UPDATE: June 18

UC Davis wants to try revision on the right, removing the implant, to prevent his left elbow from degenerating further. This option is a little problematic because his bones will need to fill in where the screws were, so there are risks of complications with the surgery as well as cost. Next step we will be trying physical therapy (in two weeks after his left elbow recovers from the ligament strain) to see if a PT can figure out what is wrong and develop a non-surgical treatment plan.

Previous update: June 10, 2025: Merlin and I are currently back at UC Davis emergency because his elbow dislocated last night (confirmed on X ray at emergency) I have had several autistic meltdowns back to back in the past 12 hours and may even need to get medical attention myself while I’m here over at the people ER because I’m starting to have catatonic symptoms (I have had one episode after several meltdowns while supporting my mom during a major medical procedure and I’m concerned I may go catatonic again). Any and all help will make sure my dog (and possibly also me) will get timely and appropriate medical attention and treatment.

Older updates for background context:

Merlin had his arthrodesis surgery on May 29 at UC Davis. Unfortunately, on February 6th, we had to take him to the ER because he could not put weight on his treated leg; one pin is displaced and is pushing into his soft tissue and one of the screws is loose and has fluid around it. Merlin needs to go into surgery to correct this so he can finally use his new leg properly and no longer be in pain. Merlin is my support animal for my autism and is trained to do skills for helping me manage autistic meltdowns, but he is also my best friend.