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Hock Fusion on ...

Discussion in 'Senior Sheltie Health' started by Caro, Jan 16, 2021.

  1. Caro

    Caro Moderator

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    Well, tomorrow is the big day. Tully is booked in for a plantarsal (plantar-tarsal) arthrodesis, which is plates and screws in the hock region. It will keep her hock rigid but allow her to put pressure on that leg.

    It's all worrying, the complication rate is quite high (33% for a major complication like loss of limb or death and 42% for a minor complication). And because Tully is old, and has an autoimmune disease the odds worsen. Even loss of limb would be bad for Tully because her other hock is on the way out so she would basically lose the use of her back legs altogether (and her shoulders aren't that great after ball chasing and dog sports). Both specialists think she should be PTS if that was to happen.

    I've had two different opinions from two different ortho vets. One says leave it and just keep her in a splint until she can no longer walk, the other says do the surgery and give her a quality of life. The first option has become less and less viable - she's chewed her leg to bleeding over the top of the splint, her leg keeps twisting underneath her when she falls, she's being knocked over all the time and I have to keep carrying her up stairs with my bad back and of course, she still wants to chase . Leaving it in a splint will mean the other leg will fail at some point and I'll have no other options then.

    I'm pretty upset. It's dire times. I know I'm always amazed how Tully bounces back but each illness just makes her more fragile and she's had her fair shared of illness over the last year. I have to give her a fighting chance, but this one is going to be tough. Tully is 13 years and 8mths old.
     
    KarenCurtis and Piper's mom like this.
  2. Sharon7

    Sharon7 Moderator

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    Caro my heart goes out to you and Tully. You have thought this through, and you know Tully best, so giving her the chance to gain more stable mobility seems right. You have to tell yourself, you can only make decisions with what you know now. Don't beat yourself up if something goes amiss, although I pray that it won't. Sending light, prayers and love to you and Tully. She has such a fighting spirit and I know it will stand her in good stead. :fl :hugs

    Update us when you can.
     
    Piper's mom and Caro like this.
  3. mimiretz

    mimiretz Forums Enthusiast

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    I will be thinking about you both tomorrow
     
    Sharon7, Piper's mom and Caro like this.
  4. Elei

    Elei Forums Enthusiast

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    Fingers and paws crossed Tully’s surgery goes well tomorrow ❤️❤️❤️ Kip and I will be thinking of you both.

    Spoil Tully rotten!
     
    Sharon7, Piper's mom and Caro like this.
  5. Margi

    Margi Premium Member

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    Oh man, hoping it all goes well tomorrow!
     
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  6. Sandy in CT

    Sandy in CT Forums Sage

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    Will be praying for Tully tomorrow - may the surgeons hands be steady and the splint stable and may Tully heal and be allowed mobility and for peace for you as she is operated on. How long will the procedure be and do they know how long she might be away from you?
     
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  7. Hanne

    Hanne Forums Sage

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    Oh Caro how difficult is this though, I understand your frustration well
    I know you want to do the very best for your little Tully,
    and you should definitely do what you feel.

    I will send you and little Tully the very best wishes :hugs
     
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  8. Piper's mom

    Piper's mom Moderator

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    My thoughts and prayers will be with you on Monday.
     
    Caro and Sharon7 like this.
  9. RikyR

    RikyR Premium Member

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    Best wishes for a successful day.
     
    Caro, Piper's mom and Sharon7 like this.
  10. Chris

    Chris Premium Member

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    Dear St. Francis, tomorrow Tully is having surgery on her leg. We ask you to beseech the Good Shepherd to guide the hands of the surgeon as he works to help this precious Sheltie. Grant Tully a successful outcome, swift healing, and comfort in her future adventures. Please lend your strength and courage to Caro in the coming days. We know you love all animals, so you love Tully too. Please make her your special focus now.
    In His name we ask, Amen
     

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