09/29/2026
👏👏 Today is the big day Doc has been waiting for!
His left knee surgery is finally happening, whoo hooo!
This is the worst of the two knees, bone rubbing on bone. We have no idea how this fella is so cheerful as every step he takes is uncomfortable.
Dogs are so resilient, even when living in discomfort.
DONATIONS needed for Doc, who is doing hard things!
Donating is super easy, right here:
https://www.campcocker.com/?form=FUNNUDZQWSS
Doc was rescued from the Harbor / Los Angeles City animal shelter, frail from starvation and was in an extreme state of malnutrition.
He had anemia, badly infected ears as well as a huge infection under his jaw that began as a lip fold infection.
Doc also had a cardiologist work up and was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM).
This is a serious heart disease resulting from one of two causes:
- genetic (born with it)
- malnutrition (plausible based on Doc’s prior starvation)
The disease weakens the heart muscles, preventing them from effectively pumping blood.
Doc is now on heart medication called Pimobendan (aka Vetmedin) as well as Taurine supplements to support heart health.
The cardiologist cleared him to safely undergo anesthesia for surgery.
The plan and timeline for him is:
- today, surgery for the left knee (that knee is completely out of the socket, with bone rubbing on bone)
- followed by a couple of months of p.t.
- schedule the right knee surgery (that knee is luxating in and out of the socket)
- then continued p.t. on both knees
- November, cardiologist wants Doc to get a recheck and repeat the EKG
One of two results will give us more information about the heart.
- if the DCM declines further, this would indicate a genetic issue
- if the heart disease stabilizes, this would indicate malnutrition as the cause
Needless to say, Doc is emerging as one of our most expensive dogs of 2026.
Now more than ever, we are asking our supporters to please consider joining THE CAMPERS, our monthly giving program.
For as little as .36 cents a day you can become a part of the support team that dogs like Doc rely upon.
Joining is super easy at:
CampCocker.com/campers
It truly takes a village to save one major medical dog like Doc.
Thank you so very much for your support!
🌎
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