After Max arrived and people got to meet him, here is what they had to say.

"I got to meet Max twice today. What an exceptionally nice male Giant. This one is special and I am certain we will not have any problem placing him."

But after we had Max for awhile, our Dr. Higgins noticed a very slight limp. Upon further investigation, it did not turn out to be a slight problem. Max was very lucky that it had not gotten worse earlier. His owner had only noticed him limp once for a few days and then nothing noticeable. It took Dr. Higgin's trained eye to see that something was wrong with Max.

The slope on Max's tibia is extreme at 60 degrees. Dr. Bone feels at best he could surgically correct this to 30 degrees. The example that Dr.Bone gave was a "typical dog" needing TPLO with a slope of 23 degrees corrected to 8 degrees. The ideal range of correction would be between 8-10 degrees.

Currently, Max has mild arthritis, a bone spur, and some inflammation and edema in this area. It is uncertain whether there is a partial tear at present, but most certainly he will have a partial or complete tear if surgical intervention is not implemented. Upon observation, Max does not place complete weight on his left hind leg. Upon exercising, the limp will begin to become apparent.

Max had surgery on Wed., Sept 14th. He spent the night at SW Vet Surg. (Dr. Bone/ Dixon’s) and was picked him up the next afternoon. He is currently recovering at a home. He has been a bit painful and still hasn’t quite figured out how to lay down comfortably. He is on heavy pain medication. He is getting up to hop outside with assistance. He is eating and drinking well.