My poor Bernie boy...

[Gingergirlsmom]

Originally Posted by FL Tink

OH Bernie!
I hope you are up and running soon!

Thanks! No running yet, but I did stand a couple of times today (after mommy "stood me")

[Judy in Waco]

Hugs and kisses to Bernie. We're thinking about you buddy! Get well soon.

[livingdustmops]

Oh, I just read your post and I know how worried you must be. I wish I had a magic wand to make it all go away. Nothing is worse than not knowing what the problem could be.

Poor Bernie, we are all thinking about you and wishing for a speedy recover.

[Gingergirlsmom]

Originally Posted by Judy in Waco

Hugs and kisses to Bernie. We're thinking about you buddy! Get well soon.

Thanks! A short while ago he sorta hopped walked about 5 feet to find a better place to go potty than where I sat him. And he stood to eat!!!!!

Susie thinks it might be a ruptured disc...if so, he's doing the smart thing by resting.

My poor guy, he's really breaking my heart (and keeping me firmly planted at his side).

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by Gingergirlsmom

Bless you...TWO hip replacements?!?!

Well, that's what I'm beginning to worry about more and more. I just wish I knew what to watch for

If there is an infection associated with the pin Bernie would be limping, maybe licking that spot a lot, or the spot may be red and irritated. these are some of the signs. If you notice any of these signs and he isn't getting any better then an orthopedic surgeon would be able to tell you if its the pin that is bothering him.

[Gingergirlsmom]

Originally Posted by kalina82

If there is an infection associated with the pin Bernie would be limping, maybe licking that spot a lot, or the spot may be red and irritated. these are some of the signs. If you notice any of these signs and he isn't getting any better then an orthopedic surgeon would be able to tell you if its the pin that is bothering him.

Thanks, he actually has a plate and a pin. He's limping on the opposite side of his plate, seems to be where the pin is. Can they get an infection THIS LONG after the surgery???

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by Gingergirlsmom

Thanks, he actually has a plate and a pin. He's limping on the opposite side of his plate, seems to be where the pin is. Can they get an infection THIS LONG after the surgery???

they can get an infection at any time after the implants are in place. Most of the time it never happens but sometimes it does. the implant just needs to be removed and they will still be good. the pin will leave a few small holes so restriction is needed for a few weeks while the bones heal up and close the holes.

i'd keep an eye on his and see if it improves any in the next few days. is there any noticeable marks on him in that area? can you feel the pin? maybe it migrated.

[Tink's Mom]

Originally Posted by Gingergirlsmom

Thanks, he actually has a plate and a pin. He's limping on the opposite side of his plate, seems to be where the pin is. Can they get an infection THIS LONG after the surgery???

Yes, you can get an infection long after the surgery. There will always be that risk. That's why people with implants take antibiotics before having any kind of dental work or invasive procedure.

Come on Bernie, hang in there little buddy. Tink is sending up more prayers for you - me too!

[Gingergirlsmom]

Thanks. I can't feel anything. Everything feels as before. Would he have a fever? (sorry if I asked this before)

[Gingergirlsmom]

okay, I'm panicking again. Is it okay to keep watch for tomorrow yet? I know I won't get ahold of anyone I trust on Eater Sunday!

[Tink's Mom]

Originally Posted by Gingergirlsmom

okay, I'm panicking again. Is it okay to keep watch for tomorrow yet? I know I won't get ahold of anyone I trust on Eater Sunday!

Calm down and have a glass of wine. He would probably have a fever, given the way he is feeling. I think you can wait but let's see what Kalina82 says. I bet she knows.

[Gingergirlsmom]

Originally Posted by Tink's Mom

Calm down and have a glass of wine. He would probably have a fever, given the way he is feeling. I think you can wait but let's see what Kalina82 says. I bet she knows.

Hey stranger . Yes, wine! Why didn't I think of that??? Calming down....

[kalina82]

its possible that he might have a fever but you wouldn't be able to tell if it was from an infection of the implants or because he's not feeling well with what's been going on.

if it is an implant problem its fine to wait until monday. if you took him to the er they would just x-ray it and possibly want to keep him. then $1000 later they will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon and if the implant needs to come out they will charge another couple thousand. x-rays are best and an orthopedic surgeon would be able to see things a regular vet can't. that x-ray you posted is a terrible VD pelvis. i suck at getting the right settings for these but at least my form is great. in your x-ray the legs are not pulled down and out so you can't see the formation of the knees as well, which would be helpful to see if its maybe a patellar or cruciate problem.

if i was in your situation i would watch him for the rest of the weekend. if on monday morning he is still limping and uncomfortable then i would ask your regular DVM for a referral to an orthopedic surgeon for a consult.

[Tink's Mom]

Originally Posted by kalina82

its possible that he might have a fever but you wouldn't be able to tell if it was from an infection of the implants or because he's not feeling well with what's been going on.

if it is an implant problem its fine to wait until monday. if you took him to the er they would just x-ray it and possibly want to keep him. then $1000 later they will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon and if the implant needs to come out they will charge another couple thousand. x-rays are best and an orthopedic surgeon would be able to see things a regular vet can't. that x-ray you posted is a terrible VD pelvis. i suck at getting the right settings for these but at least my form is great. in your x-ray the legs are not pulled down and out so you can't see the formation of the knees as well, which would be helpful to see if its maybe a patellar or cruciate problem.

if i was in your situation i would watch him for the rest of the weekend. if on monday morning he is still limping and uncomfortable then i would ask your regular DVM for a referral to an orthopedic surgeon for a consult.

I knew you would know! You are a blessing!

[Gingergirlsmom]

Originally Posted by kalina82

its possible that he might have a fever but you wouldn't be able to tell if it was from an infection of the implants or because he's not feeling well with what's been going on.

if it is an implant problem its fine to wait until monday. if you took him to the er they would just x-ray it and possibly want to keep him. then $1000 later they will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon and if the implant needs to come out they will charge another couple thousand. x-rays are best and an orthopedic surgeon would be able to see things a regular vet can't. that x-ray you posted is a terrible VD pelvis. i suck at getting the right settings for these but at least my form is great. in your x-ray the legs are not pulled down and out so you can't see the formation of the knees as well, which would be helpful to see if its maybe a patellar or cruciate problem.

if i was in your situation i would watch him for the rest of the weekend. if on monday morning he is still limping and uncomfortable then i would ask your regular DVM for a referral to an orthopedic surgeon for a consult.

Thanks for all the information and advice. I really appreciate it. The xray I posted is actually from the surgery itself over a year ago. It's not what the vet took yesterday. I just posted it to show the pins, etc. Sorry for the confusion.