OT: just when I did NOT need more stress, my Chow has really bad hip dysplasia

Lora,
Hope and pray everything turns around for you.  My husband and I have three 4 legged babies.  Our oldest is a red chow named Ginger, she will turn 15 in January and her hips give her fits
she is also on rimadyl, but the thought of having to put her down just chokes me up. 
Sending you thoughts, hugs, and prayers.

Pam

I'm so glad the source of your pain has been taken care of.  Hard to imagine scar tissue causing so much pain isn't it?

Perhaps the therapist you are working with on the limited basis could help provide a referral since he knows what your needs are?  Sorry, I can't offer much help...

As for Khan, I think it would be cruel of a breeder to ask for a puppy back that you are so obviously in love with.  I hope they offer you the option of a replacement time should Khan have a seriously shortened time with you.  I would also worry a replacement puppy could have the same problems.  Perhaps if you forgo the replacement puppy they might refund you part or all of the fee you paid which would help offset the surgery Khan needs?  It might not be in the contract, but might be a creative way around the problem that they might be receptive to?

Hoping for the best,
Paula

Sorry to hear all that you are dealing with Lora. Make sure to take care of yourself the best way possible. I will be thinking about you.

I'm so sorry to hear about your Chow! I have an Akita/lab mix that I adopted back in January who also has hip dysplasia, though not as bad as your poor baby, fortunately.

You'll want to start him on glucosamine. Cosequin is the brand you hear about a lot, but my vet recommends Missing Link. He sells the Veterinary Formula (Missing Link Plus Canine Veterinary Formula with Joint Support) and while it is pretty expensive, it REALLY helps a lot.

Another, non-traditional, thing you might want to look into for pain relief is acupuncture. I know. But a while back I met a woman whose poodle was severely arthritic; she told me that her dog had been in such pain it could hardly move & she was considering putting it to sleep. As a last resort she tried acupuncture (evidently there are some vets that do it). I've got to tell you, that dog wasn't acting like it was in much pain at all! She said she has it done every couple of weeks. Blew my mind how well it worked.

From the veterinary side of things, I've been a Vet Tech for 10 years and I can tell you that I've seen a lot of dogs do very well after that type of surgery.  If you decide to pursue it, I'm sure they told you to get it done while he's young.  That doesn't mean tomorrow...just in the next year or so.  The younger, the better.  I have a Golden that has had severe hip dysplasia since she was born and I chose not to pursue surgery due to financial issues.  I took her first xrays at 8 months old and she had almost no hip sockets on either side.  She is now over 8 years old and she has some rough days getting around, but she's still going.  I've managed most of her issues with regular exercise, watching her weight, and NSAIDS as needed.  Anyway, I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do!  I'll be thinking about both of you!

I so understand the dog stress.  My rescue who is only 6 and a 1/2 started having problems getting up in May and then one leg went lame a week later.  I have only had her over 3 years and she is such a dear. She also has severe athritis as well as the hip dysplasia.  Surgery was initially recommended but I was able to get her healed up with rest, weight loss, NSAIDs, tramadol, and glucosamine.  She had a setback 2 weeks ago but thankfullly is responding to the meds again.  It is heart breaking and the vet agreed that, in our case, surgery won't fix the underlying problem.  I feel for you as your chow is very young......

our pets give us such love but such heartache too.....

hang in there and try to avoid the cookie...I SOOOOO admire your being a survivor as well as you maintaining 4 years out......

~~Jennifer

 First, I hope you can find a therapist that fits your needs!  Second, glad you are feeling better from a medical standpoint.  Third... it SUCKS when you hate your job.  Finally, Khan... do you have  a vet school close by?  I have heard you can contact them for reduced or no cost care.  Of course Khan would be some what of a guinea pig... but under strict supervision!  I know how much I love my Daisy, she had some strange condition back in the winter and I ended up spending well over 1,500 on her treatment... thank God I had some money stuck back!  I hope all goes well with you and your furr-baby!

I'm sorry to hear Khan has bad hips! Dogs take up such a large amount of real estate in our hearts, believe me I understand.

My Lab has fair hips, but he is so athletic and rowdy he tore his right ACL and had to have surgery. He has already torn his left knee now, but there is no way I can afford another major surgery this soon (last surgery was in July). He has trouble with his surgical knee but the vets can't figure out why (my vet nor the ortho specialist). He is only 3yrs old.

I hope you can push through with your job. I know when you hate your job and deal with PTSD sometimes they make a vicious cycle. Be gentle with you.

sorry to hear about your dog.  When I was in college, my parents had to put down our litle cairn terrier.  He was only 6 years old but after 2 years of insulin shots, he was going blind and needed dialysis.  That is when my parents said they couldnt' do it anymore.  I was glad I was away at college so i didnt' have to see him like that am I remember him when he was relatively healthy and fun.  I wish you the best and hope all works out.

Lora, I'm SO sorry about Khan!!!  I fondly remember the pic you posted of you and your babies!!!  Our four-legged babies are our family.  It's so sad when they suffer and we feel so helpless.  As always, praying for you and praying for your furry baby as well.