Do I Need Special Care?

Yes, Medical and Behaviour Special Needs - Lavender has a unique medical history related to her hips and pelvis that adopters should be aware of: Previous Pelvic Injury: At some point before coming into our care, Lavender suffered a fracture to her pelvis, which has since healed but left her with some lasting changes to her hip structure. This is an old injury, and surgery is not recommended at this time. Abnormal Hip Anatomy: Her hips are not perfectly aligned, and the joints are not shaped like they normally would be. This gives her a wide-legged walking stance and some stiffness, particularly in her back legs. Comfortable and Active: Despite these changes, Lavender does not appear to be in pain, and she still enjoys walking, playing, and being active. She does have a slightly unusual gait (the way she walks), but it's believed to be more mechanical (structural) rather than caused by discomfort. Medication and Monitoring: She was trialed on pain medication, which didn’t seem to make a difference—likely because she isn’t actually in pain. Her current condition is considered stable and manageable without daily medication. However, she may benefit from physiotherapy or joint supplements, especially as she ages. Long-Term Outlook: Lavender may develop early arthritis (joint stiffness or soreness) later in life due to the irregular shape of her hips. Regular exercise, a healthy weight, and supportive care will help her live a happy life. Behavioural: Fearful of new people.