ELLIE Major Update= NO CAST

VERY WEIRD visit to Dr. Allen in Greenville, SC on Friday. We went expecting evaluation of her skin and hair- and a cast change.
As you can see, Ellie has no cast.  Dr. Allen checked her hair and skin and although she is extremely matted, all looks good. His major concern was that the respiratory issue hasn’t seemed to improve, even with Prednisone and Clavamox and he thinks the danger of pneumonia developing is worse that the possibility of injury without the brace.  So he just took the entire cast off! Without the cast, btw, her weight dropped from 2.69lbs to 2.1lbs. She is a tiny little girl still.
He suggests no brace for the next FOUR weeks until we return for a check-up.  He feels the respiratory situation will clear up faster without it.  He also felt that fusion has begun but there would be no reason to do x-rays or CT scans today as they would not reveal much in the way of healing.  Typically when this area fuses it creates scar tissue and is visible on an x-ray or CT scan.  He thinks its too early for that to show up.
So, for the next four weeks, she is critically, critically fragile and should be either in her crate/carrier or in their arms.  No contact with other animals and no running, jumping, stair climbing — no extreme movement that would jeopardize the progress she’s already made.  If, during the next four weeks, there is any sign whatsoever of the slightest problem with her mobility, we would have to take her immediately back to Greenville for surgery.  Period, end of report.  We will no longer have an option to bypass surgery.
The next four weeks will be torture for this baby girl, since her mobility has improved tremendously and she has now shed some weight by losing this brace.  Keeping her stable will be a challenge because she is so busy- but we committed to ensure the best of care for her to heal and thrive.  
Although four weeks is the key time to achieve no injury- we do have another appointment with Dr Allen in THREE weeks...to ensure she is still doing well.
UPDATE from the weekend. It is so hard to keep Ellie separated from Liza. She has seen her briefly a couple of times...but no playing. It is so tempting to just see how they do- but we must be strict and not allow any accident. Otherwise- she is doing great. She is happy and yes very matted- even after a bath. We may have to end up shaving her mats out- but have to wait. It is wonderful to give her a belly rub and actually see a cute little puppy. It is wonderful- and it is also scary- Pray for us to be wise in her care to keep her safe for the next four weeks. THanks!!!!