[kalina82]

Originally Posted by Hickey007

I don't know for sure that I did or didn't ask any of these but I think some that will be great for you to make a decision would be...

-What is most likely going to happen to my dog down the line if I don't do it?
and the opposite of that What kind of life will my dog have if I do do it, will I need to restrict any physical activity at all after recovery?
-I would make sure he/she tells you what exactly is going to happen during surgery, what he/she does to the knee to fix it and even what exactly is wrong with it now. Just to better understand it, I know sometimes all we really know is that its something with the knees and its called a LP.
-You can ask about pain, if you don't do the surgery will he have pain later on down the road. With this maybe bring up the fact that you haven't seen your dog limping or appear to be in any pain at all and see what he/she has to say about it.
-I would ask about recovery. What am I required to do during recovery, how long will I be doing it, what is normal or to be expected out of the dog during surgery, how much will he want to walk on in etc? Also how long does he have to stay there, I think they usually stay overnight, our did anyways.
-One thing that my Dr. said is that if I were to go online and look that there was a something rate (I don't know the exact number) of these surgeries didn't take that would need to be redone, well for him that isn't good enough he said that they shoot for 100% accuracy. I don't know how realistic that is but it is something to ask about. How many of these type of surgeries that they perform need to be reoperated on?
-One other thing I can recommend from experience if you do go foward with the surgery, maybe closer to time for the surgery ask about the meds. If your dog doesn't like taking them is it ok to mix them with anything(if they are liquids) or other tips that may make it easier. For us it was, sorry for the language pure hell to give them to her. They were liquids and you know you are kinda worried about how to hold them when giving the meds to them due to the recent surgery and leg and all. We did mix them with foods but it didn't help but maybe your dr. will be able to help or knock on wood maybe you won't have any issues with this.
-Then finally just the obvious does he/she recommend doing the surgery.

Obviously a lot of these are what ifs and they won't be able to tell you definately that your dog will indeed not be able to walk in 5 years if you don't do it or that your dog will have the perfect recovery or what not but they can give you an idea or tell you what is most likely to happen. Mainly just ask enough that you are comfortable with your decision one way or another and also that you are comfortable with the dr. who's going to be doing it. If you decide to go through with it, it'd be easier knowing you trust the guy in charge.

Excellent Questions to ask!!!