0
bigway

Puppy Bill: $8000

Recommended Posts

Quote

YEah mate, I wish it was like that. This vet is very certain of the issue. [:/]
I have written to univerities in different countries asking opinions and will be going to a few different vets before the xrays on wednesday, as i feel like i have alot to learn right now. He says it is in bad shape at this point... that may just be my girlfriend's way she has presented it to me but i get a feeling it is common enough for a vet to know if it is or is not.

Right now it sounds like the x-rays are to confirm his suspicions, that is how i am thinking of it....and just spending the last coupe of days reading as much as i can about this and reading hundreds of other peoples experiences over the net. I need to get on to finding a way to pay for this. What worries me is if my other dog, her brother mayb have to go through this at some point in his life. Now that would really suck. I feel so sorry for these two dogs. We adopted them from the shelter and now they are about to go through hell. I imagine for a human getting your hip replaced would be a big deal and lots of physical therapy.. I imagine for a dog it will be pretty much the same. I hope going through this works out for the best for her sake. I would hate to put her through this and it only makes things worse for her.

I have surprised myself with how sad i am able to feel.



You're feeling sad because you love her. If my dog were going through the same thing, I'd be as sad as you are. My dog is part of my "family". He's my little buddy. He's not just a "dog". He's probably better cared for than most people are.

And I know about "people" going through hip replacements. My dad had one 12 years ago. My baba (grandmother) had one when she was 90.

My dad is now going on 75 and his hip is fine. So is my Baba's. And she's going to be 96 this year. But now they both have bad knees. Go figure. So do I.

My dad said that the pain from the hip replacement was significant. But it was a "different" kind of pain. A better kind. That he could work through.

I hope it's the same for you puppito. :)
'Shell

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
The reason I asked about previous x-ray recommendations is what I've seen the vets I work with (currently or previously) do. In the ER, it was automatic - dog in pain with leg/hip manipulation, it was an automatic x-ray recommendation. Day practice - they look at the dog, and based upon level of pain, will either give 1 week to see if the dog gets better (and then x-rays if not better) or recommend x-rays immediately. Just curious what yours had done.
Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Sorry for the hijack, Bigway ...

ladyskydiver - Do you have any experience with pets and Elk Velvet? I only know what I've heard (that it works for pets with arthritis and hip problems) and what I've seen (with my friend's Lab - and that it worked for him) and a few others.

I'm curious if it's a common therapy everywhere or just common here (in Alberta). I know a lot of people that swear by it for their pets.

I recommended that Bigway try it for his little girl because of how it worked for friends of mine. Any thoughts???

I have a purebred Boxer (white) and there's always "talk" that they experience hip dysplasia (and other health issues).
'Shell

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Like I mentioned before, you will need a definite diagnosis before you precede with decisions about treatment. Several conditions can mimic hip dysplasia and are treated differently. Best treatment in young dogs for hip dysplasia is a surgery called Triple Pelvic Osteotomy. Tibial Plate Leveling Osteomy is the best for cruciate ligament injuries. These both require specialty training and are as you say, expensive. Here in the US about $2000 each. There are other less expensive surgical options that can be provided by a regular Vet. The result can be almost as good as the specialist in some cases, but in bigger dogs there is a potential for less than desirable outcomes.


As far as pain medication you can start with Rimadyl,
Dermaxx, or any of the other good non-steroidal anti-inflammatories that your Vet should have on hand. If these are not enough then you can add a narcotic. Fentanyl patches are easy to use and are very effective.

Good luck, and I know how difficult and painful this situation is. I am sure you will make the best decisions necessary to resolve the problems.
__________________________________________

Can you give me any reccomendations on pain care that i should request?
Also TPLO, can you tell me more about this?

I would really appreciate any comments from you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
hey bigway,
im sorry to hear about your dog who is an absolute cutie but i wanted to ask -- have u been to the sydney uni vet clinic? my housemate is a final yr sydney uni vet student and my best friend takes her dog there and swears by it.. might be a little cheaper?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No experience wtih Elk Velvet. The vets that I work with stick with painkillers like Rimadyl, Tramadol, etc. and joint supplements such as Glucosamine/Chondroitin.

Bigway - Best of luck with the x-rays. Hopefully, it's something that is easily fixed with minimal pain and no long term damage. Either way...give your little one lots of lovin' from me, k? :)

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Is there a treat that your pup loves (just gobbles up) - i.e. peanut butter or pill pockets? Try putting the pill(s) in them.

Otherwise, the 'ole "fun" of - grab puppy...open mouth...throw pill down throat...close mouth and keep closed...massage throat would be the way to go. :S Always love doing that one.

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Quote

My dog is refusing to touch her food with this in it.



I am SO sorry to hear about your puppy! We had an issue with my Baz not wanting to eat it as well. I took a vienna sausage and cut it length wise and put the power in it. My pooches have NO clue they are taking something good for them! My heart goes out to you!

Muff Brother # 3883, SCR # 14796 ICD # 1 - Pres.
Yeah, I noticed and I think it's funny!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

0