Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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The vet that diagnosed, amputated and was managing TJs care was fired today. I kept telling him that I was not happy with the Previcox and how it seems to not be very effective for TJs arthritis (moderate to severe). I asked about trying other NSAIDs or even steroids but got nowhere. Last Monday he said he would look into it and call me by Friday. No call on Friday so I called the vet asking him to call me bat that day (this was in the AM). No call back. Called again THIS Monday and was told he would call me back Monday.
Today is Tuesday and I have an appointment with a new vet for July 2nd.
Whats scary is that I googled around for vets of the 8 in the 'immediate' area none of them had been in practice for more than 8 years and most had just GRADUATED in the last 2-4 years. I don't put much faith in the experience of 2 years of OJT.... and most likely they have yet to see an OS case... or a dog with an amputation. 
I found a vet hospital (about an hour away) with 4 vets, two had been there since the mid 90's, and the others have at least 10 years experience. Plus they have the laser for arthritis (I hear that can really help).
I probably 'jump vets' more than the average dog owner... but vets (and doctors) work for me. I expect them to earn the fees and if you promise X... X better be delivered.
I have enough meds to keep TJ going for the next two weeks.... I just hope TJ makes it the next two weeks with a minimal amount of pain.
You are a pawesome advocate, I can't blame you one bit for switching vets. A few quick thoughts for you before you decide on which practice to go with:
Don't discount a younger vet because they lack experience. If they work in a clinic with other more seasoned vets, they have an expert to consult when they are stumped. We've found that younger vets are usually more open to new treatments and therapies, and willing to think outside the box (did you know that vets who were trained before the 1980s were taught that animals don't feel pain?!).
When looking at a clinic, be sure to read Dr. Nancy Kay's awesome books to find the right one for you. Here are two we reviewed: 12 Things to Expect From Your Vet and Speaking for Spot
This video talks a lot about what to look for in a vet's surgical capabilities: How to Choose a Vet
Give TJ a hug from us and our feel better wishes. I hope this info helps! Good luck.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
HA! Love it! Good for you! Yeah, there are pluses and minuses for both eperieced and new! I also place a high value on a lot of experience under the old belt but. understand. ewer n' have benefits too!
But to not return calls in that length of time...no sirree .-...that's a clue!!
TJ deserves better!
I really npoe TJ gets the time and attention. with the new vets! A set of new eyes can offer new I sight that's been' overlooked before!
PLEASE keep us posted after your appoi time t and let us k ow what they think!
Look forward to your ext good update! Cogratulatios on taking action on TJ's behalf!
Sally and Happy Hannah
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!
The vet i had last year (at the same practice) was a young woman, mid/late 20's (I think the ink on her diploma was still wet) but when I spoke with her about an ear hemotama TJ had (it was a small one, healed fine) she was really good and agreed that steroids would be best (I researched treatments and knew about the most common ones before I went in). But like A LOT of vets in this area they seem to stay a year or two them get gobbled up by another clinic and leave.
I don't live in a poor area, but it is kinda rural (somewhat) and 'the big city' is just an hour away... so I think a lot of vets get in to practices here, get some 'time' and head to the city.
My current vet never offered acupuncture, laser therapy, other meds as a possible treatment for TJs arthritis. These services are in the area (I know of two places that offer acupuncture and laser) but my little test to see if he would offer them as a therapy for TJ proved that he was either not up to the task or though I didn't care enough to pay for additional services for a dog that had a very finite lifespan.
We'll see what the next vet has to offer. My main concern is that I get some relief for the rear leg arthritis. TJ is doing great other than that.
All I can say is good for you.
I left a vet because I wanted a 2nd opinion. I thought I would go back with Sassy but I didn't I love her new vet. I left my other dog Bosch my quad paw at the 1st vet. Well after Sassy was diagnosed with Mets. Bosch had an appointment and I told her about it and this was why I left her services and I quote "Well, I told you that would happen" I was absolutely devastated again. I knew it "could" happen didn't mean it would right away. I left that clinic. 2 days later I had an appointment with Sassy & her vets and I asked them to get Bosch's medical records and I haven't been back. and I REFUSED to answer that vets phone calls she called me every night for a week straight.
You are a good advocate for TJ.
Hugs
Michelle & Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Good.For.You. I think I would have done the same thing. You are TJ's advocate since he can't speak up for himself.
I tried the Previcox for Daisy's arthritis (pretty severe-that's why she is a tripawd) when Deramaxx was pulled from the market. Didn't work one lick for her and it was way more expensive for the equivalent dosage. I am fortunate that my vets worked with me to find a solution for Daisy's pain and inflammation that was more cost effective and actually worked.
My vets did the laser on Daisy's knee when she first tore the ligament. We seemed to get good results initially with her mobility but Daisy eventually ruptured the ligament. She also lasered her joints while we were at it. I will probably go back and have some more sessions on the rest of her joints again.
Good luck with the new good vet.
Marla and Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
I don't know if the vet read this thread or not but I got a call from him today.
We talked pain meds and how TJ was doing.. and in all fairness I liked what I heard and while I didn't ask for a reason why it took 9 days to return my call he offered small excuse of 'been busy'... with the other vets at the office not there I can see how he is swamped.
I will still see the second vet, if anything to get a second opinion and also to see about the laser treatment. If the new guy really impresses me then I will still switch.
We went through a vet change for Snoop. When we had our first oncologist consult I was not comfortable with the vet. She was clinical in that she wasn't really "talking to us" she was talking at us. . I had brought in my notes and ask specific questions which she discounted as having not much merit. When my husband was speaking to her she was looking at her watch. Well needless to say we went elsewhere. Our new vet is through, compassionate, and has good experience, she also had a younger partner which I think also brings a great deal to the equation in that hey consult with each case with each other. Good luck in resolving and the decision you think is best for TJ.
Esther and Snoop
I am so proud of you for being such a great advocate for TJ! You are his voice and you rock!
I want to second what Jerry said, too. Don't discount the young ones. My vet is old, like nearly retirement age, and I find some of his methods archaic. He admitted to me that it never occurred to him to use Gabapentin for nerve pain after amp. Luckily there is a younger vet in the practice, so I usually get a second opinion from him as well if I feel that my regular lovable old vet isn't acting on the most up to date information.
Heather
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
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