Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Since Tuxedo's amputation was due to trauma and he sustained numerus additional injuries I can't easily break down the initial bill as to exactly what was for the amputation vs his other injuries, but in case it helps others who might find themselves in a similar emergency situation know what to expect cost wise ...
What city/state/country/date did your Tripawd have the amputation? Wichita, KS on May 11 2017
Total cost of surgery? Emergency stabilization & pain management , initial amputation surgery, xrays, ultrasound, various lab tests (blood urine etc), various wound treatments, blood transfusion & IV fluids, 2 day hospitalization, & after care medications $1671
Private practice or teaching hospital? Private practice - emergency care clinic after midnight admission (there is an extra $150 surcharge after midnight here) Though all things considered, I believe their fees were very reasonable, likely less that what a standard private vet might charge.
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Due to post surgical infection, Tuxedo also had a second surgery for wound debridement followed by 4 weeks worth of 3x a week debridement/bandage changes done each time under anesthesia coupled with cool laser treatments. Total cost of this portion $1427. This portion of his treatment was done at a specialized wound care vet also in Wichita KS.
VERY helpful, thank you so much. Tuxedo is getting great care!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Tripawds community,
these are the ball park figures we have been estimated... we are only 3 weeks past surgery and one chemotherapy session in the bag! Only 5 more to go...! These are only approximate figures as the bill is still ongoing... these are Canadian funds.
Amputation Costs $2000
What city/state/country/date did your Tripawd have the amputation? Nakusp, British Columbia, Canada.
Total cost of surgery? Same as above, inclusive.
Private practice or teaching hospital? Private practice.
Chemotherapy Costs $700/session
What kind of cancer does your dog have? Osteosarcoma
What size is your dog? 110lbs
Type of chemo given? Carboplatin
# of sessions? 6
Total cost of treatments? $4000
Private practice or teaching hospital? Private practice.
Remember...“live in the moment!“ 
Fuzz initially was diagnosed by local town vet through a manual exam and poor xray and who was not able to provide information to settle my unease ( cost was $150) so I reached out to Metropolitan Veterinary and pursued second opinion with actual oncologist. Below is that break down:
Amputation Costs
- What city/state/country/date did your Tripawd have the amputation? Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital Akron, Ohio Amputation occurred on 9/20/19
- Total cost of surgery? Initial oncology consultation, labwork, xrays and initial medication was $702 at which point amputation was recommended- returned for surgical consultation for $127 and scheduled the amputation which totaled $3,219 for the pre-op testing/xrays and prep, amputation, 3 level step down hospital/icu care for 24 hours- itemized bill listed 1.5 pages of every detailed expense including things such as anesthesia, suture packs, warming iv lines, etc. Returned 2 weeks after surgery on 10/4 for follow up and to have staples removed- no cost for follow up however, got a refill of gabapenting for $27. Scheduled to return in 2-3 months for xrays as prevention for microscopic spread and determination of further treatment if warranted
- Private practice or teaching hospital? State of the art Teaching Hospital with 24 Hour emergency care and Various Specialty Departments
Chemotherapy Costs
- What kind of cancer does your cat have? Scapular Osterosarcoma-Osteoblastic, productive
- What size is your cat? weighs approx 4.7 kg or 10.36 pounds
- Type of chemo given? none at this time- return in 2-3 months for xrays to determine if microscopic spread has occurred in chest wall
- # of sessions?
- Total cost of treatments?
- Private practice or teaching hospital?
Dash had a hind leg amputation due to some unknown accident that happened while he was living outside.
Amputation Costs
- What city/state/country/date did your Tripawd have the amputation?
- Minnesota, I think the clinic is in Eden Prairie? on 8/1/2020
- Total cost of surgery?
- $700 for the amputation, meds, etc., $350 for 2 prior vet visits including X-rays and a couple rounds of antibiotics
- Private practice or teaching hospital?
- We went to Mission Animal Hospital, they're a non-profit 501c3 clinic that serves low income families so they keep their prices lower to try and keep more pets with their families. We qualified for the subsidized pricing program otherwise it would have been about 25% more for their non-subsidized pricing.
Joy and Dash, welcome! Thank you so much for sharing this information. It's so helpful to others who are able to research amputation costs ahead of time. And I didn't know about Mission Animal Hospital's discounted services, that's such a blessing!
Please consider starting a new topic about Dash so we can learn all about you and follow along with recovery. We hope everything is going well.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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