Dr. Elizabeth Konoski, One of Miracle's Doctors, Releases Statement for Miracle's Supporters

Christopher received this information from Dr. Elizabeth Konoski yesterday regarding Miracle's medical status. 12/28/07 Miracle continues to stay strong and battle through her recovery. Over the last few weeks we have been dealing with multiple complications as her burns begin to heal. One of the biggest complications is scar contracture as the skin tries to heal the defects left by the 3rd degree burns over her rear limbs. The contracture began pulling her limbs up towards her body, making it more difficult for her to walk. With the help of scar release incisions, physical therapy and splints she wears 23 hours a day we are getting some range of motion back in the rear limbs. She can again walk, although her rear limbs are not normal and so she still carries most of her weight on her front limbs. Miracle did have some small skin grafts performed to cover exposed boneover joints on her rear limbs. After a brief anesthetic procedure for a release incision 2 weeks ago, Miracle developed acute kidney failure. Using IV fluids we were able to reverse any injuries to her kidneys, and returned them to normal within 48 hours. We continue to monitor her bloodwork carefully. Another issue Miracle has had since the beginning is constipation. This has been further complicated lately as the skin beginning to contract over the base of her tail, pulling up on her rectum causing a partial obstruction. She is requiring stool softeners and sometimes daily enemas to make sure she is passing stool. On the positive side, her appetite seems better than ever lately and she did gain a little weight, now approximately 4 1/2 #. She has stolen the hearts of many of our staff, and we all hope she continues to gain strength and mobility in her back legs. The final outcome remains unknown, but our main goal is for her to have the best quality of life possible. The continued support from people across the world is appreciated and wonderful! Dr. Elizabeth Konoski, Emergency and Critical Care department at OVRS