Lola has LP and I'm scared I may have to lose her..

[reebie_and_lola]

sorry this may be long...I put this on her basically as a vent, I am scared and need some type of comfort

My lola is awesome, she is funny and crazy and I love her to peices. She just turned a year and she always had knee problems, like it would stiffen but she would walk around or stretch it a bit and it would be fine. About a week ago she limped in my room wimpering and yelping with every step. I literally BURST into tears. I took her to the vet and she said she has LP, she said something like her knee is now out of place 80-90% of the time. She told me she needs surgery ASAP and she even referred me to some specialists. And this is when I really got scared..
I went to 2 specialist and they both told me about the same thing that the cost of the x ray is about 200 and the cost of the actual surgery ranges from 1850-2000....I am a college student and I am pretty much alone besides my Lola and boyfriend. I have a "Lola's Emergencies" savings account that keeps about a steady 600 in it(she has eye problems and I have to buy her drops and pills every month so I usually take from that account). My boyfriend has offered 300 but he has bills and rent to pay too. This is day 3 and she is just a whole different dog b/c of the pain, she has pain pills now but I know I need to get it fixed. I am thinking that the only way for me to get it fixed is to let someone that is financially able adopt her. I have a friend who is willing to take her and pay for it all and I know she would be great with Lola, I've seen her/her dogs all play with Lola. But if I were to do that it would need to be someone I never see, it would BURN to have to give her away to someone I see, and have to see her around and never be able to take her home. I don't want to lose her but I think that it may be best for her, because she is clearly suffering, this is not the crazy/fun/retarded dog I brought home almost a year ago. I don't want to be on a payment plan because I don't have the money to fit in a payment plan, I am very organized and all the money I make now has a place and I couldn't fit in new vet bills with that..

I have taken the day off work to try and figure out what I will do because I want to get her somewhere to have the surgery soon at least by next week..my roommate(who isn't even really a dog person) has started a donation for her and that has made my day brighter. I am hoping that goes somewhere because I just CAN NOT lose my "Lola Falana". I will keep you guys posted on how everything is going. I've attached some of my favorite pics of her

[motomomma317]

First let me start out by saying I am very sorry your in the situation your in. It must be heart breaking. If I could give you a hug right now I would.
Second you sound like a very reasonable young woman. You seam like you want whats best for your little gal. Hats off to you. One thing I didn't hear you talk about was recovery time. While I know your in school and maybe possibly working too? Does that allow you time to work on rehab with your dog? I understand that the money side of this problem is weighing heavily on you at this time, try and think long term. Like what would the next 6 months be like. How many follow up appt. would you need to go to and could you fit them in your busy schedule.
I wish you and your gal all the best. The positive at this point is you have someone you know and trust that is willing and able to give her what she needs. While it may very well be painful at first to see her with someone else and not be able to bring her home to snuggle with, you will still be able to see her, and know shes doing well. Heck you may even be asked to puppy sit on occasion.
The road you are about to travel will not be an easy one. But It will make you stronger. Life throws everyone a curve, how you handle it makes you who you are.
Sara

[reebie_and_lola]

Originally Posted by motomomma317

First let me start out by saying I am very sorry your in the situation your in. It must be heart breaking. If I could give you a hug right now I would.
Second you sound like a very reasonable young woman. You seam like you want whats best for your little gal. Hats off to you. One thing I didn't hear you talk about was recovery time. While I know your in school and maybe possibly working too? Does that allow you time to work on rehab with your dog? I understand that the money side of this problem is weighing heavily on you at this time, try and think long term. Like what would the next 6 months be like. How many follow up appt. would you need to go to and could you fit them in your busy schedule.
I wish you and your gal all the best. The positive at this point is you have someone you know and trust that is willing and able to give her what she needs. While it may very well be painful at first to see her with someone else and not be able to bring her home to snuggle with, you will still be able to see her, and know shes doing well. Heck you may even be asked to puppy sit on occasion.
The road you are about to travel will not be an easy one. But It will make you stronger. Life throws everyone a curve, how you handle it makes you who you are.
Sara

I am in school and I work on campus, but I always have time for my Lola, and if I didn't I would make time lol, summer is starting next week I would not be taking classes and I would spend most of my day with her since I will be working nights, she has about 2 hours spread out during the day where she is alone b/c my boyfriend watches her at night. I wouldn't have problems fitting follow ups into my schedule, I am organized and as long as I know in advance I can get her there. And if there is ever an emergency I will drop everything for her. She is family, I would do the same for my little brother. I made sure I could have time for her when I decided to get her thanks for being concerned for her tho its nice to see people caring.
I know that I couldn't have her go with my friend although I'd know she would be safe with her, I could never pet sit Lola...I'd be way to sad to have to watch her leave..
thanks again for the advice and support

[TLC]

Try to calm down

I know you don't want a payment plan, BUT please look into Care Credit.

