Hip surgery.. Knee problem.. what can I do?

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chrystel

chrystel

Boxer Insane
2nd surgeon said: "no hip dysplasia - Torn ACL"

he recommended to do a heart evaluation before hand, because Snatch has heart murmur. additional $500.. ouch :(

he will send a letter to my regular vet to inform him of his mistake.
would you keep your vet if he had mis-diagnostised your dog? I mean, both surgeon were pretty surprised he missed the liquid in the knee that the x-rays show clearly.

plus this surgeon said there is no hip dysplaisa, just a badly taken x-ray where the dog's back is twisted, showing an opened hip that looks like there is a problem, but there's none.

I feel horrible that snatch' knee could have been "fixed" 1 year ago! :(
 
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CharlieChanc

Boxer Pal
What about considering stem cell therapy? I've heard that it has worked very well for dogs with ligament ruptures, and cheaper than TPLO. According to VetStem, it works very well for hip dysplasia as well.

I'm currently investigating this for my Lab with FCP/arthritis in his elbow. he had surgery in July, but is going to need something else. My vet first suggested talking to an ortho surgeon about another type of surgery to help stabilize the joint and hopefully help extend the life of the joint. EEEK!

But, I'm only just recovering from the fun of having to keep him confined to the house for 2 months, and only 10 minutes *walks* for another 2 months. With a 1 yr old very high energy lunatic, that is darn near IMPOSSIBLE to survive!!

So, I've asked the vet to speak to the surgeon himself, and see what they think about the stem cell therapy. Trouble is, it's known to be less reliable in front legs than back legs - which is the hesitation here. But if the surgeon feels that it's got a decent chance, I'm opting for that... it's cheaper for one thing, but more importantly, it *might* offer better results, and next to no recovery time.

Also, TPLO (or the procedure they were/are considering for Chance's elbow) will alter the mechanics of the joint. Stem Cell therapy would not. I know stem cells is very new...but it might hold out a lot of hope for our guys... I'm hoping at least!!

Andrea
 
Murp.mm

Murp.mm

Boxer Insane
Ms. Ali has had two knee surgerys since June. The first was for ACL. Once the vet put her on the table and moved her leg in a certain way she knew right away what it was. However she sent me to a specialist who agreed. She had the old way of doing the surgery but she ended her having more just 4 months later. When she had her first surgery the vet said her meniscus was fine and he didn't remove it like any good vet would have done. I'm sure she tore it after the first surgery was completed because she simply wasn't quite enough. So she had to have that removed and has made good progress since. It's been three months now since the second surgery and I've keep her as calm as humanly possible which isn't easy with most boxers but it's made all the difference plus her first surgery is just about healed as well. Good luck with your baby and the key to this surgery healing properly is keeping them quite. I learned that the hard way.
 
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scoobyy

Boxer Pal
I agree with checking out stem cell therapy. I was told my boxer had two torn acls at an emergency vet place and needed $5000 surgery if my dog was to walk again. I got a second opinion from a vet that does stem cell therapy. I would of considered it, but my dog was walking well and second vet recommenced vitamins for now. I have since found another emergency vet to go to. Good luck with Snatch
 
chrystel

chrystel

Boxer Insane
Thanks everyone!
Snatch went through TPLO surgery and is now home resting..

but.. believe it or not: my second boxer, Oxford, 2, is limping! We took him play in the fields yesterday and he came back limping!

OH NO!!!!! :( there is no way i could afford another surgery... I am going to look into that stem cell therapy...
 
Gatorblu

Gatorblu

Boxer Insane
I'm glad Snatch is home and resting. We're sending lots of healing ((vibes)) your way! I hope Oxford just strained something while playing. I know after something has happened to one pup I sometimes "worst caes scenrio" anything after that. Good luck trying to keep Snatch quiet during recovery!
 
chrystel

chrystel

Boxer Insane
Thanks!

I think Oxy really hurt himself.. He was whinning all night and doesn't put his hind leg down...
I didn't find a new vet yet. I am still under contract with Banfield, but they miss diagnosed Snatch ACL for hip dysplaisa.. so i don't really trust them, neither want to give them money...

urrrrrggghhhh
 
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