Poor Muffin. If it’s not one thing, it’s another.
Muffin is just five years old, but those years have been met with one physical challenge after another. In her brief life, Muffin has suffered a ligament tear in her front left shoulder. She has torn her left hind CCL which required surgery.
Her allergies have caused skin infections and just this October, Muffin tore her right CCL and meniscus.
Fortunately for Muffin, her owners, Bryer and Zulema Day, brought her to the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital where she has been a frequent visitor.
“We’ve worked with orthopedic, allergy and physical therapy specialists at Iowa State and everyone has been incredibly kind and attentive,” said Bryer. “They always prioritize Muffin’s well-being and ensure we’re fully informed about any treatment plans they recommend.”
And as you can imagine with all of Muffin’s medical issues, there have been a lot of treatment plans.
Muffin first came to the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital three years ago after suffering that ligament tear in her front left shoulder.
“ISU was the first team able to fully diagnose her shoulder issue and offer a long-term treatment plan,” Zulema said. “That first visit completely transformed Muffin’s health and within a few months, she was back to daily walks and could hike for miles without soreness, limping or other issues.”
Just a year ago, Muffin tore her left hind CL, which required surgery in order for her to walk normally again. The Days didn’t hesitate to return to the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital for her medical care.
It was during her initial orthopedic appointment that the Iowa State veterinary team identified a skin infection on her paws and around her mouth. She was referred to Iowa State’s dermatology specialists.
“Muffin had struggled with allergies since she was young and we worked with our local vet to manage them,” Bryer said. “But our first allergy appointment at ISU was in a completely different league.”
The Hixson-Lied veterinary team walked through a full life plan for Muffin, explaining all available treatment options, how effective they were, and how they could be combined over time to manage her allergies for the rest of her life.
“Since that visit, we have felt much better equipped to keep her allergies under control and respond quickly if a skin infection appears again,” Zulema said.
After the skin infection was treated, Muffin underwent TPLO surgery to repair her torn CCL. Dogs with this injury often tear the other hind CCL, which Muffin did in October. Two weeks later she underwent a surgical procedure that has her on the road to recovery.
That recovery has required Muffin to see a third specialty unit in the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital. She is a regular visitor to the Canine Rehabilitation Center where her exercises include sit to stands, passive range of motion, water treadmill sessions, figure eights, side to side movements, and balance work. Occasionally she will also undergo laser therapy and spends time on a magnetic therapy bed to relax her muscles.
For these treatments, Muffin and the Days make the almost two-hour trip from their Williamsburg home to Iowa State. It’s a visit that Muffin looks forward to.
“Muffin truly adores visiting Iowa State,” Bryer said. “She loves the staff and students, and they clearly love her back. We often joke that she is a bit of a celebrity. Students regularly share stories about her.”
While it’s an experience neither Muffin nor the Days wanted, the trips to Iowa State have been life changing for the Corgi.
“We are extremely thankful for Iowa State and the care Muffin has received,” Zulema said. “We truly feel that the staff and students understand how important Muffin is to us, take her care seriously, and know we would do anything she needs.”
January 2026
