To have this done...PLEASE see a board certified veterinary orthopedist. I will warn you up front - it's is not an easy surgery, and there is along recuperation and re-hab and it is costly. Mack is 12 weeks past his second surgery for this :-(
But Ripster simply will never *heal* from this injury - it needs to be surgically repaired. The arthritis part is frustrating, damned if you do - damned if you don't. But it will be MUCH worse if it's not repaired and Ripster can't live on Rimadyl the rest of her life. Probably any med that will relieve the pain is too strong to be taken daily forever....
If you're interested in lots of opinions from folks who have been or are right now going through these types of surgeries - you can register at the orthodogs board. We are all in the same boat.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/orthodogs/
Good luck, I know it's hard news to hear...I was heartbroken when I heard it the first time.
But Ripster simply will never *heal* from this injury - it needs to be surgically repaired. The arthritis part is frustrating, damned if you do - damned if you don't. But it will be MUCH worse if it's not repaired and Ripster can't live on Rimadyl the rest of her life. Probably any med that will relieve the pain is too strong to be taken daily forever....
If you're interested in lots of opinions from folks who have been or are right now going through these types of surgeries - you can register at the orthodogs board. We are all in the same boat.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/orthodogs/
Good luck, I know it's hard news to hear...I was heartbroken when I heard it the first time.