing element in his knees) but that they won’t know until they’ve begun the surgery. If he does, they’ll need to repair that as well, which could add to our estimated total.

There is no question that we would do anything to get Archie the care he needs, and while we have put in an insurance inquiry for this procedure, we’re unsure if it will cover any of the cost. The surgery has been quoted to cost anywhere between $5,500 - $8,500–all of which I am required to pay on the day of the surgery. Furthermore, his recovery will be a potential 10-12 week process, the first week of which we have been instructed to stay home with him to supervise and ensure that his movement is restricted. This means that both my partner and I will need to take time off work, which will further impact our financial situation. If that weren’t enough, after the initial week of constant observation, he will then have to undergo physical therapy, follow-up appointments, and potentially pain managing medication. The costs add up and are frankly intimidating, which is why we’re here.

This has all happened so fast, and there was no time to prepare for this kind of emergency. Any support from you, my friends and family, or someone who stumbles onto our story and has anything to spare, will be invaluable in making sure that Archie can live a long, healthy, and normal life without pain or fear of further physical degradation. If his insurance does cover surgery any funds raised will be donated to the rescue that I adopted Archie from, Puyallup Animal Rescue. Thank you for considering a donation or even a share to help spread the word! Me, my family, and my precious baby are so appreciative of anything you can do to help.