Marina

  • Female


Marina was found at approximately 11:00 pm on the 4th by two veterinary technicians and an animal lover. None of these ladies knew each other before their fateful meeting on the freeway.

Marina was in the middle of the lanes on the 90 freeway howling when two of the ladies spotted her. Both determined to help her, they each rushed to exit and come back around, but by the time they did that she had managed to make her way over to the shoulder.

Marina was initial barking when the ladies exited their cars and while they contemplated on how they were going to approach her, she dragged herself to them. The ladies made a makeshift stretcher from a board they found in the car and were able to load her up whisk her to critical care with pain management overnight at ACC in Culver City.

Xrays were taken this morning and it was found that she has a spiral fracture in her Left hind distal femur. She also has a broken femoral head on the Right.

The good samaritan reached out to the rescue community for help. We are going to rescue Marina but will need help to cover her medical costs. Our surgeon is worried about her condition and wants to do surgery as soon as possible.

Please help us save Marina! No donation is too small!

Update 1/10/2011:

We have decided to transfer Marina to Dr. Hampel at Animal Medical Center in El Cajon. Dr. Wheaton and his staff gave Marina the best of care and have stabilized her to the point where transfering her is possible. Dr. Hampel is a specialty orthopedic surgeon who has done extensive work with stem cell therapy. We are going to have Marina evaluated for stem cell therapy and orthopedic surgery and see what we can do for her. She continues to want to survive!

Update 1/12/2011:

Marina is showing a small bit of increased feeling in her legs. A tiny bit is better than none! We are encouraged by this tiny improvement. We have consulted with Dr. Hample who has consulted with Vet Stem (the stem cell therapy group) and we are moving forward with both of her leg surgeries and stem cell therapy for her spine!! This is very exciting and we truly hope we can save Marina!

The surgeries and the Stem Cell Therapy is very costly! However, when we rescue an animal we commit to doing whatever we can to preserve their quality of life and give them the best chance at a long and happy life. Marina is a young, happy girl who deserves to live!

Update 1/13 am:

Marina's first surgery is today! Please send thoughts of strength and healing to her. Please share her story with your animal loving friends and let's show Marina we all care.

Update 1/15/2011

Marina had her first of two surgeries and her stem cell therapy. Her own fat cells were removed and the regenerative stem cells were injected into her spine and neck. Her femur surgery went good and the doctors are happy with the repair that they were able to do. Now, Marina is resting and waiting for her second surgery on ...her other femoral head. We are waiting patiently to see what kind of progress she will make with the surgery and the stem cell therapy. We are optimistic but know she has a long road ahead of her still.

Marina continues to impress all who meet her with her sweet smile and gracious demeanor.

Update 1/18/2011

Marina had her second surgery on Monday so both fractures have been repaired. Yesterday she "sat up" to eat and has been pushing herself up in front to help get up when they move her. She does this now without crying so fixing the fractures has helped a lot. Now time and prayers are needed for everything to heal. She was running a fever again so we have to wait until this is not an issue before she can leave the hospital. Right now she is on heavy pain medications to keep her comfortable, but her spirits are good and she is eating well.

She has moved her legs some since the surgery so we are hopeful in time she will walk again.Marina is a sweet and loving young dog who is grateful for all the help she receives.

Update 3/01/2011:

Marina has made a little bit of progress with the movement in her hind legs. She continues to use the cart and has gotten pretty accustomed to it. She will start receiving physical therapy while she is in boarding at the surgeons office. We are desperate to find a foster home for Marina. She needs someone who can continue her physical therapy and help her get on her feet again.

Marina continue to be a trooper, she is very strong and very sweet. She has the will of a soldier and continue to push forward.

Can you help us TODAY to fund her surgeries and care? We need all of the help we can get. Marina has a small village pulling for her. No donation is too small, they all do add up!

Please help us save Marina by making a donation today! All donations are greatly appreciated.
You can make a tax-deductable donation to Coastal's Orange County Chapter
by using the Paypal button below.