TPLO

I'm kicking myself for letting my dog run hard in this icy, deep snow this month. He's got his other hind leg drawn up high for 3 days. ( Had TPLO on the other leg a year and a half ago.) Stats say that the likelihood of needing it on a second leg is about 50 %.

$3500.00 ... there goes my income tax return. :(

I'm hoping it's a muscle pull only like Carey Price has. :)

What I've learned: Don't have 3 dogs unless you can afford 3 dogs. So far I can , but I see 2 dogs in the future.

for those not familiar with the procedure:

http://allwestvet.ca/tplo-surgery.html

PS Should have put this in the "Dog House" section maybe , but it seems it affects hard -working sporting breeds mostly. Don't let me lead you astray on where things go. :)

Hate to tell you Sharon but drawn up for three days is very probably ACL. I just went through it and my dog is in rehab right now. I learned my lesson, winter is a good time to just let them hang out in front of the fireplace. They can't do in an ACL there.

Sharon, Depending on dog's age there may be options:

1. TightRope Procedure which is cheaper and if problems post surgery, easier to get out of for Vet(infection etc)
2. Old fish line procedure(half the cost)
3. A brace from 'Pawsability'($900)

We decided to go with a brace for a 12 year old rather than another surgery for him and in 4 months the brace came off.

Vets will tell you that TPLO is the Cadillac process but if you get an honest one, they'll tell you that they still don't have a definitive answer re which process because if they did they would advocate ONE process over the 4 alternatives.

Good luck.

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Originally Posted by krakadawn

Sharon, Depending on dog's age there may be options:

1. TightRope Procedure which is cheaper and if problems post surgery, easier to get out of for Vet(infection etc)
2. Old fish line procedure(half the cost)
3. A brace from 'Pawsability'($900)

We decided to go with a brace for a 12 year old rather than another surgery for him and in 4 months the brace came off.

Vets will tell you that TPLO is the Cadillac process but if you get an honest one, they'll tell you that they still don't have a definitive answer re which process because if they did they would advocate ONE process over the 4 alternatives.

Good luck.

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That's very helpful. Thanks. She's 8 and still a great athlete - rarin' to go . It's going to be a hard decision. I know one thing. She isn't going anywhere until I see grass.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6c728fa4.jpg

O kay , I'm looking for sympathy. :)

Yes the young setter needs leg injury surgery.

The old setter still has a mass and a heart murmur.

The pup has embedded stitches that didn't dissolve from his neutering surgery. They have to be removed.

The cat died last week.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0eb45fbf.jpg

This might be a good time to take up drinking if you don't already. Maybe it's time to start a new thread on pet health insurance?

If you remember Sharon I went thru the TPLO on 3 of the legs of my Bernesse Mountain Dogs...tough haul and a huge cost, thankfully we had Pet Insurance and they took the hit.

My dogs were injured playing with a Great Dane....he would prod them to chase him and if you watched you could see that Berner's aren't designed for speed and they blew out the knees. Thankfully the surgery is top rated and they had full recovery and never had further issues.

Sorry to hear you're having so many Pet related issues all at once...surprising no matter how bad it gets, we always find a way to make it right for them. There is a place in heaven for people like you.

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Originally Posted by terrym

This might be a good time to take up drinking if you don't already. Maybe it's time to start a new thread on pet health insurance?

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Not that far gone yet, :) Never really was big on pet insurance ; always believed in saving money for emergencies, which I've done , but still............would rather be using it to go to Hawaii.

Good Grief! What a winter this has been for you. Maybe all the disasters are behind you (except the knee), and you will not have another vet bill except for vaccinations? Naw, we have 4 dogs, it never ends. You and yours really have had more than your share lately, and I hope it quiets down a little for a while.

Thanks Mary..... You have always have a kind word and I appreciate it.

Sending wishes for peaceful recoveries. Our previous dog had 3 ACL surgeries --one double string -- which failed, and two TPLOs. Better, easier revery with the TPLO and the knowledge that it's a permanent fix.
I agree with your feelings about insurance.

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Originally Posted by C.A. in TO

Sending wishes for peaceful recoveries. Our previous dog had 3 ACL surgeries --one double string -- which failed, and two TPLOs. Better, easier revery with the TPLO and the knowledge that it's a permanent fix.
I agree with your feelings about insurance.

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Ca,
Always interested in ACL issues. Did you ever find out why the double string((I assume fish line) failed?

Holy you could buy a couple new "replacement" dogs for that price! Yowza!

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Originally Posted by krakadawn

Ca,
Always interested in ACL issues. Did you ever find out why the double string((I assume fish line) failed?

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Not only did the vet use stronger than usual fish line but he doubled it. Additionally, he also did the procedure than involved rethreading a portion of the ligament back upon itself. And at 11 weeks post-op our Molly stepped onto a spot of water on the floor and her foot twisted. She IMMEDIATELY raised her leg in the all too familiar sign of a torn ACL. (Confirmed the next day)

Wow in all the years of working dogs in extreme conditions I have never had an ACL issue. Is this common with certain breeds ? I can understand if a dog has been a couch potato for months on end then you let the dog out in icy conditions to run free. It also amazes me the amount of cash people will spend locally on vet bills. I would seriously consider going to the states Sharon even to get a quote over the phone first to rule it out. All the best Sharon.

