Chloe's Meeting with the Orthopedic Surgeon

It was time for Chloe's visit to the Orthopedic Surgeon... It had been so long since we'd been at Angell Memorial in Boston.. It's always been one of the most highly respected pet hospitals in the country. We were referred to Angell years ago when Sushi was at death's door and our local vet couldn't diagnose the problem. We took her in- literally almost dead- and with no time to do the proper testing, they suggested that it was probably Addison's Disease - and if we were willing, they'd try treating her for it. The next day, she was standing up and eating! It was a miracle! After that experience, it was the only place we'd take our dogs.
Back then, it was an old brick monstrosity--with a small waiting room, tiny examining rooms. We drove up today to see the old brick building still in place- but a new entrance and a huge new attached building.

It was like walking into a state of the art hospital. An impressive check-in desk, a huge Pharmacy, separate waiting rooms for dogs and cats.

We met a young couple in the lobby with their Maltese in a baby carriage- the dog has cancer- and they've spent $20,000 on chemo for her! This place is not for the faint-hearted...or the poverty stricken!

We met Dr Trout (born in Chester, England just outside Liverpool- and wasn't too happy when John called him a Scouser). He checked out Chloe- walking and did an exam. He confirmed that she has MPL (Median Patellar Luxation) in both rear legs and explained the surgical options. At this point, he suggested watching her- making note of any changes in severity or frequency of the skip in her walk or any discomfort. If it gets worse- he'd suggest surgery--with a 6 week recovery period (confined area, no jumping, no running, minimal walking...)