University of Florida Surgery Update

University of Florida holds an amazing Vet Hospital that is well known around the country. After getting a second opinion, third opinion, fourth opinion, fifth, sixth... and so on - we continued getting referred to UF for their orthopedic specialists.

Wednesday, March 4th came around and the vet took more x-rays. We came to the decision that I was on board to try an Ulnar Osteotomy with an external fixator to lengthen the ulna and add function to the elbow. The chances of this surgery working were about 25% in his case. I prayed we would be part of that 25%, but in the middle of surgery on Thursday I got a call from the vet. He said that he removed the previous plate and screws, but as the initial fractures healed- bone grew, the radius and ulna grew together. In order to complete the surgery to lengthen the ulna to make a more congruent elbow, they had to separate the 2 bones. As they attempted to do so, the bones fractured. The doctor decided based on Finley’s anatomy from the trauma, he couldn’t proceed with the ulnar osteotomy. In his conversation with me while finley was still on the operating table- he asked if I wanted to amputate his leg or plate the fractures again and have them heal. I chose for him to keep his leg.

Finley is doing well, he is limping worse than before due to the fractures, has a couple more scars, some swelling and tenderness from the surgery site, but is in good spirits. Ultimately the broken bones will heal, but his elbow will be the same if not worse (it’s not that I’m not hopeful it’s just facts). I have felt so many emotions in the past 5 months, but I know that his story will help others and he will continue to be a “differently-abled” dog with an amazing life. I have no regrets in attempting this surgery, because now I can move forward knowing I did my best for him.

The plan going forward is to do an arthrodesis (stiffening the joint completely) in a year or so. Many have asked if amputation is a better idea, and in my opinion as a therapist - amputating a dogs entire leg although they have a great wrist and shoulder joint would be too extensive at this point in time. Because goldens are prone to arthritis - I want him to be able to more evenly spread out his weight in his body even if he only uses that arm for balance. Thank you for respecting my decision.

In the meantime, I feel prepared to continue living life abundantly with him, just a little differently than normal 💛🐾 your love during this time has kept us strong. We will continue posting updates in the weeks to come.