Onyx Medical Expenses

July 2022 - Onyx 4.5 yo
After his annual check up just a few months ago where the Vet used terms like perfect, and was so impressed with how well Onyx was doing on Medical Management we are now most likely at full tear. The story.

Every spring/summer Onyx loves to live outside and chase the squirrels, choosing medical managment meant letting him be him. We'd still send him inside when he got limpy and give him NSAID as needed. Over last 3-4 weeks he was limping alot. I tried NSAID, I tried it x2 a day,  I added CBD oil, and it didn't touch it. Week before 7/4 I finally emailed his vet saying we needed something stronger. She was on vacation till 7/5. Then 7/1 I decided to see how much he could manipuate his back legs. At this point regardless of what I would do he would never put weight on that leg. Luckily I got into the vet 7/2. Same vet office, different Vet. As she felt his leg she said "you are tough" right then I knew full tear. Since he's been to a specialist already thats the next step. They'll confirm what she felt on exam and discuss options. Based on previous discussions and the Vet, TPLO surgery, but we will consider options, more below.

He's scheduled 8/10 since he was medical management hes not an 'active' patient. Next week we find out if he can jump the line since hes done the Vets orders...any who. He is on more pain meds now till then and can add more if we dont move up and it gets harder. He is full rest now. Leash only outside and calm in the house. I've blocked upstairs. Goal is to prevent falling and injuring the other back leg since it has been bearing all his weight. 

My thoughts race and I can't answer anything until the specialist but to give some perspective. TPLO is the only surgery option for Onyx due to size. Starting cost is $6k will be more due to his size etc. TPLO restructures his leg BUT the issue is then the other leg can go because Onyx body just wasnt built right. Additionally the rest needed to recover from the surgery and behavior modifications ie no jumping at squirrels. BUT what I dont know is if there are really any other options given where he is now. My goals are multifold 1) resolve his pain 2) quality of life for Onyx

So hopefully that is a good catch up...Now for updates on pictures and progress to follow as our Journey goes. Thank you all for the love and support please share his story. Every $1 will help get him the best care and will also raise awareness about conditions like his and that big dogs have big hearts as I plan to share more on just how amazing he is as he truly is the best dog


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Onyx has hip dysplasia in both his hips, his left is significantly worse.  There will be tough decisions ahead on surgery vs medical management, but regardless it is recommended he do swim therapy weekly. Although he's been on supplements for over a year, his use of Rx NSAID has already greatly increased. 

Now the fun part, Onyx I could write a book. Onyx is 2.5 years old. He is your typical lab loves to run and play (non stop) and just loves everyone. 

Onyx has been with us through the loss of Liberty, Koda, and Tobby. He was my rock during this time, he would always snuggle me when I broke down. When Liberty couldnt walk he still let her beat him up (her favorite thing to do). Onyx has also been through numerous foster dogs in our home some very difficult and always acted the same, kept giving them toys until they learned to love him. He was beyond patient when we adopted Koby, a resource guarder and will give his bone to any dog, because that is who he is.

Then his human sister. This is his person. He can recognize her voice through the house, blocks away and just get beyond excited. He would do anything for this girl and her the same. Their bond is beyond anything I've seen and this coming from a person who was the same as a kid, but still am jealous sometimes of their bond. I constantly refer to them as two peas in a pod.

Thank you for sharing our story, every $1 you give will aid in him having a better life and I owe him at least that after all he has done for this family and others.