Skeptic - any update on Belle?

[k9Karen]

I hope all is Ok. Has she had her surgery?

[TheSkeptic]

It happened we talked to the vet today.

First a little of what has transpired. ..

Belle came down with Parvo a few days after going to LSU. SHe was treated and quickly recovered.

Once the Parvo cleared up and her strength rebuilt they did several operations on her leg. The first and second steps were done at the same time. Note: The vet said that this is an extremely simplified version of what was involved. THe operations were very complicated and took a long time to perform.

First step: They removed the extra large dew claw.

Second step: The foot was detached and re-attached in proper position, with pins holding it in place.

Once she was sufficiently healed for them to know that the paw would working as desired, they went in and removed part of the double upper leg bone so that it could seat normally in the shoulder. Some work was also done at this time on the joint where the upper bones joined the lower.

The leg was immobilized for a week to allow proper healing. A few days after the cast was removed, she was using the repaired front foot almost normally. (She still tends to hold it up and out from her body when running.)

Today was her final day, and she went home with one of the vet students who fell in love with her while tending to her.

Unfortunately we have no pictures, but Davet may see some and post them if the article they write about her condition and her treatment appears in the vet journals.

One more note: Because of his work on Belle, a new Orthopedic Surgeon will join the ranks of excellent orthopedic vets The bad news is that he plans on moving to California to practice after graduation.

[Traci]

I had a good feeling about her surgery and someone falling for her to adopt her

I am amazed however, how quickly she was able to use the leg, recovery time seemed awful short. Impressive surgeons indeed!

Thanks to you, Skeptic, she was given a new lease on life ....

[k9Karen]

I'm so glad to hear she is doing so well. Is the vet student planning to adopt her? She is a very lucky little girl. I join Traci in thanking you for helping her have a bright future.

[E's]

That is such super news! I have thought about Belle often and hoped she was doing well. Perhaps the vet student who got her could keep this board posted... especially with pics: I have wondered how large a dog Belle will be and how she will look grown up. She has such a sweet face. Congratulations, and thanks again for all you do, Skeptic!

As for my own case, wouldn't want to wish ill to any Californians, but can't help thinking it'd be nice if Belle's veterinary orthopedic surgeon would set up practice in Louisiana and MY orthopedic surgeon would be shipped out to a desert some place... methinks the latter might do better working on barrel cactus than on human knees...

Dot B
Still limping and in rehab...

[k9Karen]

So sorry to hear you're still having problems with your knee E's. My aunt just had her second knee done, and she is thrilled with the results. She had one knee done about 4 years ago and was amazed by how much better she felt. She had put off the surgery until she could barely walk. She is a very busy lady, and kept putting off the second surgery because there was always something on her social calendar she didn't want to miss. Her recovery with the second surgery was quicker than with the first, since with the first one, she was trying to get around on a 'cut up' knee and another bad one that also needed surgery. Her only regret is that her surgeon told her she shouldn't play tennis anymore (she's 78 years old, and a ball of fire!)

I hope you're better soon. Good luck.