Much discussion ensued on the SAVEKEKOA List, and decisions were made.
Gordon & Kekoa going in to Dr. Flynn's office	Joey writes: The decision we reached parallels most of your thoughts: We will wait for the results of the biopsy. If the mass is malignant, we will have the leg removed and the mass dealt with as indicated. If the mass is NOT malignant, we will save the leg. (and deal with the ear separately).
Sidney Hardie writes: You might be interested in seeing my Sara's web pages. Her break was simpler than Kekoa's, but still required the external framework because of the inability to screw a plate in so close to the joint. I would imagine that the same will be true for Kekoa. Here is the page showing the expenses for just the surgery, which totaled $3,900. I was able to raise $1,790 of that amount. As you can see, Sara and her parents think that the effort to save the leg was worth it. I see I need to update that website, but here is a more recent photo of Sara.	Ashsa & Danellia, who will see to my every need, day & night
My new splint put on correctly and food dishes everywhere; I've gained eight pounds	Later that day, Joey writes: My GOOD news is that Connie T. called a few minutes ago after talking to the doctor/surgeon, Michael Flynn, DVM, DACVS (there may be even more initials that go after his name, and I'm not even sure what those last ones stand for, but there it is for those of you who do know.) The biopsy was NEGATIVE!
Dr. Flynn said that the kind of tumor it is would rarely even become cancerous, but best to remove it anyway. So, that will be done along with saving the leg - this Friday. The exception would be that if the doctor finds something about the leg during surgery that makes him at all suspicious that recovery would not be complete - or would be impaired - then the leg will be amputated. The doctor appreciated that room for judgment, but does not expect to find anything like that. I don't know more than what I said before about the cost - and the ear will be addressed later, but the canal will be scoped while he's under anaesthesia for this other operation. I think that's all I know for now - but am so very grateful for the good thoughts for little Kekoa. Long talks in Connie & Gordon'a back yard . . . some of these dogs don't move any better that I do! And on 13 July, Connie T. writes: Kekoa went in to the Portland hospital at 5:00. Vet will call in afternoon tomorrow to let us know if we have a four- or three-legged dog. DONATIONS RECEIVED ON 12 JULY: Connie Cservenyak Mike Riordan Bobbi Procyk Tammy Forster Maureen Scott Angie, Courtenay, Ms Pix & Pifflesqueak (from Canada!) Ken DeKoven Frodo

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