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We were sitting here watching tv and I got up to go to the kitchen for something. As usual, Obie followed me but he only made it about 5 feet and started screaming and yelping. He was in pain and could not walk.
He limps on his back left leg sometimes and I told the vet about it last time we were in and he said he thinks his kneecap shifts.
That is what happened but instead of shifting back into place, it didn't and my poor boy was in a lot of pain.
The vet got it back where it was supposed to be and told me usually this happens with small dogs. He was born with the issue and it can worsen, she said. Being probably worse than in a small dog because he would be putting more weight on that joint.
She talked about a specialist and possible surgery but for now he is on anti inflammatory medication. She is going to call me in a couple of days to see how he is and if he does not improve I am to call her.
She was talking about how she couldn't believe anyone could ever give him up and that he was a rescue.
If he has this surgery, it would run around $3,500.00. I do not have that for surgery. I hate to think ill of people but the thought crossed my mind about his former owners, and wondering if they had gotten the same kind of news from a vet and decided to just get rid of him.... My poor Obie. He is a little gimpy right now and is lying down. We will take it from here and see how he does.
Does anyone else here have a large dog who has required this kind of surgery?
Did she show you how to put it back when its out? My knee goes out it Painful I had surgery helped a bit but still shifts. When it does I have to go to my Chriopractor to get it back. You learning how to put it back would be a great help.
Other things you can do is lift him on & off Furniture. Crate him when your not home. And IF you have slippery floors get rubberback throws rugs & runners.
Did she show you how to put it back when its out? My knee goes out it Painful I had surgery helped a bit but still shifts. When it does I have to go to my Chriopractor to get it back. You learning how to put it back would be a great help.
Other things you can do is lift him on & off Furniture. Crate him when your not home. And IF you have slippery floors get rubberback throws rugs & runners.
He doesn't get on the furniture but I do need a rug for him in the kitchen. She did show me.
I've never had a dog with this, but did have a rabbit with luxating patellas. He had other health issues as well and so wasn't a surgery candidate.
If surgery is absolutely not an option at this time, what about an orthopedic knee brace? Of course surgery would be the best route to go to give him the best chance for recovery, as without it the condition would probably worsen and arthritis would most likely develop. But if it's not an option, ask your vet to see if a knee brace would be useful. A good orthopaedic brace might be a bit costly (not sure how much - $500, maybe?) but if it would help to keep the kneecap in place then that might be something to consider. And it might buy you some time to save up for surgery as well, if that's feasible. But ask your vet about it; you'd want to make sure it would be an option, and not do anything to worsen the condition.
Also try adding glucosamine and chondroitin to his diet. While it won't fix the problem, it might help to strengthen his joints a bit.
I had a large dog that tore her ACL during play. Thr surgery was $2600.00 plus $1000 + for the emergency visit and painkillers. The vet that host the surgery wanted to charge more, urging us to come back for post-op x-rays at a quote of $500.00. I inquired why the pre-op x-rays cost $300 less and I received no answer, other than she MUST come in. My dog recovered very well from surgery, no limping and started walking on that leg in a week so I opt out of the post-op. Otherwise, the total package would be about your price range.
It's very frustrating to adopt a dog and find something wrong afterward. I had a 6-year old cat surrendered by the shelter just to find out $2k later he had a history of urinary obstruction. To clear that and save his life, it is a vert expensive procedure that includes overnight stays. Each obstruction. He had it twice. Who knows how many he had before I got him.
So I too understand how you feel. Every time I see a behaviour or health problem that could have been dealt with earlier on was not addressed, thus passing on that problem to me, like teaching my dogs how to chew on toys and not the carpet. An all canned diet for that cat with exercise could've helped with his urinary problems and obesity but no, the previous owners free fed him dry food out of their own convenience. That's why I urge owners that adopt a young pet to make sure they start on the right track early: quality diets, exercise, training and tons of socialization. Most just shrug their shoulders.
Regarding your dog, I would find a way to pay for the surgery if you cross thar bridge. That is, if the surgery is your dog's only solution to permanent or close to permanent fix.. Those painkillers will eventually wear off its effects. You don't want your dog on pain meds for too long. Dogs are good at hiding pain and the pain meds may make them appear as if the problem fixed itself. But it isn't. Try Care Credit or work out a payment plan with the vet. I know it's very expensive but watching your dog scream in pain means something must be done, for his sake.
Hopefully he won't need it but surgery may be the only answer so I would start looking at ways to pay for it. Would the rescue you adopted him from help if he needed the surgery? I've volunteered at rescues where they would occasionally help pay for something like this after the animal was adopted. Also as was mentioned Care Credit or a payment plan with the vet are things to look into.
Good luck and I will cross my fingers no surgery is needed.
Thanks. I got him from the shelter, so I doubt it. I will look into the care credit and plan on starting to save for the surgery just in case.
Sometimes there is a volunteer group that is associated with the animal shelter. I know the city shelter in our area has one. Even if there isn't maybe the shelter would have an idea of resources that could help with the cost. I've also seen several successful Go Fund Me campaigns for animal medical expenses.
I remember seeing his pic and thinking he was cute but I don't remember exactly what he looked like. If he's predominately one breed or pure bred I'd reach out to a rescue that helps with that breed and see if they can help with expenses since you saved him from the shelter.
Sometimes there is a volunteer group that is associated with the animal shelter. I know the city shelter in our area has one. Even if there isn't maybe the shelter would have an idea of resources that could help with the cost. I've also seen several successful Go Fund Me campaigns for animal medical expenses.
I remember seeing his pic and thinking he was cute but I don't remember exactly what he looked like. If he's predominately one breed or pure bred I'd reach out to a rescue that helps with that breed and see if they can help with expenses since you saved him from the shelter.
I don't see enough of one breed in there that makes me thing going to a pure breed rescue will work.
Thank you for saving him.
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