So, I figured I should share what my week has been like.  It’s been a little different for me because I had to have surgery on Tuesday.  You see, I have hip dysplasia.  This is a congenital disease, which my mom says, means that I was born with it.  It causes me to have pain and stiffness in my back legs.  Another doctor (an orthopedic surgeon) also felt me knees and said I also have a problem with my right knee – this is the one that sometimes hurts me and makes me limp.  Mommy was sad because I have trouble getting up when I am laying down – my back legs aren’t as strong as they should be!  The doctors don’t think I need orthopedic surgery right now, but are hoping stem cell therapy would help me feel better, and with any luck, avoid orthopedic surgery alltogether.  My mom really doesn’t want me to have to have that type of surgery if possible – and I agree!!

My awesome veterinarian, Dr. Newland, performed my surgery on Tuesday.  Mom explained to me what was going to happen.  They gave me a small injection that made me feel pretty tired – I wasn’t worried about a thing after that!  They also drew some blood from me, this is in order to collect my Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), which is part of the Stem Cell process.  Dr. Newland, then put me under anesthesia and removed a layer of fat (adipose tissue) from my tummy.  The techician then processes this tissue, adds the PRP, and activates the stem cells under a special light.  Once that process is complete, I received a second sedation, and Dr. Newland injected the Stem Cells into both my hip joint, my right knee and intravenously.  Then I woke up, and my mommy sat with me so I wasn’t scared  – I was VERY brave the whole time!

Mom now says that I have to rest since I had surgery, but I don’t really like the sound of that!  I’ve been trying to be good, but I don’t feel painful, so I just want to run around and play!  So far, I haven’t been limping, but I am getting a little anti-inflammatory medication every day.  Hopefully, once mom stops giving me that, I will feel better from the cells!  Mom says we have to be hopeful, and let them work their magic! 

I’m so thankful that mom works with an awesome veterinarian who is able to do this procedure!  Please keep your fingers crossed for me – and thanks to all my Facebook friends for all the kind words and healing vibes!!

Love and licks,

Arya