MP_the4pack Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 I was sitting down eating ice cream getting ready to watch Ice Road Truckers when I heard a loud cry from outside (all three went running out there to find the mythical mystery night critter). I know Bwat's (Opal) cry, so I ran outside and saw all three at the far end of the yard. I called to Bwat and the other two came running. I saw Bwat hobbling on 3 legs. I met her down at the garden to give her a going over. Since it was dark I couldn't see anything obvious but when she did use her leg....every 4 or so steps I could see it was bending where it shouldn't. I called my vets and they said all we could do was do a support wrap and she can come into the clinic in the morning for xrays. Nah-uh. She was in pain. So I took her to VSEC. Unfortunately it was a bad night for emergencies. I got there at 10 and they were finally able to xray her at about 2 AM. I didn't leave til after 3 (got home after 4 AM....I have to go to work today!!) It's not broken. Which translates to bad news. It means she blew out the ligament in her hock. she has her leg splinted right now, but it won't heal on it's own. So next Mon I meet with the surgeon who will probably do surgery Tues. She needs a plate put in and eventually the bones will fuse. She'll have a limp for the rest of her life, but hopefully that's all, just a funny walk, no real pain or inhibitions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time4ANap Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Poor girl! Hope she is feeling better soon. Not a fun way to spend the night when you have to go to work in the morning. Quote Camp Broodie. The current home of Mark Kay Mark Jack and Gracie Kiowa Safe Joan. Always missing my boy Rocket Hi Noon Rocket, Allie Phoenix Dynamite, Kate Miss Kate, Starz Under Da Starz, Petunia MW Neptunia, Diva Astar Dashindiva, and LaVida I've Got Life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Poor Opal! And poor you, too, I hate those all night evet visits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racindog Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 So sorry for the poor girl! I'm sure she'll bounce back quick and I wouldn't worry about the limp. I'd bet money it won't slow her down at all. Cash's hock was broken and never repaired-healed crooked and knarly-and she still loved to run like lightning. For Bwat: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bernadette Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Oh no! Sending wishes for a speedy recovery!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Awwww...poor Opal...sending healing thoughts for a quick recovery. Quote Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted June 25, 2012 Author Share Posted June 25, 2012 CWAP I can't get a break. I just started paying off Crystal's $1500 bill that's going to take me to next year to pay off. I just got off the phone with VPI. I went Major Medical because I thought it was better coverage (it's more expensive!) Well. because the surgery is in the new term, but the injury was the old term, I am going to have to pay the $250 deductible for the surgery. Then they told me the 'repair' is going to be a will be covered by about $650. Do you know of any surgery that's only $650?! I know I'm looking at close to $2000. So between the deductible and what they're going to pay, I'm probably going to have ANOTHER $1500 bill. Dammit Opal.......your timing sucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3DogNite Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 My angel Rascal tore the achillies tendons in BOTH back legs,, at the same time. my vet repaired the tendons. Rascal had full casts on both back legs for what seemed like for ever!!!! he had to do some physical therapy but he healed - walked, trotted and even was able to break into a slow run everyonceinawhile.... He was happy and pain free. Can a ligament be fixed / repaired like a tendon can be? it might be easier than putting in a plate? cheaper? Quote lorinda, mom to the ever revolving door of Foster greyhounds Always in my heart: Teala (LC Sweet Dream) , Pepton, Darbee-Do (Hey Barb) , Rascal (Abitta Rascal), Power (Beyond the Power), and the miracle boy LAZER (2/21/14), Spirit (Bitter Almonds) 8/14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 (edited) Oh, so sorry for your baby. Many prayers for a safe surgery and full recovery..... Edited June 25, 2012 by mychip1 Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted June 25, 2012 Author Share Posted June 25, 2012 My angel Rascal tore the achillies tendons in BOTH back legs,, at the same time. my vet repaired the tendons. Rascal had full casts on both back legs for what seemed like for ever!!!! he had to do some physical therapy but he healed - walked, trotted and even was able to break into a slow run everyonceinawhile.... He was happy and pain free. Can a ligament be fixed / repaired like a tendon can be? it might be easier than putting in a plate? cheaper? Apparently ligaments don't repair like tendons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3DogNite Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 