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A Message From Caitlin:
Joy became lame and non-weight bearing on her right front leg several weeks ago. We’ve known she’s had tremendously bad arthritis in that elbow plus hip and elbow dysplasia most her life, but this non weight bearing came on pretty quick. Several vet visits, multiple sets of xrays and a trip to an orthopedic specialist at VRCC later, we are facing 3 options, osteopenia, bone cancer or a tumor on the spine. We will redo x-rays in couple weeks for confirmation on a diagnosis, but for now we are in pain management mode. Joy is mostly on bed rest, I carry her up and down the stairs, to and from the potty area and even got her a wagon to ride in for longer trips.
If the diagnosis is osteopenia, then the vet would like to proceed with PRP injections (platelet rich plasma). She would require 1 to 3 injections depending on Joy’s response, each being $500. If the diagnosis is bone cancer or a spinal tumor, then I will keep Joy comfortable and happy and evaluate her quality of life. I will not amputate or treat with chemo and/or radiation at this point.
Joy is on several narcotic and NSAID medications, supplements as well as Adequan injections to control pain and they are not cheap. Adequan runs about $50 per month for Joy. The vets would also like to add CBD oils to her regimen to help manage the pain. CBD oil is about $80 per month. Joy is also responding well to massage on the muscles that have been compensating for her lameness and becoming sore which run $45 per visit.
Joy is my heart dog and has been by my side for 13 years. She has done everything I have ever asked of her; agility, rally, barn hunt, nose work, all for me. She has been there for me through so many huge life changes and I don’t know what adult life is like without her. It is only right that I keep her comfortable during this time. My heart aches watching my sweet Joy in pain. I will continue to work with her vets and spoil the heck out of her to make sure she is comfortable and happy until we have more information. Your donations, thoughts and prayers are appreciated.