My name is Janelle Valencia, my tripawd is named Zola, she is a 2 year old American Staffordshire Terrier. It has been a long year for all of us and we receive so much support in our community but it feels lonely not connecting with anyone who has been in any similar circumstances.

Zola has been through a number of surgeries this year, the most recent being a leg amputation surgery. In early March of 2018 Zola was diagnosed with a torn acl on her right rear leg. Unfortunately, we were not able to afford the cost of the surgery out of pocket. We were 2 months short of reaching our 1 year pet insurance policy that would cover a portion of the surgery cost, so it was considered a pre existing condition that would not be covered.

We were recommended by several friends to opt for surgery in Mexico. We began our search for a vet in Mexico and through familial connections found one. Everything went well, but 2 months post op we were very concerned with Zola not being on track with her recovery. She was beginning to have lameness in her leg and heavily relying on her rear left leg for weight bearing.

We decided to consult a veterinarian here in the states that was highly recommended by several people i spoke to in regard to orthopedic surgeons. This Doctor went ahead with taking X-Rays, these had shown that she had a torn acl, and a severe infection that was eating away at her bones causing dentures only visible by the X-Rays. He decided she needed an urgent surgery for further evaluation. We were told that the implant used to repair her torn acl had shattered and there was a very high likelihood that the material was causing the infection. In addition, she also had a luxating patella. The Doctor decided to flush out her leg to completely clean it, repair the dislocated kneecap in order to repair the torn acl.

We thought Zola would finally be on the road to recovery, especially after her recovery seemed to be going great as she gained more mobility with her leg. Except, she stopped using her leg. During this time she also got open sores near her incision. After some testing, we were told her infection returned. The Doctor had previously taken a culture sample of the infection and it had reacted against 5 antibiotics. It was clear the first had failed so we continued to test the other 4. One being topical ointment, the others oral pills. During this time, she was diagnosed with a torn acl on her rear left leg due to the weight bearing. One of the antibiotics required her to stay at the pet hospital for 2 weeks, being closely monitored. This stay really helped her rest and regain mobility on her rear left leg and help her get around a bit more easily. 

None of the antibiotics worked to clear the infection. The good news was that the infection was only in her leg, and although leg amputation was never discussed, it became our only option. We were devestated, blaming ourselves for everything she has gone through. It had been hard on all of us and we thought this was finally going to get better. It did get better for a short time, she seemed happier and was walking alot better on 3 legs. We have always kept her monitored and limited her activity, however, after a short period she began to develop a joint popping sound in her rear leg, she had also started collapsing on her back leg. We were told she had a meniscus tear and was making it uncomfortable to walk but that the adequen injections she was receiving would help repair the meniscus. It definitely took care of the popping sound, but she continues to walk like this even after being told she no longer has the tear. We decided to consult a rehabilitation center. 

Going to our rehabilitation consultation was amazing. We received an overwhelming amount of information and guidance on what we should be doing for Zola. We have been sticking to the at home exercises we received which were very minimal to standing, prom, massages, and icepacks as her mobility and strength are not very good. She has high inflammation and pain, so she has started gabapentin and has been on it for a month now. Unfortunately, as hopeful as i try to be i am beginning to worry alot because i do not see her making progress.

She has been kept at home with limited activity for a year now due to everything she has gone through and continues to stay closely monitored to not overdo herself. I keep asking myself if she would have better mobility if we sought out surgery to repair her acl in her remaining rear leg and helped her recover. 

We are a young couple and have another 1 year old Staffy, our lives have changed dramatically for Zola and we are trying to do the most and the best we could for our girl. We want to be able to see her walk without struggle and not have to limit her every day. Any support, words of advice, or simply a hello would definitely be appreciated. 

Thank you,

Janelle