Snick has LP PLEASE share your experiences

[Britster]

I just wanted to wish you and Snick luck!

[viviansnickers]

OMG this is too hard!! So my husband pointed out to me that Snick has to lifted his foot in 48 hours and is completely acting like himself again.

I just took him on a walk and he was so himself, being bad, sniffing everything, pulling his leash and not once did he limp or skip or left his leg which he has been doing quite a bit for the last 2 weeks.

When we were at the vet to see the specialist we mentioned how we noticed Snick starting to pick up his leg right after my dad picked him up in a weird way and Snick let out a painful yelp! The specialist did say that Snick may have had a torn ligament and with the meds and gluco supps it may have healed and thats why he was lifting his leg and lifting it less now.

The doc did recommend surgery but what doctor would not?? They make a lot of $$$$$$ from doing surgery. What if Snick does have minor LP and had a torn ligament?? What if surgery is not necessary?? I hear SO MANY dogs live with this when it is a grade 1 or 2 and thats what the ortho said Snick had, maybe at worst a grade 2. He did say that over time there is a possibility that it gets worse and Snick will be in pain, but I'm scared we might be doing unnecessary surgery!! Snick showed NO signs of pain before the yelp after my dad picked him up.

SO CONFUSED!!!!!!:conf used:
-Vivian

[Sweet Apple]

Hi Viv...I haven't been on the board much, here lately, but saw this post a while back...Don't know if you remember, but I saw Apple do a little skip for the first time a week or so ago...Anyway, I took her to a new vet...Actually, Ladyjane recommended her, and I really like her...Lin takes all her rescues there, and I hear she is a regular there and has a standing daily appointment (lol..just kidding, but almost )...Anyway, Apple has LP in both knees and its grade 1...Dr. Runge (the new vet) didn't recommend surgery...She said they used to do it to keep the pups from getting arthritis, but they still get it after having the surgery...She also said if the ligament/tendon (?) I forgot which, were to stretch, we may opt for surgery...Or, if it got worse, maybe so...But she said they advised a more conservative approach and see how the pups do...That they can live long and healthy lives w/a low grade LP...If Snick isn't exhibiting any probs., I'd sure hold out for a while...Dr. Runge said Apple's knees may pop out, on occasion, and she would, most likely, skip them back in and go on about her business...I'm leaning towards the conservative approach, and just keep an eye out for Apple as time goes by...I think as "mommies", we get a gut feeling about what's best for a babies, and that's what we should do...I think you should go w/your gut feeling whether it is for or against surgery...You probably know what's best for your baby, better than anyone on the planet...All the best to you and Snick...I'll be praying for him, and I know you will be praying for my little Apple...

Human Hugs and Yorkie Kisses

[_Chrissy_]

I am sorry.
i know how much this hurts. You both are still in my thoughts.
I feel it all the time.
Like I have said before Max has level 2 his vet said. She recommended surgery.
I have decide to give Cosequin glucosamine supplements a try first.
He is on 250 mg. a day.
What level are you using?
I just can not bring myself to put him though surgery when he does not seem to be in any pain.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by viviansnickers

OMG this is too hard!! So my husband pointed out to me that Snick has to lifted his foot in 48 hours and is completely acting like himself again.

I just took him on a walk and he was so himself, being bad, sniffing everything, pulling his leash and not once did he limp or skip or left his leg which he has been doing quite a bit for the last 2 weeks.

When we were at the vet to see the specialist we mentioned how we noticed Snick starting to pick up his leg right after my dad picked him up in a weird way and Snick let out a painful yelp! The specialist did say that Snick may have had a torn ligament and with the meds and gluco supps it may have healed and thats why he was lifting his leg and lifting it less now.

The doc did recommend surgery but what doctor would not?? They make a lot of $$$$$$ from doing surgery. What if Snick does have minor LP and had a torn ligament?? What if surgery is not necessary?? I hear SO MANY dogs live with this when it is a grade 1 or 2 and thats what the ortho said Snick had, maybe at worst a grade 2. He did say that over time there is a possibility that it gets worse and Snick will be in pain, but I'm scared we might be doing unnecessary surgery!! Snick showed NO signs of pain before the yelp after my dad picked him up.

SO CONFUSED!!!!!!
-Vivian

Oh, boy. This would be a hard decision. Could you wait a month or so on the surgery? Keep an eye on him & see how he's doing after a few more weeks before you decide for sure? I don't see how holding off another month would hurt.

[viviansnickers]

My thoughts exactly Bonbon...I think we are going to cancel surgery for now and monitor him until January and then see. The holidays are going to be insane and I think waiting will be the better, esp since he seems so himself and not in pain. Hmph!!

Thanks everyone...please let me know what you think!!
-Vivian

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by viviansnickers

My thoughts exactly Bonbon...I think we are going to cancel surgery for now and monitor him until January and then see. The holidays are going to be insane and I think waiting will be the better, esp since he seems so himself and not in pain. Hmph!!

Thanks everyone...please let me know what you think!!
-Vivian

I hadn't even thought about the holidays coming up.

