OT: just when I did NOT need more stress, my Chow has really bad hip dysplasia
Anyway, I pretty much already knew what the xrays would show because of the way he has trouble getting up from teh floor, jumping into the car, and going up the steps, but the vet took xrays and confirmed that my baby Khan (a Chow that is just a year old... and that I waited a full year to even GET) has severe hip dysplasia on his right side and moderate problems on the left. He is clearly in pain and we have started giving him Rimadyl, but his life will likely be shortened significantly unless we attempt surgery (which I just don't know how I can afford) because of debilitration and the potential for him to turn mean because of the pain. Chows are very stoic about p[ain so it is difficult to gauge their pain levels. I love this dog like crazy and it is just so heartbreaking to see how limited he is already at only a year old and to think of having to put him down in just a few years.
Makes me want a cookie....
Lora.
14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
We gave rimadyl to Brutus our 9 yr old dane.. It takes time though.. surgery I think for hips is the only real remedy.. Maybe you can look into care credit.. alot of vets have private donors who help with medical care for dogs and cats.
I hope you can find some help for your doggie.
I will be thinking of you and swinging lizards...
"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly." Richard Bach
"Support fosters your growth. If you are getting enough of the right support, you will experience a major transformation in yourself. You will discover a sense of empowerment and peace you have never before experienced. You will come to believe you can overcome your challenges and find some joy in this world." Katie Jay
I'm so sorry about your dog. I hope the medication helps. Would surgery be likely to fix the problem? Or would he still have some pain after surgery?
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
Lora
14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
Debbie
I haven't been on for a while and was curious to know what your stomach pain ended up being and how it was resolved. I am so glad you are feeling better healthwise, so you can focus on your sweet puppy.
So sorry to hear about your therapist. Would she perhaps provide a few referrals?
As far as your sweet puppy, did you get her from a breeder? If you did, while I have only ever had mutts, I thought through a breeder they could only sell dogs that had been checked for such issues and illnesses. Perhaps you have some recourse through your purchase contract and they can help or even cover the vet bills and meds? Just seems like you should have some legal recourse on your side.
In addition to the local vet schools, perhaps the local humane society provides reduced vet fees? I believe ours does.
I sure wish you the best of luck and that you quickly find a therapist who can be a sounding board for all you are having to deal with.
Hugs, Paula
My therapist has provided one referral, but because of the intensity of my PTSD, it needs to be someone who is very comfortable (and experienced) with trauma work, and most of the people she knew who fit that bill have also retired or moved out of the area... and, being a counselro myself, several of the ones I know are either professional "friends" or grad school colleagues whihc would make the situation very awkward. I ahve someone that I will be working with on a limited basis until I find one covered by my insurance (he is not and I have a $2500 co-pay (!!!) on out-of-network providers), and he is already famikiar wiuth what happened since I did EMDR with him for a few months a couple of years ago, but I cannot afford many sessions at $90 each.
The breeder has a 3-year guarantee against gentic defects (and hip dysplasia is one of those), which is unusual, but the guarantee only includes a free "replacement" puppy (no coverage of vet bills). The last thing I need is a third dog (I also ahve a 5-year old Scottie), and another Chow puppy would mean twice the weekly brushing which would be a nightmare! I need to contact the breeder and find out if the guarantee means I have to take a new puppy right away or if I could get a new puppy from them when/if Khan has to be put down in a couple of years... AND what happens to Khan (surely they would not want me to return him to them since they cannot breed him...???)
Lora
14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.