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lizziepooh_1 · 02-01-2007, 07:28 PM

I've been googling for info on LP and came across this forum. I was hoping to get some great advice.

My husband and I have been wanting to have a dog for a long time. He decided to surprise me with an early valentine's day present with the sweetest yorkie I've ever laid eyes on (her name is Tia!). Unfortunately, she came from a pet shop rather than a breeder (my husband felt more confident buying from the store and if I had been part of the purchasing process I would not have gone to a pet shop).

I brought Tia to the vet for her first check up and found out she has LP in both knees. The vet is unable to predict whether or not she will need surgery. I found out tonight after searching your posts that there are grade sof LP. Our vet did not tell us what grade of LP Tia has.

After struggling with our hearts (we're really devastated because after only 3 days, we really became attached) and struggling with the store for compensation they said they would offer us 2 options:

1) to return Tia for a full refund (and we could use the money to search for another Yorkie...)

2) to let us keep Tia and give us a full refund which we could put towards the surgery if and when she'll need it.

This is my first time owning a dog and as much as I'm in love with her, I'm not sure if I'll be going in over my head (also financially) if we keep and and she needs surgery. Is the post-op challenging? What can I expect (again, the vet could not advice me, and said that I should speak to an orthopedic surgeon...I think I might change vets!)

We are completely in love with Tia and there are moments when we want to give her a chance (despite the expenses) and there are moments that maybe she would be better off with another family that could care for her better (better than what? I'm not sure).

WHen we asked the opinion of several friends who own dogs, their replies were split...some said to return her, you deserve a healthy dog from the get-go and you will love that next dog too. Others say to keep her because there is a chance she might not need it. We did choose her afterall.

I think what I'm also really struggling with is that if we choose to return her and purchase another dog from a more reputable place, that that dog may develop LP, and will need the surgery anyway. Well, that would just break my heart because it would mean that we could have/should have kept Tia anyway.

I'm sorry if I'm blabbing on, but I'm losing sleep over this. I even took the day off of work today...we dropped Tia off at the store where the manager will bring her to be examined by another vet (whom we will phone ourselves to hear directly what is going on in terms of a second opinion).

We don't know what to do....what should we do??

02-01-2007, 07:28 PM	#1
lizziepooh_1 YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ottawa Posts: 361	need advice about LP...help! I've been googling for info on LP and came across this forum. I was hoping to get some great advice. My husband and I have been wanting to have a dog for a long time. He decided to surprise me with an early valentine's day present with the sweetest yorkie I've ever laid eyes on (her name is Tia!). Unfortunately, she came from a pet shop rather than a breeder (my husband felt more confident buying from the store and if I had been part of the purchasing process I would not have gone to a pet shop). I brought Tia to the vet for her first check up and found out she has LP in both knees. The vet is unable to predict whether or not she will need surgery. I found out tonight after searching your posts that there are grade sof LP. Our vet did not tell us what grade of LP Tia has. After struggling with our hearts (we're really devastated because after only 3 days, we really became attached) and struggling with the store for compensation they said they would offer us 2 options: 1) to return Tia for a full refund (and we could use the money to search for another Yorkie...) 2) to let us keep Tia and give us a full refund which we could put towards the surgery if and when she'll need it. This is my first time owning a dog and as much as I'm in love with her, I'm not sure if I'll be going in over my head (also financially) if we keep and and she needs surgery. Is the post-op challenging? What can I expect (again, the vet could not advice me, and said that I should speak to an orthopedic surgeon...I think I might change vets!) We are completely in love with Tia and there are moments when we want to give her a chance (despite the expenses) and there are moments that maybe she would be better off with another family that could care for her better (better than what? I'm not sure). WHen we asked the opinion of several friends who own dogs, their replies were split...some said to return her, you deserve a healthy dog from the get-go and you will love that next dog too. Others say to keep her because there is a chance she might not need it. We did choose her afterall. I think what I'm also really struggling with is that if we choose to return her and purchase another dog from a more reputable place, that that dog may develop LP, and will need the surgery anyway. Well, that would just break my heart because it would mean that we could have/should have kept Tia anyway. I'm sorry if I'm blabbing on, but I'm losing sleep over this. I even took the day off of work today...we dropped Tia off at the store where the manager will bring her to be examined by another vet (whom we will phone ourselves to hear directly what is going on in terms of a second opinion). We don't know what to do....what should we do??