From: BDrube1441@aol.com Reply-To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org Subject: [pyrnet] Orthopedic question Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 22:09:43 EDT
Hi all. I have a 1 year old pyr or pyr mix He's 82 lbs at one year and looks
exactly like a Pyr, but with a predominantly tan coat and only one set of rear
dewclaws, not that it matters to us. I got him at approx.10 weeks as a foster
rescue puppy. He had been dumped in the country with a sib (never found) and
was shot. He was an emaciated 12 lbs and the rescue's vet kept him overnight
because of his heavy breathing and infection from the wound. An xray of his
chest area showed an irregular diaphragm which the vet said could be from being
hit by a car or from abuse. Today I took Ben into our vet because he often
seemed to favor his left rear leg. When an xray was taken it revealed that he
apparently had his femur knocked out of its socket before we got him and had it
been treated at the time may never have become a problem, at least not as much
of a problem as it is now. There were no signs of congenital dysplasia in
either hip. My vet told me that he would need surgery soon before he develops
severe arthritis. The choices I was offered were referral to an orthopedic
specialist @ about $3000.00 for hip replacement surgery or to have the top of his
femur removed at a cost of $250. with about 2 months of recuperation in either
case. I have used the same vet for about 20 years and really trust him, although
he is a country vet with not a lot of fancy equipment. He told me that the
ball removal is not recommended in large breed dogs, but he has found it to work
satisfactorily in the cases he has operated on. We have 3 college student
children and my husband's job is iffy so money IS an issue. I would like to get
your comments and any experiences/advice you might be able to share with me.
Also, I am wondering what Ben's eventual wt might be if it is 82 lb. now? I have
never fed him puppy food and feed Flint River Ranch dog food, so we try to
provide well for all of our babies--8 dogs & 4 cats. Coincidentally, at the same
vet visit, when I was having my 17 cat assessed for a mammmary tumor she was
found to be diabetic and can't have surgery, but will be on meds and special
diet. My only GOOD news was that the little 3 1/2 month old terrier mix foster
is heathy after surviving mange, flea, tick and internal parasite infection,
plus rocky mtn spotted fever and ready to go to a wonderful home this weekend
with an elderly lady who will love her to pieces! Thanks for reading my
ramblings. I would appreciate any advice. Oh, we are strictly limiting Ben's exercise
until he can be treated.
Sincerely,
Shari Drube