Snatch - TPLO plate removal? or not...

[chrystel]

Hi guys!

Snatch still takes his weight off his right knee (2010 TPLO). he has been doing thisfor a month. He was 3 weeks on Previcox. no changes.

He was seen today by 2 surgeons:

Surgeon #1 says that if there is weight shift, there is lameness and something MUST be bothering him.
He recommends removing TPLO plates and screws + meniscus. (he heard the "click" of the meniscus 3 weeks ago)
Also, Snatch has a bad left shoulder (biceps) tendonitis results of the wieght shift towards the left.
Surgeon #1 thinks this will get better as Snatch shifts is weight back onto his right knee.

Surgeon #2 says that Snatch doesn't show any pain (he doesnt limp. he just leans) and he recommends doing nothing.


I agree with surgeon #1. Problem is that he is going out of town until May 22.

As a result, I have to tell Surgeon #2 that I prefer Surgeon #1's diagnostic and that I dismiss his idea...


What do you guys think?
Would you remove the plates if your dog was not showing any limp, but definitely a lean?

 

[Tuff Love]

Boy that's a tough call... what to do when 2 specialists have conflicting opinions? Get a 3rd opinion? Go with your gut? Definitely not an easy choice. If you decide to have the plates removed would you be comfortable waiting another month to do the surgery (considering #2's advice is to do nothing anyways).

 

[chrystel]

Snatch was a little lame on his front left shoulder this morning when I woke up.. so I decided to schedule for surgery.
Tuesday April 30th with Surgeon #2 (next week!!)

I was talking with a Surgeon #3 who said that in his opinion, when there is the smallest question about it, he ALWAYS removes the plates. He actually think it is better to remove before problems.

Surgeon #1 notice that Snatch's left elbow is starting to shift outward, to support his tendonitis. He prefers me to do surgery as soon as possible. So I had to schedule with Surgeon #2.

Oh well.. after all, this is my pup, my decision....

I just hate for him to go through another surgery! :(

(plus his stomach is TOTALLY messed up since the 3 weeks on Previcox. Diarrhea daily despite a rice/chicken/yogurt regiment)

:( my poor puppy...

But both of the surgeons were amazed at his shape for an almost 10 years old.. Hahah! They both said I am doing a great job! :D

 

[Tuff Love]

Poor Snatch... When in doubt, go with your gut. Good luck on Tuesday! Spoil the heck out of him this weekend since he'll be laid up for a while

 

[chrystel]

Thank you so much! I have no idea on what to expect for recovery time... oh boy...

 

[Stub]

ah, poor Snatch! I'd agree with surgeon #1 though, if there's a lean SOMETHING must be wrong. I hope the surgery goes very well and recovery does not drive all of you bonkers!!

lovicon Snatch!

 

[chrystel]

Surgery went well! pfewww I can breathe!

and we were right!! torn meniscus!

4 weeks of rest.. oh boy.....

 

[packblt]

So glad surgery went well. Sending healing <<<vibes>>> and hugs!

 

[Gatorblu]

I am glad the surgery is over and went well. The four weeks of rest will be trying at time but at least you know at the end of four weeks your boy will be better. Hugs to snatch!

 

[Tuff Love]

4 weeks! yikes! and with the weather just starting to get nice.... haha, best of luck to you and hope recovery goes smoothly