SigMT

94 | SIGNATURE MONTANA e treatment helped break down some scar tissue, but the dilated part of the esophagus was nothing close to normal. e doctor feared an additional vascular ring may still be causing problems, something that could have been missed in the first surgery as Monty was so tiny. In early November, a second major thoracic surgery revealed an abnormally large chunk of fibrous band that was restricting food from passing through his throat. From Monty's Adoptive Mom on Instagram: 11/10/21 "For most puppies, this day comes at about one and a half months old. For Monty, it came at nine months and six days. is was Monty's first true meal. e first time he's eaten and most of it has goen from his mouth to his stomach. No instantaneous regurgitation. In fact, it's been hours and he's had two rounds of food and still only the tiniest bit of regurgitation, and only aer geing very excited in his chair… this feels like a miracle, I legitimately almost cried". Dawn Milligan has been with Best Friends Animal Hospital for over 13 years. Dawn is a Veterinary Technician with over 30 years experience. She has been the Practice Manager for the last 8 years. Dawn's passion is advocating for all animals. Monty continues to thrive and finds enormous joy in life. He has no idea he's sick or missing part of his front leg, and nothing much slows this boy down. He's geing used to his new prosthetic and will need a new one as he continues to grow. His sister Dolly was lucky; she didn't have internal medical issues like Monty, but missing both back feet has been challenging. Prosthetics are expensive, especially with growing puppies. ey start at around $1600 each. Dolly is prey proud of her pink army fatigue prosthetics and isn't hesitant about showing them off. While geing used to the new limbs has taken some time, both are mastering the prosthetics quite well. Both adoptive moms work together, so Monty and Dolly see each other regularly. Even though running around with each other is tough, they are content to lay on their sides to play. A DNA test revealed that both are Staffordshire Terrier, Boxer, Labrador Retriever, and Roweiler! Surgically dividing the ligament resulting om the persistent arch will ee the esophagus and allow normal passage of food. Recovery within a few months is likely. Less than 10% of dogs treated fail to improve4. Healing and return to normal esophageal function may be significantly helped by feeding the dog with his dish elevated so he must stand upright on his rear legs. is lets gravity assist in swallowing. S MT The animal's movements must be studied to mold a limb that will sync up with the others. While techniques vary, a standard process is to make a plaster cast, design the prosthetic based on photos and video, then build it with durable thermoplastics and metal. They tweak the more delicate details by hand until it works with the animal. Monty and Dolly enjoy a bit of competitive play. At 7 days old, Dolly needed round-the-clock care, from feedings every two hours to frequent bandage changes on her back limbs to avoid infection.

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