Ellie's Surgeon

Thanks to Good Hands Vet Hospital we were referred to an expert surgeon specializing in AAI cases. We are impressed with Dr. Allen and his conservative approach. Should Ellie have to have surgery- Her life will be in the hands of this skilled surgeon.

Upstate Veterinary Specialists, Greenville SC

Dr. Keith Allen, Diplomate ACVS

Degree in Veterinary Medicine from University College, Dublin, Ireland

Internship - Michigan State University

Residency and Masters - Purdue University

Diplomate - American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Board Certified in Veterinary Surgery

Surgeon visit

Today we drove to Upstate Vet Specialist in Sc to see Dr Allen. He was beyond pleased with her mobility and spunky attitude. She gave him a kiss too. He changed her antibiotic for her breathing and was not so worried about her chest. Instead he expressed she is doing wonderful and 'you worry too much'. We begin changing cast every week at our vet until she breathes better. Give benydril at night so we all can sleep! We go back to surgeon in 5 wks for next big follow up. He will change cast and examine skin and hair health. Then will be ready for surgery a month beyond that - IF she has to have it. We pray the bones just fuse.

Ellie has a cold.

Ellie's upper respiratory infection is not yet getting better. She is snoring honking reverse sneezing etc. Along with her antibiotics,  I have her all set up with a vick's vaporizer  and a few homeopathic calming things. So far- hasn't cleared her up yet. We go to the surgeon tomorrow- interested in what he is going to say about her breathing/stuffiness. Say a prayer for her tomorrow as she gets her progress review. thank you

Ellie is home!

Ellie is doing great. Thanks to Dr Coleman going the extra mile. Her cast was changed only slightly and she breathes and manuvers better. She does have a little resp.infection that is part of her breathing problem. Antibiotics will do the trick to kick it. Ellie visited our friends at work today. She gave and received lots of love. So next up is this Monday we go back to the surgeon for a followup visit on her progress. And ps Ellie had a blast playing with Cooper Fuller and Tucker Case tonight. Then came home to her pampering "mommie" Liza the peek. Today was a good day and the prayers are appreciated.

Day after cast change

Ellie had a tough night. Her mobility is great her breathing is not. Up all night. Back to vet today. Dr Coleman is keeping her all day at vet to monitor her. Then she will take her home to observe her, then back to vet tomorrow afternoon. Ellie is in the BEST of care and we believe dr coleman will solve it. Ellie must have this accute neck extension for bones to ever fuse and to keep her spinal system safe. We hope only slight alterations necessary. We must have Ellie comfortable enough to keep her fighting spirit strong. Thanks

Cast.Change

Ellie did get her body brace changed today. She did well and Dr. Coleman and Dave were so gentle with her! Ellie is not happy how jacked up her head and neck are again- but she can still walk. That is what matters. Today marks 3 wks in the cast. We need this cast to fit for 3 weeks too! Thanks for your support and prayers - and cheering this baby on to health. She is now almost 15 wks old. Weighs 2.13lbs. Including cast.

Ellie at Daycare

Ellie at Daycare

Ellie is upset today because her Daycare buddy Cooper is gone until
Thursday!

Sherryl Butler

This shows the size of Ellie's cast. We do get to see her sweet eyes....

Ellie and Liza

Ellie and Liza outside. Ellie loves the outside. And Liza loves her "baby"

Ellie just walking around...

Ellie and Cooper

This video shows how well Ellie walks now with her pink body cast. Cooper is her 1/2 brother, but two months older (came father). She goes to "daycare" at Cooper's house/

Ellie's AAI Xray

Ellie's xray shows the spine separated from the skull. This is why Ellie must wear a body brace for a long time...Until she gets old enough for complicated surgery to fix with screws and cement, or, our prayer, the bones will naturally fuse.

The separation is severe- which shows what miracle puppy Ellie is each day.

Ellie Outside

Ellie is enjoying her first day outside after getting her first AAI body brace.