My parents are in AZ and just went thru the 2nd LP surgery with their little Izzie. And they got the Care Credit, it is a monthly payment plan for 18 months, NO INTEREST. I think their monthly payment is like $120

Does that sound doable??? Rather than give her up

[Britster]

I'm sorry -- I can't imagine having to make such a decision. I also am in college and I know, for me, giving up Jackson is not an option but I am very lucky that I have so many family members who love him and would be willing to give me money if anything ever were to arise. I also always keep emergency funds set aside for him... but LP surgery is very expensive! It'd be difficult for me if that were to happen to afford it on my own so I feel your pain. I understand she definitely needs the surgery, but is there any way you could wait a few months, and possibly save up extra money (selling things on eBay, doing side jobs, etc) and then get the surgery, and for now just keep her on supplements (maybe some Cosequin, and pain meds, etc). I don't know much about LP but I've read some dogs can live with it forever w/o surgery, but it sounds like your Lola is in pain. I'm sorry I don't really know what to say but wanted to send my love and support.

[maryeverett1]

I am so sorry you are going through this! Going to look into a few things and get back to you! If you need anything please don't hesitate to contact me even if it's just for a shoulder to cry on! Praying for you and Lola both today! I know the answers will come and you will do the right thing for her! Have faith and hope! Talk to you soon!

[TLC]

Yup - Dasiquin is great for this! I give 1/4 tablet every morning to TJ who is 7lbs. Alot of us give this to our LP dogs. Nurta Max is the company, and they have actually clinic studies that have positive results!

I have a FULL bottle, so if you want to PM me you addy, I will mail a bunch of tablets...if you'd like to try them.

Also, my Roxy had bi-laterial LP surgery, she was Grade 2 and Grade 3. I set the appt up sometime in March or April, but the surgery didn't take place until August...but I guess it all depends on a case by case basis.

[tjdmom]

I'm so sorry you are having to go thru this but it sounds like you are doing the best for her. I'm thinking maybe you should reconsider the friend who is willing to take her and you know would provide a good home. As hard as it would be, wouldn't it be nice to get a chance to see her now and then and to know that she is being taken good care of? I personally would rather have that than to know that she was going somewhere that you would never see her again.
best of luck whatever you choose to do!
Theresa

[reebie_and_lola]

thank you guys so much for the support and advice. it helps more than you can imagine. I am going to look into those pills, she is doing pretty good on the pills my vet gave me for now. Since posting this she has walked some and played a little. she is laying peacefully in my lap watching animal cops Philly(seeing these dogs also makes me feel good knowing Lola is at least safe). I am keeping calm now(thanks for that ) she is eating again and we just played her favorite toy "Booger" for a little bit. I just have to get used to her needing breaks and more time to rest for the time being..it is tough but I will try and stress over my finals now and just be happy she is making it for now.

thanks again for all of the love. Lola loves people and attention if she could read this she would be going crazy . Thanks for keeping my baby in your prayers and thoughts.

[ArmaniMan]

First, I want to say I am so sorry you are dealing with this.

Second, you sound like you want the best for your little girl.

Third, YOU HAVE OPTIONS!

Look into Care Credit as TLC said. You said you are going to have the summer off, can you get a job for the summer, can you babysit? walk dogs? do you make anything that you can sell? anything... you could probably easily make back the cost of the surgery over the course of the summer and be able to pay off the CC before you even start back to school in the fall.

Do you have stuff lying around the house that you dont need? you could sell stuff on craigslist or have a yard sale... do you have clothes you never wear in the closet? take them to a consignment shop. You can get your Spring Cleaning done and make money at the same time.

Good Luck with whatever you choose and keep us updated.

