Update Jan 1, 2026
Teddy is doing well. He continues to improve and remains in his original foster home as a long-term foster with the goal for this to become his permanent home. Congratulations Teddy and a big thank you to his foster family.
Medical Update – October 3, 2025
Teddy’s right knee is quite stable with no obvious buildup of scar tissue, indicating that he had a partial rather than a full rupture of his cranial cruciate ligament. Good news! Swelling has decreased in his left knee and again no obvious scar tissue buildup indicates that another partial rupture is healing. Dr. Jodi commended Jennifer Rutt, Teddy’s superhuman foster, for doing such an excellent job of limiting his activity to allow both knees to heal. He does have a stiff gait but there was no sign of limping, which indicates that Teddy can regain good mobility and a good quality of life.
The abnormalities in his spine would need further diagnostic analysis to determine exactly what is going on, but it does appear that he has abnormal bone development along his spine which is unusual for a dog his age. It will probably mean he will have a stiffer spine and increasing discomfort as he ages. However, a thorough physical exam did not indicate any particular tender spots, which is more good news!
Unfortunately, the change in diet has not completely resolved Teddy’s incontinence. Further investigations are being scheduled to determine if a stone could be lodged in a location where previous imaging techniques are not good at detecting.
Through his recovery, Teddy has been on a combination of pain, anti-inflammatory, and sedation medication to minimize his pain and keep him calm to avoid re-injuring his knees. An attempt to slowly increase his exercise was stalled when it was discovered that Teddy became extremely anxious whenever he walked for even a short distance in his neighbourhood. It also took him quite a while to recover from the exposure to the outside world. He will be transitioned off the sedative and onto an anti-anxiety medication. It will take a number of weeks to take effect, but it is hoped that this medication will reduce his over-reactivity to outside stimuli, which in turn will allow Jen to slowly increase his activity levels to help rebuild his muscles.
All that said, we feel there is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel for Teddy, where he can eventually be weaned off some of the medication, regain a healthy urinary tract, and run with minimal pain.
Personality:
Teddy is an incredibly sweet boy!
Thank you:
Haw’aa – Haawa – Thank you so very much to all of you who have supported Teddy on his healing journey, to the wonderful team at Haida Gwaii Animal Hospital for their dedication to Teddy’s wellbeing, and to Jen and her partner, Clint, for opening their home and their huge hearts to Teddy and showing incredible commitment to meeting his every need!
