Bear has always been happiest when he's outside.
At 5 years old, the Hound, Boxer and Pit Bull mix is smart, sweet and always ready to play, explore or head out on an adventure. But to his owner, Bear is much more.
"He's my constant companion and truly my whole world," she shared. "Bear brings so much joy to my life, and his happiness and quality of life mean everything to me."
So, when Bear began limping after a particularly big play session, his owner knew something wasn't right.
As his limp worsened, she decided to have him evaluated. She brought Bear to BluePearl Nashville for an orthopedic evaluation with Dr. Michael Pawenski. After a physical exam and additional imaging, he determined that Bear had a cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, tear in his right knee. Dr. Pawenski recommended tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, or TPLO, surgery to treat the injury.
But preparing Bear for surgery came with an additional consideration. He was already receiving ongoing specialty care from dermatologist Dr. Kaitlyn Edmonds for severe allergies. His condition and medications would need to be considered as part of his surgical plan. Bear was receiving immunotherapy to help manage his condition. Getting his skin disease under control became even more important as he prepared for orthopedic surgery.
"Managing Bear's skin disease was important in establishing him as a good surgical candidate," Dr. Edmonds explained. "Surgical outcomes can become complicated when patients have an unhealthy skin barrier or develop secondary skin infections near the surgical site."
For Bear's owner, the possibility of infection was one of her greatest concerns. Dr. Pawenski and Dr. Edmonds worked together to create a plan that allowed Bear to continue the allergy medications he needed while supporting his surgery and recovery. Knowing his specialists were communicating and considering Bear's overall health gave his owner reassurance during an otherwise stressful time.
"Dogs with significant allergic disease can be challenging when we have to make an incision through affected skin," Dr. Pawenski explained. "Dr. Edmonds' expertise gave me confidence that we could provide Bear with the best possible care from every direction."
On May 27, Dr. Pawenski performed Bear's TPLO surgery. His recovery required weeks of carefully managed activity, including avoiding stairs, using non-slip paths around the house, taking medications and receiving physical support and close supervision.
Bear's surgical incision healed without any signs of infection, and his allergies remained well controlled throughout his recovery. For his owner, it was an enormous relief.
Nearly 12 weeks after surgery, Bear returned to his favorite hiking trail.
"We are still taking things slowly, but he walked completely normally and was so happy to be back," his owner shared. "Watching him enjoy that trail again was an emotional moment for me."
For Bear's owner, his recovery also demonstrated the difference it can make when specialists work together and consider more than a single diagnosis.
"What made the greatest difference was the collaboration between specialties," she said. "Dr. Pawenski and Dr. Edmonds did not look at Bear's knee and allergies as separate issues. They considered the whole patient."
Today, Bear is walking normally, has returned to his favorite trail and is slowly getting back to the activities he loves. His allergies are well controlled, allowing him to remain comfortable as he continues his recovery.
"I would recommend BluePearl not only because of the depth of specialty expertise, but also because of the collaboration and compassion behind that care," his owner shared.
"They gave him the opportunity to return to the life he loves, and I will always be so grateful."
