Sorry to be so long in checking in with Mona’s progress…not because I think folks are following closely…but because I know when I was looking for answers and outcomes I was extremely hungry and appreciated every bit of insight.
So here’s what’s up:
Mona (8 yr old goldendoodle) had the amputation of her front right forepaw (osteosarcoma diagnosis and after a lot on tears and soul-searching) late January 2016. She came through great. She was a 70 pounder and jumped right up and mobile on three legs.
Recovered well and started physical therapy, which helped a lot…balance and awareness after three sessions.
Unfortunately, she felt SO good that she jumped past us as we tried to lift her out of the car after one of her sessions and landed awkwardly, tearing her right rear CCL/ACT (Vet diagnosed).
So our sweet tri-pawed became a two-pawed.
After towels to assist for bathroom breaks, we received the Ruffwear vest we had ordered, which made life a whole lot easier (totally recommend).
After researching options incredibly (and very time consuming) diligently, we found the great folks at Posh Knee Brace, who fashioned a custom brace for us in two days for Mona’s injured leg. They are totally amazing and have the best product on the market, especially for emergency (two-legged) situations!
Mona is undergoing regular (3 week) Carboplatin chemo (following the amputation), so she’s not a candidate for surgery. My research suggests that’s not the best alternative anyway, so we’re doing “conservative management”. That essentially means carefully restricting her activity and treating with supplements and anti-inflammatory medication.
And it worked. For a while.
Five weeks in (respected resources say if there is ANY improvement in 8 weeks, surgery provides no better outcome) she was doing great. In fact, I was fooled. She barked at the door to come out (no brace/no leash) and I was a sucker.
She was moving well on all three legs.
Then a squirrel. And 5 or 6 strides in, 5 weeks of healing was undone.
Fourth chemo visit (she has tolerated each quite well, only once nauseated and handled well by drugs). Each have had a “down day” trailing day two, but all in all not bad. This one came complete with her first post-amputation radiograph. Praise God (and I mean that!) it was clear of ANY mets.
So…the “wheels” are the problem of the moment. She’s once again improving the usage of her damaged rear leg. Plan now is to try Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) on BOTH knees…to improve the injury site, but also to strengthen the sound knee to keep it strong. I’ll report how that goes.
Mona’s journey started January 6 of this year, and it has been a load. She’s an amazing trouper and we love her terrific.
At the start, we struggled with the question: “Is this for us or her?” Four months in, I can say it was definitely for HER.
And it has been worth every struggle and every moment.
Here’s a link to see Mona in action:
Love to all going through this difficult time.