Beau's story

Owner: MJ Miller Date posted: June 12, 2000 I have a 12 year old boxer/beagle named Beau. Beau was diagnosed in February with one mast cell and one fibrous lump cancer. Both were removed and were a level 2 with no border. He was put on prednisone tapering off by the end of March. The pred proceeded to make him gain 18 lbs even though we continued his exercise every day. By the end of March he was given a full bill of health ... yea we were out of the woods ... then it happened while visiting my dad. Beau and my dog Alex were playing their usual chase the cat outside and whammmm, Beau had injured his leg. So back to the vet we go and he was diagnosed with a torn Anterior cruciate ligament with possible meniscus damage. Big problem: The pred. was still in his system and the vet said we needed to wait at least 2 weeks before considering a fix due to the healing effects of that pred. crap. After three weeks we were given two surgery choices: TPLO or the traditional band thing. So I agonized about this for a week ... should I get a second opinion, take him to WSU College, aaahh I about drove everyone crazy. Well, I decided because of the TPLO procedure's surgery length (aprox. 4 hours), Beau's age and previous health concerns I did not want him going through all that so I chose the traditional. Well I'm happy to report Beau is home and sleeping but I don't think he feels good. Now ahead 6 weeks of kenneling in my living room of which I have no couch now in fear of him jumping on it and a mattress only on the bedroom floor for that same reason ... Beau has never been kenneled before so this ought to be the longest 6 weeks of both our lives. UPDATE: August 21, 2000: Beau is doing very well. We walk every day before work and after. Each day we go a bit further. It's been hard for him to remember to use the leg but we keep trying.