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Old 07-04-2013, 05:35 PM   #1
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Exclamation Yorkie with foot deformity.

Situation for everyone to please consider,

Let's say you adopted a puppy from your local SPCA. You were told that puppy had a foot deformity (skeletal) that caused a gimpy gait (this is not LP). You decided you wanted that puppy anyway, and took it home.

You take the puppy to your veterinarian, and then to another (plus the opinion of the vet with the SPCA that examined that puppy when it was brought in) so three veterinarians (one set of x-rays), and they all tell you that the puppy will not experience any pain now or in later years if this deformity is not fixed. The specific issue will never resolve itself, nor will it get any worse.

Here's the thing; they also tell you that they can fix it, with a lengthy surgery that will require the purposeful breakage and resetting of 3 bones and about 4 months of painful recuperation for your puppy, 2 months of that there is to be no playing, no taking walks, no running, etc.

You have to make the decision within 1 week - otherwise your puppy is SOL on the surgery (they will only do it now while the bones are still young, flexible and easily manipulated).

What would your decision be?

Thank you

PS - I realize I haven't been here in months (too many issues with certain members for me to be here that often). But - there are also a great many knowledgeable Yorkie owners here, and I need your help desperately.
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Old 07-04-2013, 05:39 PM   #2
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If it was a board certified surgeon with extensive orthopedic experience and there was a great chance of a good outcome, I personally would do it. In time I would think that a gimpy gait could cause other issues to this pup such as possible back problems.

Not sure why there is a one week window...seems kind of pushy to me. Cannot imagine there is going to be a huge difference between a week and a month, but who knows.

As for your other comments, there are always going to be people you do not get along with online just as in person. Not a reason to stop coming here, especially if you need assistance...or you just want to participate.
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Old 07-04-2013, 06:30 PM   #3
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How bad is the "gimpy gait"? Is it just a slight limp? Will fixing it improve the quality of the dog's life, or is it more a cosmetic issue? If, as the vets say, the puppy will not experience any pain now or in later years if this deformity is not fixed, and if fixing it would not result in a significant improvement in the quality of the dog's life, I would do nothing, because fixing it will cause painful and lengthy recuperation for the dog. If fixing it results in increased mobility, I would consider it. But you know more about the situation than we do, so you will ultimately have to weight the risks and benefits yourself.
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Old 07-04-2013, 07:15 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ladyjane View Post
If it was a board certified surgeon with extensive orthopedic experience and there was a great chance of a good outcome, I personally would do it. In time I would think that a gimpy gait could cause other issues to this pup such as possible back problems.

Not sure why there is a one week window...seems kind of pushy to me. Cannot imagine there is going to be a huge difference between a week and a month, but who knows.

As for your other comments, there are always going to be people you do not get along with online just as in person. Not a reason to stop coming here, especially if you need assistance...or you just want to participate.
If I bought or adopted or rescued a baby with a deformed foot, I would be doing so already with the plan to go straight to a certified ortho. specialist and set about getting this little foot "fixed". I would imagine, just like with humans, if the babys gait is off, over time, it throws the entire body off and stuff starts getting out of alignment, causing additional issues.....Good luck to this inno0cent baby.....you have to do what is necessary to help this baby live as normal a life, pain free, as possible.
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Old 07-04-2013, 07:32 PM   #5
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Thank you for your input. I believe we have decided to go ahead with the surgery. This poor thing isn't going to have a puppyhood at all...but I agree that not fixing it might cause issues elsewhere in her body later, in which case she won't have much of an adult life either.

...4 months of misery is better than 15+ years of "possible" misery right?

Thank you again...guess I needed more of an affirmation than anything else.
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Old 07-04-2013, 07:36 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by YorkOfTheShire View Post
Thank you for your input. I believe we have decided to go ahead with the surgery. This poor thing isn't going to have a puppyhood at all...but I agree that not fixing it might cause issues elsewhere in her body later, in which case she won't have much of an adult life either.

