Millie

About the Campaign

Epileptic dog now needs knee surgery

Millie is a 3-year-old Labrador Retriever with a torn knee ligament who needs TPLO surgery on her right back leg so she can walk and run without pain.

Back in June, Millie jumped off the bed like she had a hundred times before—but this time something was wrong. Becky noticed Millie wasn’t putting any weight on her back right leg. At first they hoped it was a minor sprain, but days went by and Millie was still limping and holding the leg up.

X-rays didn’t show a hip issue, but there was fluid in the joint, and Millie’s limp kept coming and going. She was referred to an orthopedic vet, and during a routine exam with Millie’s neurologist for her epilepsy, he could feel the swelling in that back leg. Further evaluation confirmed what everyone feared: a ruptured ligament that needs TPLO surgery to repair.

Millie has already been through a lot for a 3-year-old dog. She’s epileptic and has two to four seizures every month, even on multiple medications. She’s on phenobarbital, three other daily meds, and two as-needed meds, plus a special diet. Her blood levels have to be checked regularly—previously every six months, and now her new doctor wants to see her every three months to monitor her serum levels more closely. Epilepsy care alone has wiped out any “emergency fund” Becky had for Millie.

Millie came into Becky’s life when she needed a companion the most. Becky found her on a Facebook post from a family in Ohio whose dog had gotten out and had puppies. Millie was the last puppy left, and they were going to take the dogs to a shelter if no one came for them. Becky had always had dogs, but at that moment in her life she was lonely, without many friends, and actively looking for a dog she could train, hike with, and build a life around.

Now Becky’s biggest wish is simple: she wants Millie to have pain-free “good days.” With her seizures, Millie already faces more challenges than most dogs her age. Becky doesn’t want a bad knee to steal away the moments when Millie feels well enough to play and be happy.

Your donation will go toward Millie’s TPLO surgery on her right back leg and the follow-up care she needs so she can stand, walk, and run comfortably again. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian. Estimate below, click below to enlarge: