Billie is a 5-year-old Australian Koolie, adopted from a pound at age 5 months by our very own Nurse Destiny. Usually a whirlwind of beach-bound energy, she first showed signs of arthritis at just 11 months old. Her absolute favourite thing in the world was chasing her ball on the beach, but soon, stiffness and limping began to occur after these play sessions. With her mum as a vet nurse at a Fear Free certified veterinary hospital like Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, she recognised the signs of osteoarthritis EARLY, and x-rays confirmed the diagnosis: hip dysplasia with developing osteoarthritis, along with spondylosis (a growth of bone spurs) in her spinal vertebrae. It was heartbreaking at such a young age, but we tackled it head-on. Over the next three years, she underwent two total hip replacements. Talk about a roller-coaster! Recovery was tough, especially with her intense love for food and the importance of knowing that her weight played a large role in her recovery and her future comfort. To keep her weight down and aid healing, we swapped portions of her kibble for a carefully crafted diet: cooked veggies, tinned sardines, Greek yoghurt, blueberries, cooked barramundi, and pre-made wet food. She loved it, and it made a huge difference in keeping her satisfied while also keeping her calories in check. Now, she's back to her ball-chasing best. Thanks to a combination of veterinary care, daily arthritis supplements, physiotherapy exercises, and regular laser therapy sessions, she is completely free of her arthritis symptoms. It's incredibly rewarding to see her back on the beach, not just walking, but running, a testament to her resilience, early detection and the power of dedicated care.