[flybigjet]

An update on the RoboKitty--

We finally got the orthotic. The vet had some issues fitting it but she had a fairly large box of parts, so after swapping some straps around, we got it to fit.

Except for two things:

1. No matter what we did, we couldn't get Max's paw to fit properly in the foot of the boot. After a day, the vet finally decided to just take it off and that seems to be a good solution. However, the back part of the orthotic now hits the floor when he walks, so next week we'll probably cut off about a quarter inch of it. That's an irreversible decision though, as it'll cut off the boot mounting points. The orthotic cost $1500, so we want to make damn sure we're not going to use the boot again.

2. Since he was splinted and bandaged for almost five weeks, that's caused issues. He's been on a long-term low-dose steroid for an unrelated tummy issue and that's made his skin a little thin-- which caused some sores and bleeding. We've been working hard to get those to heal. We made a "Kitty Condo" for him to sleep in. I borrowed a buddy's Big Freakin' Crate (he has a huge dog), and we put in a litter box, food, water and a heated basket. Max sleeps there at night without the brace so the sores can heal.

Overall, we're **very** cautiously optimistic that he's showing some signs of healing to his tendon. No promises from the vet, but his tendon **might** be getting *slightly* better. He may never have a completely full recovery, but if we can at least get him out of the orthotic in about four months, I'll call that a win.

R.