DOCTOR VISIT & PT FOR SCOUT 22 MARCH 2011

Priscilla writes: I had Scout at my home this past weekend and noticed that his foot seemed extremely painful when I massaged it . . . much more so than his hip. I mentioned it to his surgeon, Dr. Macabee, today; after checking it out himself, he agreed with me. After having an x-ray done of Scout's foot and another x-ray of his pelvic area, he returned to tell us that they had discovered the problem. It appeared through the x-rays that the ilium bone, which is one of the pelvic bones, had also been fractured in the accident, although the first x-rays did not show it. It is not uncommon for a fracture to occur in young dogs in that particular bone as the result of trauma. Dr. Macabee told us that with the extent of Scout's injuries, there is no doubt that a wheel of the vehicle Scout was chasing completely ran over the back end of him. The x-ray today showed that the fracture seemed to open more after the first x-rays and is now healing. However, it also looks like a nerve had intwined itself in it when the fracture was open and now, as it's healing, it is pinching the nerve. Consequently, because the nerve goes down Scout's leg and into his foot, he is experiencing extreme pain when anything touches it. That would include when he tries to step on the foot. Dr. Macabee told us that he & Jenni, Scout's physical therapist, had discussed the situation and decided that aggressive PT was a necessity along with acupuncture. PT would be done three times a week and acupuncture two times. Along with that, we will need to diligently work with him at home. The goal is allow the nerve being squeezed by the healing ileum, to slide through the fracture rather than be tightened by it, unable to move. If that is accomplished; the pain will be greatly reduced and Scout should be able to step on his foot normally with very little or no pain. They are giving him a month of this intensified PT and if it hasn't been successful at the end of that time; his leg will have to be amputated. Amy & I were both holding back tears at the news. He is such a little boy to be going through so much. His therapy session began following his appointment with Dr. Macabee. Jenni told us right at the start that she was going to have to be aggressive in her approach with his therapy. She told us she had no choice if we were going to save his leg and went on to tell us she was most optimistic and that defeat is not in her vocabulary. As planned, he went into the large pool for the first time today. He really seems to like the water and enjoys swimming. He also extends his leg much better in water than out of it. Amy would bribe him with treats to swim across the width of the pool . . . and it worked every time! Following his time in the pool, Jenni brought him up on a bed and then began the stretching and massaging. It took Amy & I both to hold him and keep him busy as it was painful and he would cry when it just hurt too much for him. I would close my eyes every time he cried, hoping that it wouldn't be quite so difficult to hear if I didn't see him. Emotionally it was draining for both Amy and myself. But he was a little trouper and, although tired, seemed okay when it was over. It was a tough day for all of us. Please continue to send your positive thoughts & prayers his way during the crucial month ahead for Scout. BOB ANDERSON: Hang in there, Scout! You have so much going for you and so many rooting for you! MARY BRABENDER: Isn't this incredible? What can be done to restore to maximum potential is astounding . . . everyone around this little one seems to be so focused and kind-hearted for him. JUDY BYRD: My gosh, what an ODD injury. AND treatment. I sure hope it works . . . wow. KEN DeKOVEN: Prayers & healing thoughts going out to Scout from all of us.

SWIMMING & ACUPUNCTURE FOR SCOUT HERE