About the UC Davis Fracture Program for Rescue Animals
The program provides surgical care for homeless cats and dogs from animal shelters and rescue groups. Fractures, which are often correctable, can be a barrier to adoption. Treating these animals offers them a healthy, happy life with a new family, while also providing learning opportunities for veterinary students and residents of the Orthopedic Surgery Service and the Community Surgery Service.
Gizmo's Case
- A year old pug mix found abandoned in a rural area.
- He was unable to bear weight on his left limb.
- UC Davis discovered he had an unstable tibial fracture.
Gizmo was discharged the day after surgery because he was such a good boy, and released to his foster home with a repaired fracture, vaccinations and a microchip.
He’s taking it easy now and recovering very well. He gets an excellent wi-fi signal on his iPad thanks to his e-collar, and likes to show off how well his surgical sites are healing.
Jessica's Kitten
- 12 week old female, surrendered to Contra Costa Animal shelter by her owner after she was hit by car.
- The shelter determined that she had a femur fracture.
- They applied to the fracture program and asked if we could help find rescue for her as they were out of space for kittens and my need to consider euthanasia.
She was transported to UC Davis where Dr. Kapatkin and Dr. Lu worked with residents and senior DVM students to repair her fracture. She was also tested, vaccinated, dewormed and treated for severe fleas.
She woke up on the arms of her anesthesiologist and was discharged the following day. She will return to UC Davis in 6 weeks for her spay surgery through community surgery and we will recheck radiographs on her at that time.
