“Una” is a Senior Dog with Severe Arthritis in Both Her Hips
BOSTON, May 3, 2024 – Sweet, seven-year-old Una is a typical German Shepherd in so many ways—she is energetic and smart, and loves to meet new people, just like the other six Shepherds she came to the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center with on April 10.
But, unlike her friends, Una has not yet been able to find her adoptive home.
“The dogs’ former owner got into a tough spot with too many animals, so they reached out to us and surrendered them,” explained Deborah Bobek, director of operations at the Boston Adoption Center.
“We picked up them up from their Middlesex County home less than a month ago and have been able to rehome nearly all of them, which is really fantastic, but Una’s situation is complicated.”
When the dogs came to the shelter, staff noticed that Una was very uncomfortable, so she underwent testing on April 12 to reveal that she has severe bilateral coxofemoral osteoarthritis—known in layman’s terms as severe arthritis.
Surgery on the Horizon
“Poor Una has really bad arthritis in both her hips, and we knew immediately after the tests that she’ll need a hip replacement before she’s able to live the happy and comfortable life she deserves,” Bobek said.
Una is scheduled to undergo surgery at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston on Monday, May 6.
“Una’s hip replacement is a major surgery, just like it would be for a human,” expounded Bobek. “But it’s clear that Una is in pain, and this procedure is the best way to fix that.”
“We’re fortunate to have access to Angell’s amazing doctors, so we’re able to provide Una with the specialized care she needs, which will give her the best chance to find the perfect home.”
Una’s surgery and related care are expected to cost more than $10,000. The MSPCA asks that anyone able to donate to help offset that cost please do so at mspca.org/una.
A Lengthy Recovery
“This is a complicated surgery, so it will take a while for Una to recover,” Bobek said. “We expect her to need about two weeks in foster care before a follow-up appointment where doctors will remove her staples and make sure everything is healing well. We’re hoping we can start looking for her new home after that.”
Una’s adopters will also need to get additional x-rays about two months following the operation to ensure that everything is continuing to heal correctly.
“Una’s incredibly sweet and really likes spending time with people. We also believe she may be able to live with another low key dog. We know she’ll make the perfect pet for the right home,” added Bobek.
Interested adopters are asked to submit an adoption inquiry at mspca.org/bostonadopt.
