Pics

all doped up after the vet appt

"Taquito!?"

First Specialist Appointment

Ok so now its not an ACL Tear.  Dr. Purnell took more X-rays and we saw that Dakoda does have some degeneration goin on on his femural head so that may be part of our problem.  He thinks we may mostly be lookin at a muscle injury.  Somethin right up by the socket cause there is more laxity goin on that in his right hind leg and the pain is definately comin from his hip area.  He also drew some fluid from Dakoda's joint that did not come back normal.  It is supposed to be a syrupy color but actually came back orangey which shows we may have some bleedin from whatever is damaged goin into his joints.

First step...2 different pain meds multiple times a day until ???.  Glyco-Flex III twice a day for 6 weeks then once a day there after.  Limited activity (no playin, runnin, or jumpin) for 6 weeks.  He has another follow up appointment to see where we stand in four weeks.  Unfortunately I won't be here so my mom is goin to take him and send me copies of all the paperword as well as a detailed letter on what the doctor said and then we will go from there.

Dr. Purnell did mention the S word (surgery) but he thinks that might be premature right now.  So we are takin this first step.  If the 6 weeks of limited activity doesn't work then I am lookin at 3 weeks of in-patient physical therapy which will run me $1,275.00.  Ouch!  So everyone cross your fingers that these next 6 weeks proves to work!  Keep Koda in your prayers (and my sanity if you can spare me a couple seconds) if you would't mind.  I get the feelin we are gonna need alot of support.

Everythin will work out though!  The Gods and Goddesses never give us more than we can handle and everythin is a learnin experience!  Just gotta keep the chin up, chest out, and a smile on the face, and keep marchin!

We're Off to See the Specialist

Well we have an appointment Friday at 1000 hrs to see the specialist and see what all our options are.  Spendin $85.00 that I do not have to my name. :o oh well...we will see what he says and go from there.  I'll come up with the money some how...

Heard From the Vet

Well I heard from the vet and told her that he is doin a little better on the pain meds but he still limps and doens't put all his weight on his leg.  She is recommendin him to a specialist.  The office visit to this specialist is $75.00 and he will tell me whether he thinks surgery will be beneficial, if its our only route, if we have other options, or if it may heal on its own over time.  Surgery is $1000.00 for an ACL tear...so if surgery is our only option...I may have to think about gettin rid of him...I really hope it doesn't come to that though.  Cross your fingers.  I'm about to call the specialist and make an appointment.

Another Pic

Catch Up

I took Dakoda to the vet and they did x-rays and they didn't see any hip dysplasia or degenerative bone issues.  So thats good.  The vet does think that he may have an ACL Tear in his stifle so she put him on two weeks worth of pain meds and she is gonna call me in a week to see how he is doin.  And then we will go from there.  She did mention a specialist however but if it is an ACL Tear Erin told me the names of a couple regular (not specialists) vets who can take care of him and it won't cost a fortune like a specialist would.  So I will let y'all know more after about 4 more days.