- M
- a
- J
Arbor is my 3 year old pit bull-staffordshire. About 6 weeks ago my handsome boy started limping on a walk. I didn’t think much of it thinking maybe he had just pulled wrong/too hard or I accidentally stepped on his foot untangling the leash at one point. I watched it for about a week and it didn’t get better or worse. He didn’t seem to be in any pain as he still acted like his same, energetic self wanting to play and run. But, I called the vet anyway. The doctor said to maybe give it a little bit longer and just restrict his activity as long as he doesn’t seem to be in any discomfort.
Another week and he’s still really babying his foot and leg while standing and walking. So, I made an appointment and I brought him into the vet clinic. They did some range of motion and compared both legs. Still nothing terribly concerning and they said it’s possible that there is some soft tissue damage and that it should eventually heal on it’s own if it is. Sent us home with some pain meds and some more restrictions.
A couple more weeks go by and there are some good days and some ok days thinking that maybe it was clearing up… Then, over Easter weekend out of town at my parents he had been playing in the back yard. At one point I look outside and he’s dragging both back legs and can’t get up the steps. Now it was obvious something more serious was going on.
I was able to finally get him in today for X-rays to find out he has two ruptured ligaments in both of his knees.
There are a few surgical procedures that can be done, but the one that is recommended because of its effectiveness plus how young Arbor and his energy level is a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). The short, round estimate is that it’s going to be upwards of $6000 for both knees.
Beyond that, the x-rays showed his bones looked very good and there are no signs of hip dysplasia.
I shutter to think of the alternative of him not having this surgery… which scares me more than a stupid bill. But, it’s more money than I can reasonably afford. I’m going to look into as many financial options as I can, but for now I wanted to set this up as an initial resource. I don’t expect an outpouring abundance to cover the whole bill, but anything will be more than appreciated to take the edge off.
I rescued him. He rescued me. And I made a promise to myself and him 3 years ago that I intend to fulfill until the end. We’ve already had some trying times together, but I’m not giving up yet. That’s for damn sure. I love this flippin’ dog too much…
Thank you.
Another week and he’s still really babying his foot and leg while standing and walking. So, I made an appointment and I brought him into the vet clinic. They did some range of motion and compared both legs. Still nothing terribly concerning and they said it’s possible that there is some soft tissue damage and that it should eventually heal on it’s own if it is. Sent us home with some pain meds and some more restrictions.
A couple more weeks go by and there are some good days and some ok days thinking that maybe it was clearing up… Then, over Easter weekend out of town at my parents he had been playing in the back yard. At one point I look outside and he’s dragging both back legs and can’t get up the steps. Now it was obvious something more serious was going on.
I was able to finally get him in today for X-rays to find out he has two ruptured ligaments in both of his knees.
There are a few surgical procedures that can be done, but the one that is recommended because of its effectiveness plus how young Arbor and his energy level is a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). The short, round estimate is that it’s going to be upwards of $6000 for both knees.
Beyond that, the x-rays showed his bones looked very good and there are no signs of hip dysplasia.
I shutter to think of the alternative of him not having this surgery… which scares me more than a stupid bill. But, it’s more money than I can reasonably afford. I’m going to look into as many financial options as I can, but for now I wanted to set this up as an initial resource. I don’t expect an outpouring abundance to cover the whole bill, but anything will be more than appreciated to take the edge off.
I rescued him. He rescued me. And I made a promise to myself and him 3 years ago that I intend to fulfill until the end. We’ve already had some trying times together, but I’m not giving up yet. That’s for damn sure. I love this flippin’ dog too much…
Thank you.