Let's Get Betty Better!

Betty Wobbles came to the farm with her friends Kyle and Tony on January 16, 2022. She had suffered a suspected bout of sheep polio (PEM - related to thiamine deficiency) and as a result, had limited mobility. The farm she came from wanted her to have a chance, so I agreed to take her.

 

My friend Sophie, a certified canine rehab practitioner who owns and operates Playbow Animal Rehab Clinic, began volunteering her time to help Betty regain as much mobility as possible. We got Betty a harness and a "peanut" ball, and began daily rehab exercises. Sophie also began laser treatments on Betty, which have helped her head and neck mobility increase remarkably. Betty's whole demeanour has improved since we started these treatments, encouraging me to make the decision to get her a "Walkin' Wheels" pet walker/wheelchair, at a cost of around $650 USD. Unfortunately, we have not been able to get her in it yet, as the very week it arrived, Betty suffered a fracture in her rear right leg. I was afraid that euthanasia would be the only option at that point, but my vet Dr. Russ (Vankleek Hill Veterinary Services) was optimistic he could set her leg and have it heal well. We suspect her leg was fractured by one of her sheep friends climbing on top of her!

 

So Betty got a "Robert Jones Bandage," a cast made out of thick wads of padding wrapped with a bandage. At four and eight weeks, she will require x-rays at the Glengarry Animal Hospital to see how it is healing, but Dr. Russ is already pleased with her progress, and can feel calcification at the break.

 

I'm holding this fundraiser to help offset the considerable costs of Betty's veterinary care and walker. We have always been very mindful of Betty's quality of life; I think other sheep would have required euthanasia by now. However, Betty truly seems happy and is in no pain or discomfort, and we are looking forward to continuing to work on her mobility once the cast comes off. Right now she is iin a comfy stall on thick, soft bedding, with pee-pad changed many times a day to ensure she is as clean and comfortable as possible. She loves having the hay all to herself and isn't shy about screaming for grain if we are late with her supper!

 

Our goal is for Betty to have a happy, healthy, comfortable life at the farm, with better mobility (especially in her front legs) and a good quality of life. Thank you for helping us to get there by contributing to this fundraiser.

 

HUGE THANKS to Sophie for her amazing (pro bono!) work with Betty, and to Dr. Russ Campbell for his compassion and expertise. Betty Wobbles has touched a lot of hearts, and I am so happy to have Sophie and Russ on her team! All funds raised will go directly to Betty's veterinary bills and the cost of her walker. 

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT for this very sweet and unique sheep.