Update on Our New Girl Riley

Riley was taken to see the orthopedic surgeon, who by the way is the same one who did surgeries on Hamlet, our boy Josh and Sheba too. There was a lot to digest and I'm thankful that a board member from the rescue attended with me to try and remember everything.  

Riley has, 'Grade 4 Medial Patellar Luxation.'  She was likely born with compromised knee joints so this wasn't from an accident.  What we're seeing today is a result of tendons being too tight, that has caused her knee caps to move to the inside of her legs, causing her legs to draw up.  Over time, the quadrecep (muscle of the thigh most responsible for walking) has tightened up and the tibia bone in the lower leg has become warped. The good news is, is that she's not in any pain, and surgery can be done to try and fix it.

The bad news is, is that it'll be 4 procedures done in two surgeries, and 6 to 8 months recovery at the very least. The key to success with these surgeries will be the months of physical therapy afterwards.  This includes an underwater treadmill, cold laser therapy, passive stretching, etc.  Dr Walker (surgeon) said that if the commitment can't be done to do the therapy, there's no use in doing the surgery.  It's critical because the muscles need to be stretched and re-trained.  As I said, it was a lot to digest.  

~Riley during the 'dirt debacle' on Saturday~

I spoke to the board member afterwards about everything.  I had to be honest with her and tell her that I feel stretched pretty thin these days.  I don't know that I have the time to be able to give Riley all that she will need.  I feel like it's her one chance to have a good healthy and active life, and I don't want to short-change her.  Of course I feel guilty, but this isn't about me, it's about giving Riley all the time and the dedication she deserves.  I'm hopeful that the board member understood.  

Finally, some of you asked about where the money will come from to pay for Riley's surgeries.  When we bring dogs into our home, we pay for all their food, etc.  But anything beyond that, like these surgeries, the rescue will pay for. The rescue that I work with is a large 5 state rescue that has generous donors and vets who give the rescue a discount for treatment.  Riley will be no exception.  The surgeon has offered to discount his service, and all of her physical therapy will be discounted as well.  (The rescues total cost for Riley will be around $10,000)

Riley has settled in nicely here.  But I do think that she will and should be moved to another foster home.  But until the Board of Directors of the rescue decides what to do, and who should take her, she'll be just fine here, living in the 'group home!'  

~In Our Yard on Sunday~