Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Yesterday Julian had a prophylactic gastropexy to help prevent bloat. The procedure was done laparoscopically with a small hole for the camera and a small incision. This surgery should help reduce the risk of torsion ("bloat") by up to 95% and is very minimally invasive.
Dogs with GDV have up to a 50% mortality rate and the surgery to untwist the stomach and tack it in place (gastropexy) can cost $3000-$5000. Many vets are now doing the gastropexy on healthy dogs at high risk to help prevent the problem. If done with a laparoscope or endoscope the dog recovers quickly and the cost is in the $500-$800 range (in our area). Many dogs are puppies so can also be spayed or neutered at the same time. I did not have Julian neutered yet since he is still growing (!!).
Pam
I am not sure why part of my post is in red lettering. Does anyone know? Also I could not use the "tree" icon like I have done in the past so I could not post the picture of his incision.
Pam
this is great information. i didn't know they could do this with such a small incision. seems like money well spent for peace of mind and elimination of a scary possibility...
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
How timely Pam, we were just talking about saving our pennies to do this for Wyatt. He always has such funky sounds coming from his stomach after he gulps his food down, we worry a lot about this. I know the cost of the surgery is nothing compared to what treatment for bloat costs, if the dog lives that long.
Thank you for the GREAT information!
P.S. Your post had a lot of funky formatting in it, which is why I think you had problems posting the pic. Did you paste it in from somewhere else? I fixed it for ya.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh just wanted to add that we use a Brake-Fast Bowl
for Wyatt, which is supposed to help prevent bloat by slowing him down.Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Cosmo needs a small break fast bowl since he can eat in 3 seconds flat! Is the affiliate link okay if I search to get the small size one?
monkeybutt-bunny said:
Is the affiliate link okay if I search...
Sure! But only if you use Firefox.*
*Inside joke. If cookies are enabled clicks via any affiliate link should track through to any final purchase.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I am so glad Julian did well. Please give that squishy faced boy a squeeze for Sammy and I, we (me) adore him!
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the right front leg 8/23/10,
leg fractured 8/27/10,
leg amputated 8/30/10
http://sammyand.....pawds.com/
I couldn't begin to say how special Sammy is to us. Living and laughing with and loving this wonderful boy is priceless.
That is so cool of you posting Pam! I've never worried about bloat before but now I do because I have a super fast eater. I think I'm getting old because I won't let my dogs play right after eating.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Dear Dr. Pam,
I am so glad to hear that Julian did well with his surgery, that is so great.
As many of you know, my sweet JD was fighting osteosarcoma and recovering very well from her amputation when she got her bloat. Or should I say the bloat got her. Just out for a roll in the grass, enjoying the sunshine..that was all it took for her stomach to flip. It can happen in an instant.
Thank you for sharing the information about the surgery-could be life saving!
Deborah
Mom to Spirit JD anad the quadpaws Serena & Maya
JD
One Tough Girl
(1999-2010)
-Diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her left front leg –
-Amputation July 23 2010 –
-The cancer didn't get her, but she is gone-
-She fought the cancer and loved life till bloat brought her down August 29th, 2010-
Now she watches over her mom and two new sisters, the Quad-Paws Serena and Maya
I'm curious about your comment about not neutering Julian now because he is still growing. I have always heard to have it done while they are still little.
Debra
Debra & Emily, a five year old doberman mix, who was diagnosed with an osteosaecoma. She had a right rear leg amputation on May 19, 2009. On November 10, 2009 she earned her wings and regained her fourth leg.
Debra,
There is some newer info regarding when is the best time to spay or neuter dogs. Studies have shown that dogs neutered before their growth plates close are at increased risk for ACL rupture and bone cancer. Different breeds grow at different rates so giant breeds finish at 2 years, large breeds (Labs or Shepherds) about 18 months, and medium breeds (Border Collies) about 1 year. Smaller dogs like Dachshunds can still be done at 6-8 months of age. If male dogs are getting aggressive then I might do them earlier and not everyone can tolerate having a female in heat so you can adjust the neuter time according to your needs. Of course it is important not to have unwanted pregnancies so if people can't be responsible then it is better to neuter early.
Pam
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