Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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Hi, I just adopted a 3 yr-old dog, Dave, who needs to have his front leg amputated above the elbow (have had about 5 consults to discuss fixing, it appears amputation is the best option). I'm new to the Los Angeles area, and booked the surgery with a highly-recommended surgeon who works at a "corporate" vet clinic. I've been told the estimated price -- $3,800 -- is possibly $1,000 or more above other great, high-tech facilities in the area. I want the very best care for Dave, but don't want to throw money away... Does anyone have a surgeon they recommend in the LA area for this surgery? Or at least tell me if that price is crazy? Thanks so much, appreciate any info!
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Hi! I spoke to you on the Helpline earlier and I am really glad you also posted here. Like I said on the phone, that price might be high, but I was just thinking about the amputation itself and it really depends on what the estimate includes. Plus you are in California and LA, where EVERYthing is more expensive 
Did they give you an itemized estimate? Does that price include pre-op bloodwork? Post-op medication? Post-op overnight (or multiple night) stay? For a reality check take a look at this forum thread. As you will see, costs do vary widely!
A couple of people were recently talking about recommendations for the LA area, I will see if I can track any of them down. In the meantime hopefully some other folks will chime in.
BTW--many thanks for adopting Dave! Most people would not even consider adopting a dog in need of major medical work! What kind of dog is he? He is a lucky pup for sure.
Martha
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
And in case you didn't see them already, here are some relatively recent surgeon referrals in the LA area.
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
I'm in Los Angeles! Can I ask with vet you were working with? I can personally recommend Access -
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Codie Rae said
Hi! I spoke to you on the Helpline earlier and I am really glad you also posted here. Like I said on the phone, that price might be high, but I was just thinking about the amputation itself and it really depends on what the estimate includes. Plus you are in California and LA, where EVERYthing is more expensiveA couple of people were recently talking about recommendations for the LA area, I will see if I can track any of them down. In the meantime hopefully some other folks will chime in.
BTW--many thanks for adopting Dave! Most people would not even consider adopting a dog in need of major medical work! What kind of dog is he? He is a lucky pup for sure.
Martha
Hi thanks for the info... still searching.
Dave is a corgi/spaniel mix
mom2shelby said
I'm in Los Angeles! Can I ask with vet you were working with? I can personally recommend Access -Address: 9599 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232Phone:(310) 558-6100That is where my Shelby had all her surgeries done. They are a 24 hour facility which, in my opinion, was the best care for Shelby. Dr. Kim Carey did her surgery (amputation and others). Sadly, I think that is about right for an amputation. I would find out what all that entails like Martha suggested.Feel free to reach out to me personally via PM or on this thread if you want more info. While I get not wanting to throw around $$$, I can say 100% if I had to do it again, I would totally go with Access... they are among the best of the best in Los Angeles and Dr. Carey is an expert in her field. She and her team definitely go above and beyond!!!Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart
Hi, I have no idea how to PM on this website! haha.
I'm so sorry about Shelby. I lost my dog I'd had for 10 years to cancer in April, 3 weeks after diagnosis. Was a huge shock.
I had heard about Access... They were on my list to check out when we were still finding out if there were options to repair the leg, but it seemed we had a consensus before reaching out to them. I have booked the appointment with Dr. Buote at VCA West Los Angeles. A friend has had multiple orthopedic surgeries performed by her. I liked her a lot in the consult, but if I was overspending by thousands of dollars, I'd rethink it. If it's in the same ballpark, then I'm fine with it. The quoted price wasn't that unusual to me, it was another LA-er who said they thought I was paying crazy amt.
Thanks so much for all your help and any info! Best,
Anne
Anne, to PM you must be a registered member. Just click the red "Join" button to become one.
We love VCA West L.A., good choice!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I also recommend the ASEC VCA (Animal Specialty and Emergency Center) at 1535 S. Sepulveda Blvd, LA, CA. ph 310-473-5906My dog just had left front limb leg amputation due to osteosarcoma last week. The staff and Dr's I've encountered are outstanding.
laurenv said
I also recommend the ASEC VCA...
Thanks for sharing your feedback! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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