Sorry I missed this! Im glad you are going to try water therapy. Ask your PT vet about a quad cart rental to help in recovery. K9 Carts has a rental program for dogs in PT and surgical recovery. The quad cart supports the whole body instead of them carrying the weight on the rear, which may cause more issues.

Ok, soooo… after asking about surgery and continued treatments with accup/chiro, and/or water therapy I have come to a conclusion.  I still need to talk with Dr. Pam but she isn't in her clinic today, so going off of what I talked with the rehab vet about I will share it with you.

I borrowed $1000.00 from my mom for a last ditch "save Sammy" chance.  I have spent 455.00 of it on his 4 accup/chiro treatments which may help but will need to be continued way past the point that I can financially continue them. ( $230 a week)

Water therapy may work, may not.  It won't hurt him, but there are no guarentees.  Plus they are a lifetime commitment  of 1 to 2 times a week and I don't have lifetime funds. $(115 a week without accupuncture)

Surgery at Dr. Sodhi's clinic runs $5000.00 to $7000.00.  Just an estimate from him, he would need to do a consult with me to quote a direct price.  Wayyyy out of my league.  Not guarenteed either.

Front cart.  About $700.00.  no guarentees, no take backs.  I don't know if Sammy's shoulder would continue to hurt or if he would even use the cart.  Could I even get him in it?  I watched several front cart video's from Eddies carts, they were really encouraging. 

Since Sammy got unlucky enough to live with a mom who can't do it all, we will have to make tough choices for him.  The only choice off the table (unless pain management isn't working) is killing him.  I won't do it unless there isn't any other choice and he is suffering.

Looks like the cart wins everyone.     Thanks for all the advice and help.  You guys always come through!  I will post more info when I talk with the cart guys and Dr. Pam.   I wonder if he has a cart, can we wrap his shoulder and make it better?  I will let you know.

Hugs from Sammy and me. 

Hey Elizabeth, I just saw your dilemma, and I hope you can get Sammy back to walking better again. May I say something about your last post. Do not say since Sammy is unlucky to have mom that can't do it all. He is EXTREMELY LUCKY to have you, just think of how many people would have never given him 1/4 of the chances that you have, so having said that you and everyone here knows you are doing all you can, and you should NEVER feel like you have failed or are not doing enough. As we all know when we start this journey, it is not an easy road, and it seems the challenges are never ending, cancer or other issues that arise because of it, whether it be medical, emotional or financial. No one here will EVER say you didn't do something right, we all do what we feel is best for own individual situation. You know you have the support of everyone here, hopefully you can feel it. Big Paws up for Sammy, Spirit Gus and Dan

You are wonderful Elizabeth!! And many people use doggie wheelchairs for years for their furbabes. I found one on Craigslist in the Seattle area – it would have to be customized to Sammy's needs so he can use his back legs but maybe this person could do it for you?

http://seattle……71102.html

Many of the professional cart folks make great front carts! Good luck!!

Sending huge huggs & wags

Joanne & Lylee