Thanks, I will for sure check out that Facebook group. The orthopedic vet that we have the appointment with happens to be my ortho professor. So while I know he is extremely skilled and knowledgeable, I'm also familiar with his philosophy and know without a doubt he is going to recommend surgery. That means I need to put some serious thought into whether or not I feel like that's the best route for Mazey and how I will respond to his suggestions before we go on Wednesday. I'll admit going through with a surgery is my first instinct. That knee is really unstable, and she is so painful right now that it's difficult for me to imagine keeping her this way and waiting for it to improve on its own with rest. Right now we think it's a complete tear (I should find out for sure on Wed), which really shifts the balance away from conservative management as well. What we think happened is that she tore it partially earlier this month when she became slightly lame before her first acupuncture session. We all assumed it was just more arthritis (I'm kicking myself now). My holistic vet did do a cranial drawer test, but probably since it was likely just a partial and because Mazey was so tense, it felt ok to her. Fast forward to this weekend, she probably progressed to a complete tear on our walk. I have a lot of thinking and a lot of research to do in the next couple of days. I will for sure update after our appointment on Wednesday. Decisions, decisions, decisions for my poor girl. And I know she's not a mastiff, but thanks for sticking in there anyway. You guys are great!