...4 months of misery is better than 15+ years of "possible" misery right?

Thank you again...guess I needed more of an affirmation than anything else.

Good luck. Please keep us posted. Would love to see pictures and hear about her progress.

Yes, I have had pups go through some extensive surgeries that required lengthy periods of confinement and also physical therapy for a couple of them; but they are doing fine now!
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Old 07-05-2013, 05:32 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by YorkOfTheShire View Post
Thank you for your input. I believe we have decided to go ahead with the surgery. This poor thing isn't going to have a puppyhood at all...but I agree that not fixing it might cause issues elsewhere in her body later, in which case she won't have much of an adult life either.

...4 months of misery is better than 15+ years of "possible" misery right?

Thank you again...guess I needed more of an affirmation than anything else.
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Every pup deserves the best we can give them. Yes, puppyhood will be different, but like you said, there will be years of Yorkie love ahead. Thank you for caring fort this pup in need!
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Old 07-05-2013, 05:33 AM   #8
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Good Luck with your decision! Thats a tough one! I don't know if I'd do it or not.
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Old 07-05-2013, 05:48 AM   #9
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Good luck with the surgery. I would have chosen this as well. Better some restriction during puppyhood so that she can run walk/run better for the rest of their life. I really like the idea of using a stroller/baby carriage so that they can be restricted but still enjoy being close to you. Sending prayers and best wishes.
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Old 07-05-2013, 08:28 AM   #10
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I just read your decision. I too would, like LadyJane have resourced the opinion of an orthopaedic specialist.

Having said that; if the problem is within the metatarsals of the foot; logically over time their dysfunction will translate up the leg to the knee and to the hip. And like a river flows up the spine.

Soooooo..... I would be more inclined to do the surgery, I have had a big dog on strict crate rest for 8wks/2months, and it is a pain; but the outcome is worth it in my view.

Not knowing the details here, sometimes depending upon the deformity, casting might be an option.
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Old 07-06-2013, 01:46 PM   #11
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Thank you all for the words of advice and support.

I misunderstood a LOT with these vets and it is extremely difficult to keep everything straight when you're talking to three different ones. It's like one vet says something and then the next vet says basically the same only a little different and the next vet echos that and adds something else (or disagrees with part of what another said)--- pretty soon everything becomes very unclear for me. I'm sticking with our vet and when it comes time for surgery I will go with whoever he wants me to go to. So to make that clear: she is NOT getting this fixed anytime soon. (I misunderstood the part about flexible bones and easy to be manipulated). That's why they DON'T want to remedy this immediately, not why they do. The reason they are being adamant about getting her in there within a week is to observe and note any changes, and then every 2 weeks after that.

Long story short: she has to finish growing before they'll go anywhere near it and I had it all bass ackwards.

I'll update with more accurate info and pictures tomorrow.

And...if anyone is highly intelligent, I wouldn't mind borrowing some of your brain power for a while, my brain cells are all deflated.

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Old 07-06-2013, 02:05 PM   #12
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What I have done in the past - is to have a notepad with me, where-in I scribble as we talk, and then immediately after the vet appt I go to a coffee shop or something like that, and write out everything in long hand.

But gosh we have cell phones now that can record conversations, so maybe ask the vet if you can record your Q and A and then you have a permanent record.

I did that for Magic with Dr Chris Zinc and it is fantastic to be able to review what was asked and answered. I also videotaped the physical examination and testing she did.
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Old 07-06-2013, 02:12 PM   #13
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Please keep us updated and good luck to both of you
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Old 07-06-2013, 04:29 PM   #14
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I think that is a very good idea Gemy...I need to get a notebook methinks.
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Old 07-06-2013, 06:38 PM   #15
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I'd base most of my decision on long term prognosis as predicted by an ortho surgeon. I would not fix a deformity just for the sake of fixing it. i'd fix it if not doing so would result in likely long term problems.
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