On September 15, 2015, the Joy family brought home two-month-old Penelope, the Vietnamese potbellied pig.
“Since then, our lives have never been the same!” said owner Tiffanie Joy.
But it was a couple months later that the family began to notice Penelope acting differently.
“One day, shortly after bringing Penelope home, Britt noticed Penelope was not putting weight on her left foreleg…we decided to take her to her vet in Brighton for a diagnosis,” Joy said. “X-rays revealed a fractured humerus and we were referred to MSU that evening. Dr. Sue Holcombe, from MSU’s Large Animal Clinic, was there when we arrived and reassured us that Penelope was in the best of hands. Sue Holcombe collaborated with a variety of experts who created the best care plan for Penelope.”
Joy said they weren’t exactly sure how Penelope was injured, but suspected that the fracture may have happened when Penelope jumped from the couch to the floor. Clinicians at the MSU Veterinary Medical Center performed CT scans that confirmed the fractured humerus and revealed a dislocated elbow. The Orthopedic Surgery team at MSU performed surgery on Penelope, using a screw to reduce and stabilize the fracture.
Joy said the working with the Orthopedic Surgery team was a great experience, especially Dr. Loïc Déjardin, who took to calling Penelope “Miss Piggy.”
“He took the time to explain Penelope’s injuries, guiding us through the CT images of her fractured humerus and elbow dislocation. We were impressed by his knowledge and confidence, and knew that Penelope was in the right place,” said Joy.
After surgery and recovery, it was time for Penelope to begin physical therapy at the Dr. Elwood and Linda Collins Rehab Center at the MSU Veterinary Medical Center.
“Penelope had PT sessions with Dr. Sarah Shull,” said Joy. “During the first session, she explained exercises such as weaving between cones and stepping over two by fours. She encouraged Penelope to root with her injured leg, which Penelope began to do naturally. Sarah also showed us how to perform passive range of motion to ensure the best outcome.”
The following month, Penelope returned for a follow up appointment with Dr. Shull, who discovered that Penelope’s range of motion was equal to the unaffected limb.
“She was very pleased with Penelope’s recovery and discharged her that day,” said Joy.
Penelope is back in action at home.
“At home today, Penelope has no limitations,” Joy said. “She currently walks up steps and still enjoys doing the exercises taught at rehab. We have made her a rooting box filled with rocks and balls, which she loves. She also enjoys being outside when the weather is nice and is currently learning some new tricks such as “shake” and “sit.”