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Originally Posted by Sharon

O kay , I'm looking for sympathy. :)

Yes the young setter needs leg injury surgery.

The old setter still has a mass and a heart murmur.

The pup has embedded stitches that didn't dissolve from his neutering surgery. They have to be removed.

The cat died last week.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0eb45fbf.jpg

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Bring them all to my vet in the states Canton Animal Clinic and I am sure you will get huge savings. if you need anything please PM me .

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Originally Posted by yellow dog

Wow in all the years of working dogs in extreme conditions I have never had an ACL issue. Is this common with certain breeds ? I can understand if a dog has been a couch potato for months on end then you let the dog out in icy conditions to run free. It also amazes me the amount of cash people will spend locally on vet bills. I would seriously consider going to the states Sharon even to get a quote over the phone first to rule it out. All the best Sharon.

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It seems to be a very common injury , had it happen to one of ours , here is an interesting link;

http://www.dogheirs.com/dogheirs/pos...-and-diagnosis

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Originally Posted by yellow dog

Wow in all the years of working dogs in extreme conditions I have never had an ACL issue. Is this common with certain breeds ? I can understand if a dog has been a couch potato for months on end then you let the dog out in icy conditions to run free. It also amazes me the amount of cash people will spend locally on vet bills. I would seriously consider going to the states Sharon even to get a quote over the phone first to rule it out. All the best Sharon.

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It's common in Rotties as well. The vet thought I had to do both knee's on my last girl but lucked out and only had to do one.

Early spay or neuter is apparently a factor with ACL issues and my last girl was spayed at 4 months.


Sorry to hear about this Sharon. Enough is enough. Good luck.

I'm so sorry to hear all of this Sharon. I hope it all works out as best it can.
Oh....and I love what you've done with your hair. :)
Keep the faith my dear.
Ugo

LOL Took me a minute to get that joke .

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Originally Posted by Ugo

I'm so sorry to hear all of this Sharon. I hope it all works out as best it can.
Oh....and I love what you've done with your hair. :)
Keep the faith my dear.
Ugo

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I have never met Sharon and that would be a face I couldn't forget.

YD

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Originally Posted by yellow dog

I have never met Sharon and that would be a face I couldn't forget.

YD

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LOL I look a "little " better than that. :)

Sorry to hear of the injuries...and your kitty :(

I would definitely look into having the surgery done in the US - I've found it to be significantly cheaper and the level of care outstanding. I am using a vet in Washington Twp, MI for some repro services at about 1/3 the cost of Guelph U.

Just be aware that according to the last border guard I got, vet services are considered subject to duty. Luckily the officer couldn't find the code in his computer and let me go.

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Originally Posted by NorthLinkWeims

Sorry to hear of the injuries...and your kitty :(

I would definitely look into having the surgery done in the US - I've found it to be significantly cheaper and the level of care outstanding. I am using a vet in Washington Twp, MI for some repro services at about 1/3 the cost of Guelph U.

Just be aware that according to the last border guard I got, vet services are considered subject to duty. Luckily the officer couldn't find the code in his computer and let me go.

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The border guard has asked about the surgery and vet services but never made me pay the duty.

We've had two surgeries done down south and the CBSA could care less, waved us back thru.

Sharon, you know you always have my sympathy. That sucks.

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Originally Posted by Sharon

O kay , I'm looking for sympathy. :)

Yes the young setter needs leg injury surgery.

The old setter still has a mass and a heart murmur.

The pup has embedded stitches that didn't dissolve from his neutering surgery. They have to be removed.

The cat died last week.

http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0eb45fbf.jpg

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Sharon, I'm sorry for all your woes, dogs can be expensive, but always worth it. I always feel so lucky that these animals are willing to spend their lives with us.

Sorry to hear about the injury. I can recommend Dr Gary Bouck at http://www.londonvetsurgeon.ca/. Not sure how he would compare pricewise to the US options. I believe around $3000.
Some good information on braces and orthotics here. May be a good alternative for an older, less active dog
http://www.orthopets.com/

Goodluck!

Yes that is the surgeon I will be using. I think he's done about 1500 +. He did the dog's other leg and it turned out great.... $3500.00

Dog is still a great athlete and like to run miles several times a week. I'll be going for the "Cadillac" surgery. :)

( Fortunately I got back some big income tax bucks to day.)

PS Really appreciate your input.

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Originally Posted by Sharon

Yes that is the surgeon I will be using. I think he's done about 1500 +. He did the dog's other leg and it turned out great.... $3500.00

Dog is still a great athlete and like to run miles several times a week. I'll be going for the "Cadillac" surgery. :)

( Fortunately I got back some big income tax bucks to day.)

