Monday (2-06) update

Dr. Cook called and we discussed the options for surgery tomorrow. We have decided that it is in Cooper's best interests to go ahead and fuse the joint. We just don't want to put him through an additional surgery if the attempt to 'fix' the elbow implant was not successful. Since we got him into rescue (Dec. '04), he has walked with an extremely stiff gait. After fusion he should walk about the same, only with no pain since the arthritic elbow is gone and there is no movement in that joint to cause pain. We gave it our best shot, but we want to be realistic, too. Cooper is in good hands and he will be better after all is said and done.