[Ladymom]

While joint supplements are great, if her knees are out of place 80-90% of the time and your vet recommends surgery ASAP, that's what you need to do.

Do you have any family members who can loan you money and defer paying it back until you graduate?

How about her breeder? Did you get a health guarantee? LP's diagnosed in the first year are generally considered genetic. If you got her from a reputable breeder, she may help you with the cost of the surgery.

If you do decide that giving her up is the best option, consider a rescue group. We have several great ones here on YT. They would make sure she gets the surgery she needs and find her a perfect home.

She has eye issues, too? Congenital dry eye/KCS? Has surgery to correct that been suggested down the road?

I am so sorry you are going through this, but you sound like a very responsible young woman who wants what is best for Lola.

[lovmyyorkie]

I have 2 with LP my 12 yr old and my 4 yr old, 12 yr old has not had any problems with it for 8 yrs we limit her running and no jumping and supplements and she was also over weight and lost some. The 4 yr old has had it since 8 months old and the vet said that if he was not in pain no surgery was recommended but to watch his activity.

Now these are just my experience not my recommendation as I'm not a Vet.

But I really do hope you find a way to give your baby the right treatment with out having to give her up, please try to do some research on organizations that can help financially as I do think you can afford any follow up treatment or rehab. for her.

I think I saw some links around here on some organization (s), I will try to find them for you and post it here.

Best Wishes,

[reebie_and_lola]

thanks for the breeder tip! I forgot all about contacting him. I called him he was a really nice old man I used to work with who had been breeding for years. He said he would gladly have her looked at tomorrow, and he also knows a good surgeon a couple hours from here(he is actually one of the surgeons my vet listed but I never contacted because of the distance), and he says that since she is so young he will cover what I can't he is only asking me to pay 400 so that I don't have to empty the savings for her, and to pay for any follow ups. he gave her to me for 150(she's my discount puppy like marley ) so I don't think that is a lot to ask.

thanks for all of the help. I'm a hard worker and a fighter and I will be working all summer full time so I should hopefully be able to pay for follow ups. I pay for school, rent, bills, and food on my own but I will never complain about having to work harder for my crazy baby so if I need to find an easy part time job to help then I will do it.

thanks again for thinking of my Lola. oh and I forget what is going on with her eyes...I have it written down somewhere I have to look. my vet says it is treatable but right I am giving her drops now for a scratch because she has really bad allergies(she is allergic to grass) and she ended up scratching her eye one day...my vet is a country vet and she knows my situation so luckly she isnt charging me to treat the scratch.
Lola Falana is difficult but she is crazy and wild and trust me if you met her, you would do all you could to fight for her too.

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by reebie_and_lola

thanks for the breeder tip! I forgot all about contacting him. I called him he was a really nice old man I used to work with who had been breeding for years. He said he would gladly have her looked at tomorrow, and he also knows a good surgeon a couple hours from here(he is actually one of the surgeons my vet listed but I never contacted because of the distance), and he says that since she is so young he will cover what I can't he is only asking me to pay 400 so that I don't have to empty the savings for her, and to pay for any follow ups. he gave her to me for 150(she's my discount puppy like marley ) so I don't think that is a lot to ask.

thanks for all of the help. I'm a hard worker and a fighter and I will be working all summer full time so I should hopefully be able to pay for follow ups. I pay for school, rent, bills, and food on my own but I will never complain about having to work harder for my crazy baby so if I need to find an easy part time job to help then I will do it.

thanks again for thinking of my Lola. oh and I forget what is going on with her eyes...I have it written down somewhere I have to look. my vet says it is treatable but right I am giving her drops now for a scratch because she has really bad allergies(she is allergic to grass) and she ended up scratching her eye one day...my vet is a country vet and she knows my situation so luckly she isnt charging me to treat the scratch.
Lola Falana is difficult but she is crazy and wild and trust me if you met her, you would do all you could to fight for her too.

Great news!!!!!!!! I am so glad your breeder is going to help you with the cost of surgery!

[ARCHIE]

I love stories with happy endings.
Good for you to be such a hard worker. God takes care of those
who take care of themselves. I am so happy Lola is going to get
her surgery. See, you worked it out. Good for you. Sending
prayer's for both of you and wishing Lola a complete and speedy
recovery. Keep us posted on her progress.