04/09/2026
💜 ELLIE UPDATE 💜
This isn’t the update we had hoped to be sharing about our beautiful Ellie.
Up until now, Ellie has been an absolute trooper through everything that has been thrown at her. But over the last few days, we noticed a change. She hasn’t wanted to get up to eat or drink and has barely wanted to move around. When placed in her litter tray, she would often just sit there.
Yesterday was her weekly check-up and bandage/splint change, and unfortunately we discovered another setback.
Her bandage has been rubbing, causing another open wound. More concerningly, even while sedated, her leg is now refusing to straighten.
Another round of X-rays has shown that her hamstring muscle has contracted and is fibrous. The red wavy line in the X-ray shows where her hamstring is sitting.
The surgery itself was a success. Her bones are healing amazingly, and her kneecap is still in place. Unfortunately, it’s now the muscles that aren’t cooperating.
Sadly, there is no simple fix for this.
Ellie continues to hold her left leg up, which means even more pressure is being placed on her already compromised right leg.
At this stage, the plan is to operate on Ellie’s right leg, using a less aggressive approach than we did with her left. We would then allow her time to recover and, once she is strong enough, potentially amputate her left leg.
Dr Colin is going to take the week to think everything through and consider whether there are any other options available to Ellie before we make that decision.
It’s heartbreaking. 💔
We want to make one thing very clear — Ellie absolutely needed her original surgery. Her condition was already affecting her quality of life and beginning to impact her hips. Leaving her as she was wasn’t a long-term option.
Unfortunately, sometimes you can do everything for the right reasons and still not get the outcome you desperately hoped for.
Whatever happens next, every decision will continue to be made with one thing at the centre of it all — Ellie’s quality of life.
For now, she’s home, resting and getting all the love and care she deserves.
Our little girl has already fought so hard. We’ll keep fighting alongside her. 💜🐾
PS. Today she is seemingly back to her usual sweet self, purring and reaching up for more pats and treats! This is a great sign.