Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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Hello all - so I know that there are a lot of very good reviews for Helping Hands in Richmond, Virginia but I have found it hard to find reviews for large dog leg amputations. Has anyone ever taken their large dog (mine is an 88 pound Lab) to HH for a leg amputation or personally know someone who has? Most of the reviews I have read are for dentals, dental extractions, neuters/spays, entropion surgery, mass removals, exploratory surgery, cat leg amputations, etc. Not minor surgeries by any means but most of them are comparing apples to oranges when considering a large dog leg amputation. My dog has had a consult with a board certified surgeon and while considerably more expensive than HH, I want to take money out of the equation and make sure that my dog gets the best care that we can afford. While the Board Cert. surgeon is expensive, there is 24 hour after care with ER vets and vet techs. I should note that our dog has mild geriatric onset Laryngeal Paralysis and polyneuropathy. I am concerned about anesthetic issues, bleeding issues that they cannot manage at HH (it's assembly line surgery), and no after care requiring transferring the dog to an ER if the dog is not ambulatory or needs to be monitored. Any information would be greatly appreciated. We've had dogs with cancer before (too many) but this is the first time one of them has required such major surgery.
Okay, this is FWIW and may be of no value at all, okay??
I live about 45 -60 minutes West of Helping Hands. They are indeed known for excellent care and at the low end on the cost scale.
Now this was back in 2013 when I first was looking for options for amputation my 125 lb Bull Mastiff. At the time and if I recall, (this was 8 years ago),they did not due amputations for osteo on big dogs at the time. My own Vet with thirty years experience referred her to an Ortho Surgeon with 24 hr care as he was not comfortable doing the surgery on such a log dog. Said he had done numerous on smaller to medium/large, but always referred bigger dogs out.
And this is not a reflection on Helpi g Ha ds at all, but IF, IF, IF. you can afford to go with the Orthopedic Surgeon with 24 hr care, that would be the best way to go. Obviously, all surgery is a risk, but we do what we can to eliminate all challenges if possible. Your pup has some mild concerns that a 24 hr clinic would be prepared to handle.
Please know whatever route you need mto take is the best ine for you AND for your financial situation. Sadly, very sadly, many cannot afford to get any surgery at all, mist less at the ,lower end of cost.
Again, this was years ago and just my 1 cent worth, okay?
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Thank you. After checking reviews again.... and going with my gut, I have decided to go with the Orthopedic surgeon. They will also be able to do another set of chest x-rays before they do the surgery. Every surgery does carry risk and it's important to try and mitigate as many risks as possible if you have the ability to do so. Surgery is on Friday - hopefully all goes well!!
Good job of doing your research and, most importantly, listening to your inner voice (gut). Sometimes that's truly where the answer we are seeking "speaks" to us.
We'll be sending lots of pawsitive energy your way Friday.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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