Week of March 19: Brokenberry update

Steve and Stephanie took Blackberry to his vet early Monday morning. Blackberry was given a thorough checkup and many tests were performed. The results showed that Blackberry’s injuries were limited to his front right ulna and a small cut on his upper lip. X-rays revealed four fractures, including two spiral complex fractures in his ulna. Blackberry was referred to an orthopedic specialist for further treatment.

On Tuesday, Steve and Stephanie met with the orthopedic specialist. After conducting more tests, including a CAT scan, surgery to the ulna was recommended. Due to the complex nature of the fractures, the surgery was predicted to be difficult but would provide the best chance of recovery. It didn’t take Steve and Stephanie to decide on having the surgery. Blackberry was kept at the vet overnight. I spoke with Steve on the phone Tuesday night and I could tell from his voice that the injury to the ulna was very serious and Steve was very concerned about his best friend, Blackberry. I could sense that Steve was close to tears as he described the details of the injury and the upcoming surgery.

On Wednesday afternoon, Blackberry had his surgery. I believe the surgery took over 2 hours. Due to his age (13+) and the multiple fractures, the surgeon was not able to use metal plates or screws directly onto the ulna. Instead, the broken ulna was secured with three external halos. The surgery was as successful as it could have been and Blackberry made it through very well. Again, he was kept overnight at the vet for observations.

You can see the three halo rings cover by the protective purple bandage around Blackberry's right leg. You can also make out the little cut below his nose.

On Thursday, Blackberry returned home with Steve and Stephanie. I think he was very glad to be back home. However, Blackberry was under lots of pain killers administered through a patch he wore on his hind leg. Andrea and I visited him that night. We left Kodi at home as we didn’t want Blackberry to get excited. Andrea and I were delighted to find Blackberry happy at home limping about. He was in better shape that I had anticipated. Also, Steve and Stephanie were in good spirits. It was amazing to see Blackberry wagging his tail, hoping around so that he would be near us and not miss out on receiving scraps from our dinner. He was hopping around so well that I called him a "Pirate”. Arrr!

On Friday, Andrea stayed with Blackberry during the day while Steve and Stephanie were at work. Blackberry was under heavy medication and slept for the most of the day.

On Saturday night, Andrea and I paid Blackberry another visit along with my brother Brian. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a happy Blackberry, who was full of energy, alert and eating well. Steve and Stephanie were also very happy and upbeat. It was good to see the Glazer family happy together.

I think the worst is behind now. I am hopeful that Blackberry will make a speedy full recovery. Blackberry will be under wraps for a total of 8 weeks to be followed by physical therapy, so there is a lot of care and work still to be had. But with the love from Steve and Stephanie, I am certain that Blackberry is in the best possible hands.

Here's Stephanie hanging out with the Pirate!