On June 15, a Red Fox was admitted to the Wildlife Center after it was hit by a car in Highland County, Virginia. Dr. Helen examined the female fox upon arrival and found the fox to be quiet, dull, and lame in the left rear leg. An ultrasound of the fox's abdomen showed no signs of internal bleeding, but radiographs revealed a fracture on the femoral head of the fox's left rear leg.
After Drs. Dave, Helen, and Dana conferred, they decided that the fox's best option for treatment would be a "FHNO" -- a femoral head and neck osteotomy. This procedure is the surgical removal of the head and neck of the femur, which prevents the bones of the damaged joint from coming in contact. FHNOs are commonly performed in dogs with severe hip issues and do not prevent the animal from an active lifestyle.
Because the Wildlife Center staff do not routinely perform this type of procedure, the staff reached out to several local veterinary clinics. The Animal Hospital of Waynesboro offered to do the surgery for a very minimal cost; we're greatly appreciative of their time, energy, and skill to help Red Fox #16-1195! Dr. Helen will take the fox to the Animal Hospital on the morning of June 24 for the procedure.