Torn Knee

[newhunterette]

it's very possible that the quotes were drastically different because they were two different surgeries. the extracapsular surgery costs about a grand, where as the TPLO surgery costs closer to $4,000. two very different surgeries, and very different prices. also, bloodwork on a 13 year old dog before surgery is never unnecessary! I'm suprised that any vet out there would anesthetize any dog that age without running bloodwork first. my dog was also xrayed before her surgeries. a limping dog could be many things (arthritis, hip dysplacia, etc). it's cheaper to get xrays than go straight to surgery and find that the diagnosis was wrong

I was quoted for CCL by both vets - one wasn't sure if the problem was CCl (hence the x-rays) while the other didn't need to do x-rays because he does these surgeries in his sleep and can feel the damage as well as watching the activity of the dog. Both vets were dead on with the CCL damage, one was just trying to blood suck us, while the other truly cares for animals. Sissy was very strong at age 13, even when we lost her she never looked like an old dog, she still had so much to do yet her mnd had aged (happens to the best of us).

Considering the reputation of our vet, he specializes in farm animals, exotic animals as well as domestic animals. he works with movie animals and gives his time to the homeless treating their animals. I would trust his opinion and word long before I would ever any other vet, especially after the drastic price difference for surgery. The vet who said we needed to go to UBC, well he has a large clinic with large overhead - our vet has a small clinic on his property, less overhead and far more heart, soul and pride in his occupation, probably why there are days where he is still in surgery until late at night.

All I was saying is, before shelling out major dollars for surgery, get another opinion. We all love our animals whether working animals or pets but at some point we all have a limit to what we will pay for services. We almost made the decison to have Sissy put down because of the first quote we were given as it was not feesable for us so we are forever greatful for the extra time we were given with her by finding our current vet.

[Kayte]

your vet sounds great! it's hard to find a good 'country vet' these days! most vets want to run a million tests and scans and diagnostics instead of just having the experience and confidence to know what they're doing.

CCL is the ligament that tears, TPLO, TTA, extracapsular, etc. are the types of surgeries to correct it. hence the massive price differences.

it's like a dog with hip dysplacia, you can get FHO surgery (which removes the head of the femur), or you can spend a small fortune and go with a total hip replacement. same ailment, different surgeries, and a huge price difference.

[Kasomor]

What Kayte says in her posts x 2

There are at least two different kinds of surgeries for CCL ruptures.

A couple of thousand $$ price difference between them.

TPLO is the surgery of choice unless you have a geriatric couch potato then get the cheaper one.

If you have a young to middle aged dog go for the TPLO.

[Dutch]

Thanks everybody for all the info, I am getting a second opinion but I do trust my country vet out here in Langley who has been very upfront with me.I will know by next week what the other opinion is as the specialist was on holidays .THe dog is doing better has lost weight not favouring as much but I have not pushed him at all, here's hoping for the best

[Kasomor]

Glad your pup is feeling better Dutch.

You are wise not to push him.

[Dutch]

Update for all who were interested and offered all the advice, confirmed by the expert ,but going to a US vet who specialises in these tears ,Substantially cheaper than what I was quoted here and has excellent referances .Let you know how we end up

[Kasomor]

Which type of surgery did you decide upon?

I hear you about choosing to go to the US to have the surgery done. I know folks that go there for hip xrays too. Even with the drive they are saving a good amount of $$.

Good luck to you and your pooch.

[Dutch]

Hello Kasomor went with the TLPO as the other was cheaper but had some issues.The vet did a great job they scoped it then operated ,about a 5 inch scar.All in it was about 2/3 what I was quoted up here including all drugs and x rays.Very pleased ,as it was necessary but am hoping he is old enough that the other knee will not go down the same road.

[Kasomor]

Glad the operation went well.

While there is a chance the other knee will blow... the chance is a lot less going the TPLO route from what I know.

Do what ever your vet told you during the recovery to the letter

[Dutch]

8 weeks later good ?? as new .You were right k have to follow the vets routine,after 4 weeks he was ready to go but as the walk lengths increased I noticed a little limp so stayed with the plan.Now has a 2 tone hair style with all the shaving but is back to his old self,oh and NO more throwing the ball