My angel Rascal tore the achillies tendons in BOTH back legs,, at the same time. my vet repaired the tendons. Rascal had full casts on both back legs for what seemed like for ever!!!! he had to do some physical therapy but he healed - walked, trotted and even was able to break into a slow run everyonceinawhile.... He was happy and pain free. Can a ligament be fixed / repaired like a tendon can be? it might be easier than putting in a plate? cheaper? Apparently ligaments don't repair like tendons. darn it! I hope Opal has an easy surgery and fast recovery I hope your wallet has a fast recovery too! Quote lorinda, mom to the ever revolving door of Foster greyhounds Always in my heart: Teala (LC Sweet Dream) , Pepton, Darbee-Do (Hey Barb) , Rascal (Abitta Rascal), Power (Beyond the Power), and the miracle boy LAZER (2/21/14), Spirit (Bitter Almonds) 8/14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kudzu Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Apparently ligaments don't repair like tendons. Though surgery to repair cruciate ligaments is rather common place. Whether plated or ligament repaired, the important point is that she stands a good chance of living an active, happy, relatively pain free life. No fun now, of course. Hope you can all get through this with the minimum of difficulties. Lots of treats for the Bwat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Best wishes for Opal to do well during and after surgery.......my sympathy to your wallet. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverhound Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Well that just sucks. Quote Masterful Joe and Naughty N Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Poor girlie. I hope everything works out ok. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Crap, that just sukks. If I can do anything to help, just let me know. It was so awesome meeting you all yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted June 26, 2012 Author Share Posted June 26, 2012 Yeah, what a way to end what was a great day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverhound Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 How's she feeling tonight? Quote Masterful Joe and Naughty N Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 Oh no! Poor Bwat! Poor (much poorer) you! I hope that if she has surgery, it goes well and she heals soon. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LindsaySF Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 Oh no! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Adrianne Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 I am so sorry to hear this. Poor baby is right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted June 26, 2012 Author Share Posted June 26, 2012 VPI had BETTER pay more than $600. I just got the surgical estimate. It's more like $4000. Otherwise I'm moving all three dogs to a different insurer. But on the better news. Late afternoon I forced Opal to go outside. She needed to do her business. She hadn't gone since the accident the night before. (that little 'tinker has a 5 gallon tank) Well, after struggling to squat (she goes LOW to the ground) I think she finally got the hang of this casty thingy. She's perked up and ate her dinner. (brought to her in bed of course). She's doing the dog door and stairs. So, while she's struggling with it, she's getting around. And she's not crying anymore so I think the pain is subsiding. When I spoke to the vet again last night (because they had a radiologist re-read the film to make sure they didn't see any fracture) She said there was only one other option and that was to try just casting it. If it was bone, yeah, I'd do that. But they are very sure it's ligament. You have to see what Opal does in my huge yard. There's no way I'd ever trust her leg without surgical intervention. And if the ligament isn't strong enough to stay healed chances are there will be a lot more damage the next time she does something. I'd rather her hock be fused. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted June 26, 2012 Author Share Posted June 26, 2012 Ok, I have an appointment to meet with the VSEC orthopod Monday morning. They've asked for her to be fasted in case they need to knock her out for more test. That's in PA. Then we rush from PA to the other end of NJ and have a 2nd opinion with Red Bank's Orthopod. If VSEC does the surgery it is most probably Tues morning. I don't know Red Bank's schedule. But I'll make the decision based on a combination of price, options, greyhound savy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 Ouch! Holding Opal and you in my thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverhound Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 VPI had BETTER pay more than $600. I just got the surgical estimate. It's more like $4000. Otherwise I'm moving all three dogs to a different insurer. I love Trupanion. It'd probably be expensive for Opal, but Emma and Tanzanite wouldn't be too horrible. Quote Masterful Joe and Naughty N Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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