Patient of the Month

Rhea- June 2023

"Rhea was unfortunately diagnosed with severe bilateral hip dysplasia at 9 months old. We wanted to make sure she had the best chances at living as normal of a life and as long of a life as possible, and were recommended IPC by other Newfie owners.

“Several months after that, the team at IPC started noticing some resistance in her elbow. Sure enough, soon after that she later started limping heavily on her elbow and had surgery for elbow dysplasia. Rhea was not dealt the best cards, but she would never think that.

“There has been such a huge change in Rhea since we started coming to IPC since February of 2022. It has been a journey of navigating multiple issues and flare-ups, but the progress she has made makes us emotional. At one point we couldn't even walk her longer than 5 minutes, she would spend much of the day sleeping, and was in a bad spot - she now goes for 30-40 minute walks with ease, wrestles with her Husky brother, chases her Husky brother, and gets to live a normal puppy life that she was robbed of for a while.

“When you see your puppy acting like they are an old dog that is ridden with joint issues, its deeply upsetting. Dr. Ridley from Day 1 has been so encouraging and positive and optimistic. She was been our greatest weapon in our arsenal to help get Rhea back to living how a young dog should and has been beyond knowledgeable and helpful every single step throughout this journey to get her to where she is. Rhea's current plan is hydrotherapy, laser treatments, massage, and gym, and we are hopeful that as changes come and modifications need to be made, we will have other routes to pursue. But for now she is doing AMAZING. She has put on so much muscle, she is ONE STRONG LADY.”

-Kelly, Rhea’s mom