We took Coffee to the Vet in Pretoria today. Although I had met him a few times at my cousin's house I didn't realize what a good Vet he is!
Their consulting rooms and hospital are state of the art, really patient friendly and well set up.
He examined Coffee , chatted to us and then went to do the xrays. He came back amazed - Coffee's problem is
not in his hips - he does not have HD. he said it's possible that it "shifts" out of place occasionally, but this is not the root of the problem. On further examination he and another specialist ortho surgeon found the pain to be coming from the back. He has severe soft tissue damage, caused by some sort of repetitive action. We have to figure out what he is doing to cause the damage, but in the mean time he is to finish the Rimidyl, and then go on to Hills j/d. I know none of us like Hills, but he says their prescription food is good, and the j/d really works. He also mentioned Metacam suspension and cortisone as future treatments. He MUST swim a lot to strenghten the leg, as he has a lot of muscle loss. He may have to have physio too.
He says as there is a lot of damage caused over a long period, it will take a long time to heal
but I am so thankful he does not need surgery.
At least now I know what to do, and how to help my boy. If things do not start improving in the near future, he will do a scan or an aspiration from the site.
He chatted for ages, explaining all sorts of things, and although some were alarming, most was positive and put our minds at ease. I am SO glad we went - YAY for cousin's brother in law
As for our original Vet, well I still think he is a good Vet, just maybe made a mistake this time. I am not going to say anything to him at this stage. I have to be tactful in this situation.
On a lighter note, the groomer cut Coco's hair shorter on one side than the other
It has taken so long to get it nearly floor length again, and shaved Coffee nearly bald
I was so mad. I am so fed up as I am always recommending her to people. I bought Coffee a new T shirt at the Vet to cover his funny hair and keep him warm, it is cool here today again.
I'm off to do some mending for my skinkid and the to bed and cuddle Coffee.
Hugs to everyone and angel kisses for your furbies.