A decision is made for Itzl's surgery, and Nurse Kelley created a group: Community Fundraisers, to track the surgery progress and donations.
I chose Dr. Jeff Hicks at Neel Vet Clinic. I've videos of the work he does, and talked to people whose dogs he operated on for the same procedure. I know there's always a chance something will go wrong - it's surgery and he's so tiny - but I think his best chances are with this surgeon. He has the skills, interest, and certifications.
The surgeon wants to do the surgery as soon as possible for the highest degree of success. He's already outlined a course of physical therapy that includes water treadmills, cold therapy, heat therapy, and passive motion.
I already have ramps throughout the house so he doesn't have to jump to get to things like the sofa, bed, or windows. I am installing ramps on the front steps and the steps down into the laundry room that leads outdoors. My workplace is fully mobility accessible, which means ramps everywhere, and he has a key that opens the doors by proximity. He has a canine car seat so he doesn't get injured in the car. I'm laying carpet along his routes in the house so he has traction. He's already been trained not to jump on people even when excited. It won't be hard to train him not to jump up on furniture, to use the ramps instead. My friends are getting together to have a ramp-making day so they'll all have ramps when we visit.
For now, until I have enough money to pay for his surgery, he's on bedrest and pain meds. The vet said this would be OK for about a week, after that, he'll lose function in his leg even with surgery.
Right now, he's on bedrest with Xoco watching over him:
So, if you want to follow Itzl's progress, whether you can donate or not, I will be posting pictures and information about that to the group Community Fundraisers.
Thank you, all of you, for your well wishes! It's very much appreciated.