Cant decide what to do!!

[mypettingzoo]

Hi everyone,

I took thunder (rotti 5y/o) to the vet and they felt something in his elbows. So 2 weeks later i had some x rays done. he has some part of his elbow that didnt fuse when he was a pup and it is causing him a little pain now and then. well on the xrays we also saw some arthitus (sp). The vet said they can remove the bony parts to help a little. They are thinking it will cost around $2,000 they have to have a speicalist do it. So im torn on what to do. We just bought a house (im 23 so not alot of savings to help out) and i dont want him in pain but im worried about the price tag. Im starting him on glusosamine tomorrow and some asprin and hes on Rymedel but i dont want him on that for to long it can hurt his liver. What would you do?

thanks
D

[Trace]

I would first of all take him to another vet and get a 2nd opinion - just to make sure - that is a very expensive op and you want to be 100% sure so you know what your options are.

[SalemWitchChild]

Glucosamine is a great thing for arthritis! I'd try that before doing major surgery. You have to keep giving it to him regularly though. My husband takes it for his knees. I'd give him only that for awhile and if it doesn't help consider your other options.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

My dog was on Rimadyl for years without any problems. Naturally, the dose is a factor. Also, back then Glucosamine and Condroitan (sp) weren't being used like they are now. I agree with Trace on getting a second opinion and ask them if they feel medication/supplements are a viable alternative.

[Meisti]

You might also investigate your local ASPCA. I am not sure what they are offering in your area but many do offer aid for your pet at a greatly reduced price. The vets are all well qualified - so you don't have to worry about that.

One of my good friends takes his dog to the ASPCA to get anything serious done because he is notoriously strapped for cash. It might be beneficial for you and your dog as well.

[carrie79]

I agree with the second opinion

[frankie]

When my GSD was a puppy the vets said that his legs were growing too fast for his body and wanted to remove about an inch from each of his legs. (they also knew i had pet plan insurance) I took him to a second vet at the animal hospital who did not charge for the consultation and he said do not have it done. He said that Fireking would grow out of it himself natuarally before he was 18 months and that the original vets were just after the insurance money. He did say Fireking could be in slight pain for the duration and gave me some painkillers. Could not bear for Fireking to have the op anyway - sounded cruel so I took the second vets opinion and it only took a couple of months and Fireking did grow out of it. So i would most certainly get a second opinion as others have said.
Good luck Keep us posted.
Frankie

[gsdjordyn]

http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/rimadyl.rec.html
Rimadyl can hurt more than the liver...
give him Ester C along with the glucosimine chrondrontine...and MSM..

[ravybaby]

i hope everything works out for you!
please let us know how you get on!

[mypettingzoo]

Originally Posted by gsdjordyn

http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/rimadyl.rec.html
Rimadyl can hurt more than the liver...
give him Ester C along with the glucosimine chrondrontine...and MSM..

Thank you for that link. I will have to talk to my vet and see what else he can be put on I have his glucosamine coming it will be here in a few days.

Thanks again

D