Penn Vet: Saving Lives by Saving Limbs |
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November 17, 2015, Volume 62, No. 14 |
With a generous grant from the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (VMA) and the Kislak Family Foundation, Penn Vet is helping to save the limbs—and lives—of animals at shelter organizations. Through this pilot program, “Saving Lives by Saving Limbs,” surgeons and students repair the fractured limbs of animals at risk for amputation or euthanasia.
“The Humane Society VMA and the Kislak Family Foundation are pleased to provide funding for this pilot project to serve a population of previously overlooked homeless animals,” said Paula Kislak, president of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. “We are thrilled with how Penn Vet has forged ahead so quickly and successfully with the implementation of this program, which also provides valuable learning opportunities for students, interns and residents.”
In collaboration with shelter partners, eligible dogs and cats are identified and treated at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital, where their fractures are repaired at no cost to the shelter. The plates and screws necessary for these surgeries are generously provided by DePuy Synthes.
Following surgery, the animals are placed in foster care and made available for adoption. Potential owners must demonstrate a commitment to the follow-up care necessary for successful fracture healing. All follow-up care related to the fracture is provided at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital, at no cost to the owner.
Renowned for small animal surgery, Ryan Hospital is staffed by seven board-certified surgical specialists and six surgical residents.
“The Humane Society VMA and the Kislak Family Foundation have given us a wonderful opportunity to provide state-of-the-art care for Philadelphia’s stray animals,” said David Holt, professor of surgery. “Repairing these fractures also provides veterinary students, interns and residents with greater exposure to fracture repair.”
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