Examination findings strongly suggested that Troika had been the victim of a gunshot wound to the leg. X- rays were immediately taken of the right knee. Radiographs confirmed the suspicion that Troika was shot in the leg. A .22 caliber bullet was lodged in the joint space underlying his knee cap. Unfortunately, severe shattering of the upper leg bone (femur) at the joint surface had occurred and there were numerous small fragments of bone left in the joint. 

Karen was prepared for the worst outcome--Troika may lose his leg due to the high risk of infection with the injury and the severe boney destruction. Fortunately, nerve function and feeling in the lower part of the leg was undammaged.

It was decided that surgery was best performed immediately to remove the bullet and small fragments from Troika's knee and to thoroughly flush the area with sterile fluids to try to remove any debris. Troika was started on antibiotics, and sterile samples were taken from the knee joint for bacterial culture to help understand if infection was present.

Surgery was performed after 36-hours on antibiotics, according to plan. The bullet was extracted from the joint, and numerous small metallic fragments were flushed out. The joint surfaces were so severely damaged that there was no way to reasonably reconstruct the bone surgically. 

Troika recovered from surgery very well, and was given a patch on his back to control pain that would last 3-days. The following morning he was up and getting around well with minimal discomfort. 

Unfortunately, Troika will never fully recover from his injury and will be burdened with lameness for the rest of his life. He was a proud member of a sled dog team and an avid canine athelete. Despite Karen's heartbroken feelings about what has happened to her beloved pet, she is focusing on the positive fact that the injuries he incurred could have been much worse or even fatal. She feels blessed that she still has her friend, and vows to do whatever it takes to give him a happy and comfortable life.