Luxating Patella -- finding a great surgeon

[ladyjane]

Here is an interesting article about Dr. Beale from a couple of years ago:


www.yorkiehavenrescue.com/beale/dr_beale.pdf


I am a total fan as you can tell.

[OwnedByJezebel]

Great article, thank you! I printed it out for dh to read.

Your stories are so incredible and complicated compared to mine, I love reading about the successful outcomes. It does make me feel better about a more "routine" situation.

BTW, she hadn't limped since Tuesday, and in the back of my mind I'm wondering if she's so bad, hoping I'm doing the right thing ... but then I saw the x-rays on Wednesday so I KNOW ... and 10 minutes ago she got up from resting and limped again for the first time in 5 days. Time for me to let go of the anxiety and cowgirl up and be there for her.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

Great article, thank you! I printed it out for dh to read.

Your stories are so incredible and complicated compared to mine, I love reading about the successful outcomes. It does make me feel better about a more "routine" situation.

BTW, she hadn't limped since Tuesday, and in the back of my mind I'm wondering if she's so bad, hoping I'm doing the right thing ... but then I saw the x-rays on Wednesday so I KNOW ... and 10 minutes ago she got up from resting and limped again for the first time in 5 days. Time for me to let go of the anxiety and cowgirl up and be there for her.

He would not recommend surgery if she did not need it. That much I know. My son (reluctantly I might add because he felt that no matter what, a surgeon would recommend surgery and because he had seen so many of mine need it) took his yorkie there a few years ago. Dr. Beale examined him and advised an anti inflammatory for two weeks...no surgery. I have also taken other pups there over the years who did not need surgery...of course most do because most, by the time they get there, are really having issues.

I have a long, long list of pups he has operated on. I only shared the most complicated ones with you because they left such a lasting impression on me.

GCVS had a VERY busy practice and they don't need to operate on pups that don't need it. If he said she needs it, you can take that to the bank. I do, however, totally understand your concerns. This is scary stuff. Maybe you should contact him and let him know how you feel...I can tell you that he is awesome about responding to people. Just call there and leave a message saying that you would like to discuss this with Dr. Beale...let him know your concerns! You could also email Kate....did she give you her card with email address? If not, PM me and I can give it to you. She is very fast at replying to emails...I always do that rather than call.

[ladyjane]

Another story. One of my fosters had the first ever implant of its size during her TPLO surgery. Dr. Beale had told me that and it really did not register much with me at the time.

Anyway....after she was adopted, the adopters, who live in AZ, told me that when they took all of her records to their vet, he was so impressed with her xrays and asked them "who did this surgery?". Said he had never seen anything like it before...of course not, hers was the first! She is a bigger yorkie and very active .. she runs and plays and is just fine!

[OwnedByJezebel]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not flaking out and I have every confidence in Dr Beale. It's just my emotional side (I don't want her to go through this so wouldn't it be nice if we could wish it away or what if I do something negligent that messes up her recovery) vs my logical side (I saw those x-rays, I have the best Dr, I don't want her to live with the pain of arthritis, and since we are retired 24/7 supervision is not an issue).

I'm telling myself that I have to pull it together because she needs me to be there for her and as a result I'm having less anxiety about it today. Buck it up! But I'll probably have a good cry after I get home from dropping her off.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

Don't get me wrong, I'm not flaking out and I have every confidence in Dr Beale. It's just my emotional side (I don't want her to go through this so wouldn't it be nice if we could wish it away or what if I do something negligent that messes up her recovery) vs my logical side (I saw those x-rays, I have the best Dr, I don't want her to live with the pain of arthritis, and since we are retired 24/7 supervision is not an issue).

I'm telling myself that I have to pull it together because she needs me to be there for her and as a result I'm having less anxiety about it today. Buck it up! But I'll probably have a good cry after I get home from dropping her off.

I did not in any way think you were flaking out. I just did not want you to go through all of it if you have questions and concerns.

Yes, you will cry and I totally get it! Been there.

[katy-yorkie]

[QUOTE=OwnedByJezebel;4175498]Don't get me wrong, I'm not flaking out and I have every confidence in Dr Beale. It's just my emotional side (I don't want her to go through this so wouldn't it be nice if we could wish it away or what if I do something negligent that messes up her recovery) vs my logical side (I saw those x-rays, I have the best Dr, I don't want her to live with the pain of arthritis, and sin we are retired 24/7 supervision is not an issue).

