Sadie's Car Accident

When we met Sadie we knew we had an important job to do.

Sadie is a young Labrador Retriever that suffered severe trauma to her front paw and rear leg after an apparent car accident. She lingered homeless for a while, during which time her wounds became infected. Safe Harbor Lab Rescue brought her under their wing and had her evaluated by one of our surgeons, to see if she could be saved.

Sadie was in pretty rough shape: a digit was severed, her paw crushed and the bone infected. On a rear leg there was apparent knee damage. The infection threatened her front leg, meaning amputation could not be ruled out. But if amputation was unavoidable, a stable knee was critical to a good prognosis.

A run-in with a car left Sadie with severe trauma to her paw and knee.

Sadie gets reassurance in Radiology Treatment began immediately. Sadie started a course of antibiotics and had arthroscopic surgery. This minimally invasive procedure facilitates a quick recovery—just as in human medicine. In this case the surgeon was able to thoroughly examine the joint, make a definitive diagnosis and repair the damage.

The knee was in rough shape and it would take a second surgery to completely repair it. In the meantime, the arthroscopic procedure would get her out of pain.

Meanwhile, the infection in her front paw was resistant to antibiotic therapies. Dr. Rha, board certified in internal medicine, recommended a course of care that ultimately cleared up the infection. This was the best news we could hear. With the infection clearing, the surgeon could use a more conservative approach for repair of her paw. Translation: Sadie would keep her leg.

At Alameda East Veterinary Hospital our mission is to provide advanced care techniques with compassion. We pride ourselves on giving back to the community.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to check and repair trauma to Sadie's knee.

Using a team approach to her treatment and advanced care techniques, we got Sadie back on all fours!

Sadie now has a wonderful home and enjoys visits to the off-leash dog park. We hear the other dogs can't keep up with her!

Sadie enjoys a bone after successful surgery.

Sadie now enjoys romps in the park with her “mom” Amy.