10/21/2026
Many of my clients have heard me complain about arthritis in my thumbs 👍👎I know the doctors and staff, especially my technician, Stacey, have heard me whine and groan and complain for probably a year or more that I was in pain and had trouble doing the things that I used to be able to do. Veterinary medicine is really tough on our bodies. I’ve tried my best to minimize the things that would aggravate the arthritis, but the ultimate solution is surgery- CMC arthroplasty.
I was amazed at how many of my clients have had this surgery done and I got tips and names and recommendations anytime I could. Than you!❤️
I finally had my left thumb done on October 5, 2026. I have been out for three weeks and I will be back with limited duties and a splint after that. (My dogs loved me being home with them so much!)
My husband and Dr. Bruce have picked up the slack in the meantime, along with relief veterinarians. If you’ve noticed it’s been a little bit more difficult to get in for appointments or procedures, this is likely why. I hope you haven’t.
I foresee having to have the same procedure done on my right thumb, but right now I’m just looking forward to rehabilitating my left one and getting out of this annoying splint!
If you’ve had the surgery done, feel free to let me know when your thumb felt back to normal!
Dr. Julie Jaques🙂
🐾FYI If we recommend the “chill protocol” for relaxation for your pet or even sedation to do a procedure and you wonder why, this would be the reason. Our body‘s breakdown and we’d like to avoid surgery ourselves. Several of my staff that are younger than I am are starting to get arthritis in their thumbs and hands. If you notice how many times we squat down or kneel, you can imagine her knees are going to give out some time also. Be kind-we do our best.🐾