I took Princess in for her total knee replacement this morning. Over the weekend she was coming up lame on her "good" leg. I talked to the Vet about it and she said it could be for a number of reasons.
By the time the surgeon got there, I was already home. My Vet called to tell me that both knees were bad and I had to make a decission on which to operate. I had no clue!
My thought would be better to operate on the one that was worse, but the surgeon got on the line to say it would be better to operate on the one that wasn't so bad because it didn't show much sign of arthritis, unlike the other. That way, it should stay strong and not give her any pain after it heals. In addition, if I don't get the funds to operate on the other knee, she'd still have three strong legs to compensate.
He then said, if I had the one that was worse operated on, it could be that the "better" one would deteriorate before I could get it operated on, and she'd end up with two "so-so" legs. Then, if anything happened to one, the other wouldn't be able to compensate for very long without being traumatized. *heavy sigh*
So now, instead of costing $3,500, it looks like by the time she's done it will be over $7,000. I'm trying to think of what I can sell to make up for that difference of what I thought the total cost was going to be and now what I'll need to pay to get the other operation.
I did contact UC Davis Veterinary Hospital ( the closest teaching vet hospital to me at about 5 hours away) and the savings wasn't enough to cover the drive up there, the over night stay, and the folow up care. It would pretty much end up being a wash. Here, the cost is $3,500, up there, $2,900...overall savings $1,200 for both operations. That would entail taking time off of work, or waiting until the summer, gas, hotel, driving up there for follow up care, etc.
The lady who had to give Princess up, I haven't been able to get ahold of. Seems she has new contact information since she moved and I'm not too sure if I feel comfortable in asking her to help foot the bill anyway. She said she wanted to keep in contact and see Princess whenever possible, but the last time I talked to her she mentioned how free she felt not being tied down to keeping care of an animal.
Payment plans? Well, the Vet said that it has to all (each operation) be paid up front as soon as the operation is performed/completed. I'm putting this one on my credit card. Not sure about what to do for the next one. I should have asked if they had a 2 for 1 coupon. *smile* I have to find some humor in all of this or I'll continue to blubber like I've been doing all morning!
Anyway, if anyone has any ideas on coming up with enough $$$ to pay for a second operation, let me know. I'll post a new update after I get her home or find out how she's doing.
Thank you everyone for all of your concern.
Both Knees Are Blown Out!!!
April 2nd, 2007 at 07:31 pm
April 2nd, 2007 at 07:50 pm 1175539810
I just found it online and I haven't used it. I have had pet insurance for my dog since he was a little baby.
I am so sorry about your dogs knees. Here's a hug from me (((( ))))
April 2nd, 2007 at 08:06 pm 1175540782
and thought it was only for the pets,. but I pasted thier main site and it looks like they are just a money loan service for anything. Please ignore.
April 2nd, 2007 at 08:11 pm 1175541091
April 2nd, 2007 at 08:28 pm 1175542120
It's not my vet who's doing the operation, it's the surgeon (the only one in this area) who's doing it. The local vets make the appointments with him and he comes to their offices to do the work. He's excellent. He did the total knee replacement for my other dog over 12 years ago. She was only 5 then and could no longer sit or stand without assistance. After she healed, she had another 9 years without any problems at all. I trust him and his work.
I'm almost pacing here, waiting to hear back from the vet's office to see how things went.
April 2nd, 2007 at 08:30 pm 1175542214
April 2nd, 2007 at 08:31 pm 1175542313
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Princess but thank you for posting the update ... I have been wondering how she was doing.
Did you look in to a Lifeline Grant from United Animal Nations? I know it's such a long shot, but if you let them know about her rescue it might help your case.
This is a bit of a far out idea, but ... How are your knees? What if you posted an ad on Craigslist or signs around the neighborhood offering to take neighbors dogs on walks in exchange for donations towards Princess' operation costs? As a dog lover myself, it would certainly appeal to me knowing that an owner was not looking for a handout but a way to raise the money for their pet. I see in your bio that you are a teacher; perhaps you could do walks after school in the evenings, or once summer vacation starts? I normally walk my own dog, but for someone in your situation I would hire you and pay pretty generously too!
Continued best wishes to you both!