My Squirt needs surgery and I need help
 

My baby needs Femoral Head Ostectomy for Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. He also has a Hip Dysplasia. I am waiting for an Orthopedic Surgeon to call me. Has anyone had a dog either had this surgery or had this condition? I feel awful. I mentioned to the vet when I took my cat for his physical that my dog was lifting is leg. She told me it was probably a knee patellar and to start him on Glucosamine. I did a week ago. The groomer told me yesterday his leg was swollen and I told her what the vet said. I am so glad I brought him to the vet.

He is 1 year old. He hasn't been to the vet since his neuter at 6 mos and he was perfect. His hips were good when I bought him. You can't tell he is in pain unless you touch his leg. He plays, he eats, he jumps, he just is using the leg less and less. I feel awful. I thought it was his knee and he would get better.

I could use some reassurance it will be ok and some prayers for my puppy. I want to call the breeder and tell him, but he doesn't care. My puppy was suppose to be ACA but I was sent ICA paperwork. I hate the thought that his siblings might be going through the same thing. I have pet insurance to help with the expenses. How many people can afford thousands of dollars for surgery and rehab?

Thank you in advance.

So sorry to hear this. Fortunately you have insurance. Praying that all goes well.

I'm sorry but you are nearby great veterinary care in Boston. We recently used cape cod vet specialists and think highly of dr kochin, a board certified surgeon and he has done these surgeries on tons of Yorkies!

Milo had this done at about the same age. I think it was harder for me than him. He stayed in the hospital overnight and came home the next day. I would suggest you have someone go with you to pick your pup up after surgery, I made the mistake on going by myself and was very distracted making sure he was OK. When we got home for the first few nights I slept on a mattress on the floor as I was afraid he would try to jump on something. They are pretty resilient he was up and walking the next day. The best advice I can give you is be prepared for the shaved leg and do not be surprised if when they first start to walk the only use three legs. Milo did not.need PT afterwards when we went in for his followup the Dr. Said he was rehabbing himself. Good luck, if you have any question I'd be more than happy to answer.

Thank you
 

I will take your suggestions. I appreciate everyone who responded. My vet recommended a Dr. Clark. If I don't hear anything tomorrow I will look into Dr. Kochin. I want this done ASAP.

Dr Clark operated on my dog Daisy in 2002. I went to dr kochin because I wanted my older dog to be in a 24/7 hospital instead of going through my regular vet and having dr Clark come in. But he does thousands do these surgeries too and everyone uses him because he travels around.

I forgot to add that I got Dr Kochin's name from Yorkies Inc, a rescue group in MA. He does all their ortho cases and liver shunts.

update
 

I saw the surgeon today and he is having surgery a week from Monday. The doctor said he should do very well and I won't need to restrict him. I am not sure if this is right but I will see. The surgery will cost between 2200 and 2700. I have already spent 450 so I am glad I have insurance. I was happy to hear it was nothing I did and I couldn't have known earlier. I am writing to the breeder so he can know for future litters. I notice he has a different name now.

Thanks for the update. I will keep your little Squirt in my prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about your little baby and so glad that he will be taken care of. What a scary thing to have happen! May I ask what insurance you are with?

Thank you for your prayers. I have Trupanion. They will pay 90% after my deductible. I am not sure if they will cover everything. I need to call tomorrow.

:hearts-en Sending prayers for your pup!!!

I have heard that dr. Clark is the best!!

Curious how surgery went and if trupanion covered everything to pay the 90%?