I'm telling myself that I have to pull it together because she needs me to be there for her and as a result I'm having less anxiety about it today. Buck it up! But I'll probably have a good cry after I get home from dropping her off.[/QUOT

After I dropped off Buster I had a big cry. When they called me after the surgery I had a big cry. I somehow convinced them to let me come see him, but was told that I had to be very quiet and could not let him see me. When I got to my car, I had a big cry. They are small defenseless creatures and you hope you are doing your best for them. I have pictures of Buster looking out of the car window right before we dropped him off, I cry when I look at those. It will be ok, cry.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by katy-yorkie

After I dropped off Buster I had a big cry. When they called me after the surgery I had a big cry. I somehow convinced them to let me come see him, but was told that I had to be very quiet and could not let him see me. When I got to my car, I had a big cry. They are small defenseless creatures and you hope you are doing your best for them. I have pictures of Buster looking out of the car window right before we dropped him off, I cry when I look at those. It will be ok, cry.

You summed it up perfectly. I have shed many tears.

[OwnedByJezebel]

It's been VERY a long 8 hours. I just got the call that she tolerated the anesthesia well, the surgery went perfectly, and she is waking up.

Last night dh went to bed and I was still up with Jezebel. Twenty minutes later he got up and came in the family room with tears streaming down his face. He didn't say anything, he just picked her up and brought her back to bed with him.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

It's been VERY a long 8 hours. I just got the call that she tolerated the anesthesia well, the surgery went perfectly, and she is waking up.

Last night dh went to bed and I was still up with Jezebel. Twenty minutes later he got up and came in the family room with tears streaming down his face. He didn't say anything, he just picked her up and brought her back to bed with him.

I am so happy for Jezebel and you that everything went well! Wishing all of you a peaceful evening.

I'm sure it was hard to see his tears, but how sweet of your husband.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

It's been VERY a long 8 hours. I just got the call that she tolerated the anesthesia well, the surgery went perfectly, and she is waking up.

Last night dh went to bed and I was still up with Jezebel. Twenty minutes later he got up and came in the family room with tears streaming down his face. He didn't say anything, he just picked her up and brought her back to bed with him.

Awwww...it is so hard. She is going to be fine though. I know you will be so happy to see her tomorrow...and she you!! Thanks for letting us know she is ok!!!

[NDC923]

Glad to hear your baby made it through everything so well! Hopefully she will be up & at em at not time! I just found out my 10 year old yorkie needs surgery on one of her legs for LP and reading these posts is helping me as well as giving me a lot of information, so thank you all for sharing your experiences! I really wish I was in Texas so I could take her to Dr. Beale because he sounds wonderful! If there's a doctor like that here in NY, I haven't found him/her yet. All they want is your money. That's what worries me most about her having surgery :-(

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by NDC923

Glad to hear your baby made it through everything so well! Hopefully she will be up & at em at not time! I just found out my 10 year old yorkie needs surgery on one of her legs for LP and reading these posts is helping me as well as giving me a lot of information, so thank you all for sharing your experiences! I really wish I was in Texas so I could take her to Dr. Beale because he sounds wonderful! If there's a doctor like that here in NY, I haven't found him/her yet. All they want is your money. That's what worries me most about her having surgery :-(

I am sure there are great surgeons up your way....just have to find one. Your vet does not know of one? If all else fails, you really have a better shot at a good vet if they are board certified.

Good luck and please keep us posted. You might want to start your own thread in Sick and Injured so you will get lots of feedback!

[sandy simpson]

My Spud had that and right away the vet wanted to operate. I said no. That dog is just fine. I watch he doesn't jump off furniture but if it is not bothering the dog why do surgery? My Teddy Peanut walked with a hippity-hop on a back leg. No surgery, that was his way of walking. Please do not get surgery unless the dog is having real problems. Or you may invite more problems.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by sandy simpson

My Spud had that and right away the vet wanted to operate. I said no. That dog is just fine. I watch he doesn't jump off furniture but if it is not bothering the dog why do surgery? My Teddy Peanut walked with a hippity-hop on a back leg. No surgery, that was his way of walking. Please do not get surgery unless the dog is having real problems. Or you may invite more problems.

I agree....if the pup is not limping and having issues, no way would I have the operation done.
Best thing is to go to a board certified surgeon for a second opinion...they are less likely to want to operate unless really necessary!