05/11/2026
Update on Lily. 🤍
Lily has had an ongoing issue with her front leg/elbow that we have been trying to fully figure out.
She was seen by our regular vet and had x-rays done, but nothing obvious was found. Even after anti-inflammatories and pain medications, she continued limping with no real change, so we proceeded with a specialist consultation.
The specialist explained that the next step would be a CT scan, as elbow issues can be very difficult to diagnose on regular x-rays alone, especially in younger dogs. That diagnostic alone is $2,500. If surgery were recommended afterward, we were quoted another $4,000 to $6,000, with no guarantee of success or full correction.
Realistically, as a small foster-based rescue, those costs are simply not something we are capable of pursuing, and we understand that many adopters are not either. Unfortunately, rescue medicine is heavily dictated by finances no matter how much we wish that was not the reality.
The specialist also explained that because Lily is only nine months old, there is still a possibility she could improve as she continues growing and developing, depending on the underlying cause.
At this point, if Lily continues comfortably as she currently is, happy, playful, active, and only dealing with a limp, then supportive management is a realistic path for her. Joint supplements, maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring, and supportive care may allow her to continue living a happy life for years.
If her condition worsens or begins affecting her quality of life, amputation would realistically become the only treatment option financially feasible, as it is significantly less expensive than advanced orthopedic surgery.
But right now, Lily is happy. She is affectionate, social, playful, and truly one of the sweetest dogs we’ve had in rescue. She deserves to be seen for far more than her limp.
We know taking on a dog with an unknown orthopedic issue can feel intimidating, but Lily deserves a family willing to love her exactly as she is. 🤍
If you are interested in adopting Lily, please message us.
