Cody - Back to the vets!

After returning to the vet this morning, doctors decided that it was worth an attempt to put Cody's hips and elbow back into their sockets non-surgically by manipulation. While it is a longshot that this non-surgical intervention will actually work, it is the only option they have until his lungs heal which will then allow for an invasive procedure like a bilateral femoral head ostectomy surgery (which is the removal of the femoral head on each of the rear hips). Given the extent of his damage, the success of this non-surgical procedure is remote but if this option succeeds on even one of his legs then that will be a major victory on his road to recovery.

Under a very light anesthesia, 2 doctors and a tech worked on Cody's limbs until they were finally set back to where they belong. After they were done, his front elbow was splinted in order to keep it in place and his back 2 legs were wrapped in slings/hog-tied (hog-tying is a common practice after hips are put back into their sockets to prevent the dog from moving and allow the muscle tissue to build up around the sockets holding them in place). The chance that all 3 will turn out successful is not very high as the ligaments around the sockets are badly damaged, but the less Cody moves around, the better his chance that any of these will take.

In order to maximize his chance at this succeeding, I am keeping Cody crate rested with no way to move around and his pain medication will keep him rather sedated for the time being. The more he sleeps, the faster the time will pass for him. It will be interesting to see how Cody will urinate and such in his current state, but the vet says he will learn eventually that he has no choice and will go on the pitty pads he lays on. I have lots of bath wipes here for when it happens, and will just have to clean him the best I can to keep him comfortable.