Eli had his 8wk check-up today... They took new x-rays today and can see lots of healing going on along the cuts. Said overall they look very good. Only thing thats not so good is one of the screws looks 'bent'... well, curved a little. Said he was being to active when that happened! Ooops. So we'll be using benadryl when needed to keep him calmer. He wasn't really concerned about the screw, but said he needs to be less active. Said he can now go up the stairs ONCE a day... slowly. And 5 five minute walks twice a day. Short leashed... physical therapy so to speak.
Two side notes.. #1: Dr V went to a tightrope seminar a few weeks ago.. said the only place they practice it is in MO, since it was developed here at Mizzou. Said the infection rate is 18%... due to the braided cord they use to stabilize the joint. And since the cord is braided... it is really hard so it can wear down the holes in the bones over time and cause more play in the joint. He bought a tighrope kit because he has a dog he will be using it on (story #2) and he brought it in to show us.. always awesome how much he's willing to explain. He was appalled by the infection rate... seeing as he's yet to have an infection on any orthopedic surgeries in his practice.
#2: Another patient of his had TTA done on one leg a while back (Pit/Sheppard mix)... well 10 days after surgery, it was pulling on a leash, trying to get to another dog and re-broke its leg! TTA is like $2500! Owners were crazy to put the dog in that situation...So now the only thing to do is tightrope, because of where the bones broke. He was explaining how he will be doing the surgery.. sounds pretty tough.
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Also glad to hear you found a good vet like him. Sounds like a keeper so far!
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