Slowly, we're getting there. And on schedule I believe. Currently we're working on Quincy using her normal gait walking, no hopping allowed lol

This is a clip from today

Well, yesterday we picked up Quincy's bionic leg :) otherwise called a stifle (knee) device. Based on how well she's been doing it's assumed that her injury is likely a small tear so some may think even this is a bit extreme for treatment. For the average dog and lifestyle I may agree with you but we're not so average sometimes.

I want to protect her knee by going a bit extreme so we can continue living life as we do. She's not taking to wearing it as quickly as I hoped but it is only day two, gradually we 'll get there and we 'll keep you posted. Thanks for checking in :)

So, few days ago Quincy had her leg impression done and shipped of for manufacturing. We're lucky enough to live 45 min from Orthopets in Mission B.C.http://www.orthopets.com/index.htm  Allicia was wonderful, our initial consult was at no charge providing great info and Quincy was very relaxed with her.  
My vet was very sceptical initially, refusing to give the required referral to something he's never heard of. Not only did he give the referral after checking out the brace but he's requesting info for another patient of his also.
 The brace will be here in around two weeks, we'll have a fitting and a two week break in period. After two weeks an adjustment visit, after two more weeks another visit for needed adjustments and continuous monitoring for pressure points. After nine months Quincy will have another assessment on her knee and if we're lucky it'll be healed. If not, we just keep using the brace.
 In Quincy's case the prediction is that she'll be back on our mountain trails around the end of June :) Wish us luck!!

Here's some pics of Quincy's leg impression being done.

So for those who are not yet in the know, Quincy injured her knee a few weeks ago and was diagnosed by our vet as having a torn cruciate tendon. How? Good question. She merely went out in the field to pee and sniff and returned limping.

Via physical exam and X-ray it was determined that a cruciate tendon has been torn. Then it was the researching for a treatment plan. I'm not going to say who wanted to do what for how much here, but these are some of the factors weighing in on my decision.
        The severity of the injury, now that evening she was only slightly limping and the same the next two days. It was one day after that we were at the vet, where it was manipulated and aggravated  no doubt. since day two, nothing no limp at all. So, do I believe it is torn, yes but not terribly. And even a small tear will take months to mend.
       Our lifestyle. Quincy and I are quite active, we love hiking and camping, swimming etc. Regardless of her age, she'll be 10 in Sept, Quincy is a very young 9 yr old. Medically  she's very healthy.
      My financial status. I'm not wealthy by any means. I work a full time job and pay a mortgage living check to check like most people. Can I make any of the options work financially? Yes. But I'd be stretched so thin that I could be in trouble an emergency were to arise.
      My availability to be there for Quincy in her recovery. I work long shifts, without the ability to take a long period of time off work to give follow up care after any surgery to promote it's success. 
      My goals for Quincy.  To have her heal, be happy and live an active outdoor life with me for another 5 to forever years.
      To get her safely back on the trails as soon as safely possible. Turns out she is a boredom eater, not good for a dog with a knee injury.
      So the plan? The plan is to use a stifle brace, a dog's knee is called a stifle. The brace stops the shifting in her knee caused by the tear therefore preventing further injury.  This also allows the ligament to build scar tissue and hopefully eventually stop any movement on it's own. If it doesn't then she just wears the splint continuously, the splint does not stop her from partaking in all our usual activity. Will she get arthritis? Probably, but so will I and we'll deal with it then.
      NOTE; In my research I came upon this site and found it helpful. Don't let anyone rush you into any decisions. http://tiggerpoz.com/index.html