A tiny mouse terrier named Siggi had a rough start in life. The puppy was born with his paws upside down, causing him to walk on his elbows. While her imperfections are beautiful, her feet can be extremely uncomfortable for her and will only get worse as she gets older.
Fortunately, OklahomaState University has bestowed a miracle on Siggi. They were able to offer her a life-changing surgery so that her painful foot could be corrected. The surgery required a three-month recovery, but Siggi was finally able to walk on all fours.
Special puppy paws
Not long ago, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine care about others dog with upside down paws named Milo. So they had some idea of what was going to happen. Dr. Erik Clary, a small animal surgeon, operated on both Milo and Siggi.
“As with Milo, Siggi’s problem looks like it’s in her foot but it’s actually in her elbow,” says Clary. “For reasons that are not well understood, the elbows of these patients soon slip out of the joint and as a result the forelimbs are severely rotated and unable to walk. At most, they can gather in a crawling manner that seems most uncomfortable and unfit for a dog’s life. “
Like Milo, Siggi had to go through a complicated procedure that involved intentionally breaking part of her front leg in order to rotate her foot properly.
Fortunately, the veterinary team successfully completed the surgery, and Siggi had to wear a giant orange cast – OSU’s signature color – while she recovered. She is still under the care of Dallas Dog RRR while she heals.
Siggi learns to walk!
About three months later, Siggi went for a checkup and her leg was healed. The university posted a video on their website showing Siggi walking up and down a ramp with her swinging legs. She has good surroundings despite what she’s been through. Every time she learns to walk, she receives many gifts.
“Lorraine, her medical foster with the Dallas Dog RRR, has done a fantastic job implementing an incremental rehabilitation regimen. “Really, I couldn’t be more pleased with Siggi’s progress.”
Dallas Dog RRR is continuing to take great care of Siggi. They have not announced if/when Siggi will be adopted, but it is great to know that she is currently in a loving, supportive household with her adoptive family. If you want to help dogs like Siggi, please consider donate to Dallas Dog RRR to help cover medical expenses.
Watch Siggi’s Incredible Journey:
