Maicoh

"My experience started five years ago when my Border Collie, Kraken, was 6 months old. Just diagnosed with bilateral osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of his shoulders, I felt like his future was ending before it began. Thankfully, I found Dr. Canapp and his team.

"Kraken underwent bilateral arthroscopic surgery to treat both shoulders, followed by stem cell and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment, and had a complete recovery.

"Unfortunately, three years later, we were back again, this time for intermittent lameness of his left rear leg. At the same time, I was having my Dutch Shepherd, Maicoh, evaluated for suspected medial shoulder syndrome (MSS). Maicoh was trained in personal protection and French Ring, and both took a toll on his shoulders. Kraken had a partial tear of his caudal cruciate ligament diagnosed by arthroscopy and ultrasound, and Maicoh, as suspected, had bilateral MSS.

"Before I knew it, both of my dogs were undergoing procedures under anesthesia. It was a true nightmare, but Dr. Canapp and his team were there for me and my dogs, making sure they both received the most up-to-date care. Maicoh had a full recovery after 12 weeks in hobbles and rehabilitation. Kraken also fully recovered, but then tore his right caudal cruciate ligament and shredded his long digital extensor tendon, and again we returned to Dr. Canapp and his team to diagnose and treat his injuries. While the caudal cruciate ligament healed with stem cell and PRP treatment, Kraken managed to tear his cranial cruciate ligament—yes, while under leash restrictions—and underwent a TPLO.

"The surgery was a complete success despite Kraken fracturing his patella postoperatively. Through all of this, Dr. Canapp and his team provided me with guidance and support. Kraken has now fully recovered, and after two years of rehabilitation, many prayers and tears, he is back doing all the things a healthy 5-year-old Border Collie should be doing. He loves sheep herding, agility, swimming, hiking, playing with his two Dutch Shepherd brothers and ruling our house. Maicoh has retired from French Ring and enjoys dock diving in his own dock-dog pool in our yard, hiking and trying to keep Kraken—and Maicoh’s son, Lycan—in line.

"I watch Kraken being a normal, active Border Collie and Maicoh enjoying swimming and running, and I cannot thank Dr. Canapp and his team enough for giving them back full, active, pain-free and happy lives."

— Lisa