Just found out our 8 mo puppy

[mzteris]

has no "hip joints".

She started whining about a week or so ago and started having trouble getting up and walking. Well, after bloodwork and "waiting" to see if it got better - they did xrays today. She needs surgery on both hips.

Full hip replacement is totally out of $$ reach. They are suggesting Bilateral FHO's which would "only" be about $1300. I'll get a 2nd opinion before jumping in, but I don't want to wait too long as she's obviously in pain.

Recovery time would be about 6 wks. Normally they would do one at a time, but as both sides are really bad, there'd probably be no point as she couldn't support herself on the other leg anyway and why put her through the trauma of TWO surgeries. Although, it depends on what the Ortho surgeon says, too, I suppose.

Anyone been through this? Any suggestions? Advice?

[radfringe]

1. any groups out there

that help with vet bills? Some vets/rescue organizations have a little bit of funds available to help with pet problems? Maybe check with local SPCA?

meanwhile - if you PM me your mailing address I can send you a small donation to help out with the cost...

maybe some other DU'ers will do the same?

[mzteris]

4. You are so sweet!

Thank you so much for the offer, but that was never what I intended! We're not at that point - yet - and isn't that what credit cards are for? :sigh: There's a group called Carecredit (or something like that) that some vets use - a no interest 12 month payment plan I think - that I'm looking into.

I've called the local adoption group where we got her from - my son volunteers with them - and they're going to check with the group's vet to see if he knows of any less expensive resources - I don't think he does ortho surgery.

There's a vet school here I need to call, but their website says they charge what everyone else does so I don't know if that will help or not.

Thank you again for offering. That was really really nice of you.

:hug:

[ehrnst]

2. Here are some groups that might be able to help

http://www.thepetfund.com/

http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/root/

If you are in one of the 5 Boroughs of NYC:
http://www.nysave.org/savefaq.html

Also - if you adopted your pet from a rescue, they may also be a source of information about local funding, or may be willing to help raise funds.

Best of luck!

[mzteris]

5. Thanks

I'll check these out.

I've called the local group, but they barely have funds enough for the rescues they have that need medical care. They are going to check with their vet though to see if he can refer us to someone less expensive.

[livetohike]

3. Are you near any veterinary colleges?

It might be worth the drive if you are close enough. My brother's pure bred Viszla has this problem. My brother is considering getting this done for him. He is three years old now. Right now Jake (the dog) is taking Synflex and a baby aspirin for the pain.

[mzteris]

6. There is one

very nearby - but their website says they charge standard fees like any vets. I'm going to call, though, just in case. Thanks.

[NMDemDist2]

7. my bubba has dual hip dysplasia

I diagnosed him at 10 months and my vet thought I was nuts, but did the tests and there you go...


he's 8 now and it's finally time to get him some new hips. he's done fine until the last couple of months but now he's starting to struggle a little more.

good luck!

[Branjor]

8. Here's another group that might help.....

http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html