[Ellie May]

I'm really not sure about the no supervision for most of the night thing. I can only say I would not leave Ellie in that case. If you really like the surgeon, then maybe talk to him about transferring him to an ER vet at night.

The torn ligament theory is what I'd think also. I would pesonally not do surgery right now unless you were seeing lots of signs before the yelp. If he does very well on glucosamine but without pain meds, then you may not need to do it anytime soon.

[viviansnickers]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I'm really not sure about the no supervision for most of the night thing. I can only say I would not leave Ellie in that case. If you really like the surgeon, then maybe talk to him about transferring him to an ER vet at night.

The torn ligament theory is what I'd think also. I would pesonally not do surgery right now unless you were seeing lots of signs before the yelp. If he does very well on glucosamine but without pain meds, then you may not need to do it anytime soon.

Snickers showed NO indication of pain at all before my dad picked him up and he yelped! We are most likely cancelling the surgery for now and are keeping up with the glucosamine and seeing how it goes. I pray it will all be fine and Snick will be able to adjust to his grade 2 LP. He seems to have been doing just fine up until the yelp. I hope to god and pray I am doing thr right thing, if we begin to see him limp and lift his leg again, we may think about dong surgery in January.

Thank you everyone!!!
-Vivian

[Mom to Hot Rod]

There is no reason to rush to have the surgery unless Snick is in obvious pain. You know him better than anyone so you will be able to guage his everyday behaviour and see if there are any changes.

Will be sending good thoughts and prayers that maybe it was just a torn ligament and now it's all healed and Snick won't have to go thru with a surgery!

[viviansnickers]

Dear Friends....

We will be scheduling Snick's LP surgery for next week, he was in obvious pain over the weekend and was showing all symptoms. We are sad but ready for his surgery and are getting prepared mentally to be strong for him.

I really cannot thank you all who shared your experiences, kindness, and generosity of love during this hard time for us. We truly appreciate it.

Having the surgery during the holidays will be hard but also gives us much time off from work to be with Snickers through recovery.

Hugs and Kisses-
Snick & Viv

[brownminerva]

Hello Viv:
I am so sorry that the worsening situation with Snick's legs made the surgery necessary so soon. You have been and are going through a roller coaster ride and it must be very disturbing. Making the decision was very brave of you, but the poor little dog must have been going through a lot of pain for you to make that decision. I am sure it will prove the right thing to do in the long run. Please do not fret too much over the recovery (although I know it is hard when your furbaby is suffering), as I am sure he will do very well. They usually do get on their feet relatively quickly and don't seem to know that they have a problem!!! In a few days the dogs I have seen with this surgery are very alert and in good spirits and the main problem is keeping them from moving around too quickly. One main issue can be going to the bathroom, as they cannot put pressure on the back legs, but the mom's usually just hold up their back ends by putting a towel under their tummies to lift the back legs to allow them 'to go'. Also constipation can happen and perhaps the Vet can give you something for him to 'keep things moving' better.
Trust me I feel for you having to put your pet through this, it is very painful for us and we wish is was us not them that was having surgery.
Dear little Snickers will handle this and I am sure by the holidays he will be feeling very good and you will be pleasantly surprised too with the progress. He will appreciate the extra time you have with him though. LOL.
So hang in there and prayers and Good Wishes to you and Snickers for a very successful outcome.
Warmest Wishes,
Marg

[viviansnickers]

Originally Posted by brownminerva

Hello Viv:
I am so sorry that the worsening situation with Snick's legs made the surgery necessary so soon. You have been and are going through a roller coaster ride and it must be very disturbing. Making the decision was very brave of you, but the poor little dog must have been going through a lot of pain for you to make that decision. I am sure it will prove the right thing to do in the long run. Please do not fret too much over the recovery (although I know it is hard when your furbaby is suffering), as I am sure he will do very well. They usually do get on their feet relatively quickly and don't seem to know that they have a problem!!! In a few days the dogs I have seen with this surgery are very alert and in good spirits and the main problem is keeping them from moving around too quickly. One main issue can be going to the bathroom, as they cannot put pressure on the back legs, but the mom's usually just hold up their back ends by putting a towel under their tummies to lift the back legs to allow them 'to go'. Also constipation can happen and perhaps the Vet can give you something for him to 'keep things moving' better.
Trust me I feel for you having to put your pet through this, it is very painful for us and we wish is was us not them that was having surgery.
Dear little Snickers will handle this and I am sure by the holidays he will be feeling very good and you will be pleasantly surprised too with the progress. He will appreciate the extra time you have with him though. LOL.
So hang in there and prayers and Good Wishes to you and Snickers for a very successful outcome.
Warmest Wishes,
Marg

Thank you so much, I was so hopeful and now so bummed. Since Saturday he has been hobbling quite a bit and we can tell when he is struggling. I should have never said anything to jinx us. Sad!
-Vivian

[BonBon]

Oh, I'm just seeing the latest on Snicks. I'll keep him and his doctors in my prayers. The surgery is next week? I know you'll let us know how he does. Big hugs for you both!