PS Really appreciate your input.

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I would expect in the $800 to 1,200 range if done in the states.

Yes but I'm too old to shop around, drive back and forth , gas, food , argue with my husband in the car for 6 hours about dog expenses, etc.. Shopping around is for young folk. Plus I'm rich.:rolleyes:

I didn't think stuff was that much cheaper in the USA. definitely going to keep that in mind. Yellow Dog who did your dog's TPLO surgery? Are they close to Sarina?

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Originally Posted by Sharon

Yes but I'm too old to shop around, drive back and forth , gas, food etc.. Shopping around is for young folk. Plus I'm rich.:rolleyes:

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I was hoping with the savings you could take me and the wife out for dinner and talk about our favourite people. :)

The thing I wouldn't like about going across the border is if I had to leave my pooch there overnight. That, I wouldn't like, and the last time I had ACL surgery done on my pooch she had to stay the night.

The savings sure do look attractive though!

I know that's a heck of a deal I would definitely consider it.
YD was that with rehab as well or is that just surgery? Did the surgery last?

I am baseing my quesstimate on past surgeries within the last three years. I had a c-section and spaying performed on my yellow lab that came in at $429.00 including an over night stay. In Canada I had estimates of $1,800 to the $2,400 range. I have brought many litters of pups over for a health check, deworming and first vaccination for $12.00 per pup. Fanatastic service with up to date facilities and equipment.(Canton)

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Originally Posted by trkyhntr21

I know that's a heck of a deal I would definitely consider it.
YD was that with rehab as well or is that just surgery? Did the surgery last?

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It's just the surgery. You're responsible for the rehab. They usually give you some paperwork on how to perform rehab, range of motion excercises, etc.

For the neutering of the Dogs, I was quoted at $525 here and we had them done in the US for around $150. Huge saving and we had excellent service. Lots of Ontario plates in the parking lot (Canton).

Another thing that scares me is if there are complications after the surgery. What do you do then? I wouldn't worry too much about a basic neuter, but I would with a spay or TPLO.
Also all the bouncing around in the car on the drive home after a major surgery, depending on how far you are from the border.

I guess it has it's pro's and cons.

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Originally Posted by last5oh_302

Also all the bouncing around in the car on the drive home after a major surgery, depending on how far you are from the border.

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The beauty in my case it's closer to the Vet Hospital in Canton than it is to drive into Ottawa. Not an issue.
The TPLO's were done at Alta Vista, since we had insurnace and the cost wasn't an issue.

I know it's risky to be religious on here but..... the quote for surgery is $3500.00 Just got back from getting my income tax review and I get back $3500.00 . The Lord provides.

We did a lot of research by the time we repaired the third ACL. If you go to the states to have it done, you'll want to stay away from the major cities, the east and west coasts and university hospitals. The costs in those are comparable to Ontario.
Personally, with something this involved, I would rather pay the price to have post-op access.

I agree with close post op follow up. Part of the discussion not yet addressed is what procedure is best if the surgeon needs to get out of there should there be infection. It happens and all procedures are not equal in that regard.

The natural side effect of course is arthritic conditions later in life. This is unavoidable at some point.

I would go with what the surgeon believes he does best. The last ACL I had done was the TightRope.

The very fact that there are about 4 procedures offered says they are not sure which procedure is best....if they did, we'd be down to one.

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Originally Posted by Sharon

I know it's risky to be religious on here but..... the quote for surgery is $3500.00 Just got back from getting my income tax review and I get back $3500.00 . The Lord provides.

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That's not risky at all.Amen

If you're going to price shop you need to make sure you're comparing "apples to apples". The biggest factor for a successful outcome is the surgeon's experience with the technique. That's part of why there are still several popular options at different price points. Other factors are the size of the dog, the owner's post-op expectations for level of performance and properly following the post op care instructions.

Many Veterinarians performing the TPLO are Board Certified members of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
https://www.acvs.org//what-is-a-veterinary-surgeon

But, a Veterinarian without advanced surgical training can also take a course, buy the equipment and offer the surgery.

Some facilites have 24hr post op monitoring, care and pain management. At other's your dog may be unattended in the overnight period post-op.
Both options have the potential for a good outcome, but understand where some of the difference in price may come from.

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Originally Posted by be2man

If you're going to price shop you need to make sure you're comparing "apples to apples". The biggest factor for a successful outcome is the surgeon's experience with the technique. That's part of why there are still several popular options at different price points. Other factors are the size of the dog, the owner's post-op expectations for level of performance and properly following the post op care instructions.
Many Veterinarians performing the TPLO are Board Certified members of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
https://www.acvs.org//what-is-a-veterinary-surgeon

But, a Veterinarian without advanced surgical training can also take a course, buy the equipment and offer the surgery.
Some facilites have 24hr post op monitoring, care and pain management. At other's your dog may be unattended in the overnight period post-op.
Both options have the potential for a good outcome, but understand where some of the difference in price may come from.

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Very good advice.