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Originally Posted by Nikki+2  Yes, the sudden and severe pain is scaring me to death. It can come on when he is sleeping and totally still which is just so hard for me to understand. Most of the time he is walking around just fine, sometimes has a slight limp and then bam! Out of nowhere- horrible yelping. He has never had one single sign of LP until Thursday morning- if he hadn't been already diagnosed, I'd never have known. This is just so shockingly sudden.
And you are very right- I really do need to explore other vets when this is over. I've been going to the same vet for 8 years and with all of my dogs healthy for the most part, I guess it's been easy to get complacent. It is a very nice facility and overall I've always been very happy with them but with the two founding partners getting into orthopedic surgery, I'm having some trust issues with them. The younger vet I saw on Thursday went on and on about how difficult the surgery would be but of course, just as I expected, they are reluctant to give me a referral.
I did get a recommendation from a friend on a local board certified surgeon. I'm going to call Monday and try to get him in for a consultation without a referral.
Does anyone have any suggestions on questions I should ask her. Besides questions specific to his condition and recommended treatment/surgery, I know I want to find out how long she's been performing the surgery and how frequently as well as her experience with smaller dogs. Can anyone else suggest any questions I should ask?
On a good note- the Buprenex is helping immensely in the meantime.
ETA: Thanks for the link Ladyjane- I'm off to read. |
Usually you need a referral unless you are established with a surgeon which I sadly am. haha Anyway.....as for your vet acting that way about referrals, all I can say is shame on him. I would simply call them and tell them to refer Sugar to ... (insert name of surgeon). Period. Not open for discussion.
Your questions list is a good one....I would also ask detailed questions about the repair especially if it is a CCL. There are different repairs and you need to know what the surgeon is doing and why that repair is being suggested for Sugar.