Comments on: What If I Can Not Afford CCL Surgery? http://dogkneeinjury.com/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/ Canine Cruciate Liagment - CCL Knee Injuries in Dogs Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:57:46 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Jarrod http://dogkneeinjury.com/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-10256 Jarrod Fri, 30 Jul 2010 03:36:36 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/#comment-10256 We have a 2 year old male American Bulldog- he was running around at my in laws and started limping. I took him to the vet and she says it's not a complete tear- she's not even sure it's a tear at all. But he's on rest for 3 weeks which sucks with a young energetic dog- the big issue is we live on a 2nd floor apartment so we're trying to get a rear end harness to take some of the pressure of his back leg. I'm hoping and praying he doesn't need surgery because there is no way we can afford it I've been out of work for awhile and just had surgery myself so we already have a pile of medical bills. I'm hopefully starting a job soon so if I do we would be able to cover the cost of the surgery. I understand vets need to make a living too but they should understand better than anybody how much a part of the family a dog is and should do what they can to help the family keep their pet healthy. Us pet owners aren't dead beats looking for hand outs we just want the best for our pet and in our case when the dog is still so young and full of life, you shouldn't have to jump to the last resort of considering putting them down because you can't afford the surgery. Does anyone know if Veterenary Colleges will do surgeries for a reduced rate- I know they do that for people with dental problems We have a 2 year old male American Bulldog- he was running around at my in laws and started limping. I took him to the vet and she says it’s not a complete tear- she’s not even sure it’s a tear at all. But he’s on rest for 3 weeks which sucks with a young energetic dog- the big issue is we live on a 2nd floor apartment so we’re trying to get a rear end harness to take some of the pressure of his back leg. I’m hoping and praying he doesn’t need surgery because there is no way we can afford it I’ve been out of work for awhile and just had surgery myself so we already have a pile of medical bills. I’m hopefully starting a job soon so if I do we would be able to cover the cost of the surgery. I understand vets need to make a living too but they should understand better than anybody how much a part of the family a dog is and should do what they can to help the family keep their pet healthy. Us pet owners aren’t dead beats looking for hand outs we just want the best for our pet and in our case when the dog is still so young and full of life, you shouldn’t have to jump to the last resort of considering putting them down because you can’t afford the surgery. Does anyone know if Veterenary Colleges will do surgeries for a reduced rate- I know they do that for people with dental problems

]]> By: Cristina http://dogkneeinjury.com/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-9404 Cristina Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:57:45 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/#comment-9404 It has been helpful to read all of these stories. My almost 4 year old Pitbull King tore his CCL also 2 weeks ago. The vet said nothing about CM which I am debating trying for a little while. They quoted me almost $4,000 for the surgery which has been a heartbreaking stress on our lives. We are really confused and upset, but after reading all of these stories I am convinced that the surgery is probably our best bet because of the lifestyle King likes - he loves to run around & play & he's too young to be "resting" & on pain pills for the rest of his life. On another note, just like all of you, we have no idea how we are going to pay for this. We do not have much faith in getting approved for Care Credit. I find it DISGUSTING that this has happened to so many wonderful dog lovers & none of us can afford it. It is horrible that this is the way things are in this economy. I am sorry & hope everything works out for all of us.... It has been helpful to read all of these stories. My almost 4 year old Pitbull King tore his CCL also 2 weeks ago. The vet said nothing about CM which I am debating trying for a little while. They quoted me almost $4,000 for the surgery which has been a heartbreaking stress on our lives. We are really confused and upset, but after reading all of these stories I am convinced that the surgery is probably our best bet because of the lifestyle King likes – he loves to run around & play & he’s too young to be “resting” & on pain pills for the rest of his life.
On another note, just like all of you, we have no idea how we are going to pay for this. We do not have much faith in getting approved for Care Credit. I find it DISGUSTING that this has happened to so many wonderful dog lovers & none of us can afford it. It is horrible that this is the way things are in this economy.
I am sorry & hope everything works out for all of us….

]]> By: jesse http://dogkneeinjury.com/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-9222 jesse Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:17:13 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/#comment-9222 my dog has a torn acl he is only a year and a half old.i have tried every other option. I took him in to see a surgeon who had nothing but worse news, he told me that if i dont do something fast the other knee is going to tear if has not already. im trying to scrap some cash together but im short. i just want to know if there is anything that can be done fast before my dog and i are facing double the trouble. i have tried the pet care program but just not enough. my dog has a torn acl he is only a year and a half old.i have tried every other option. I took him in to see a surgeon who had nothing but worse news, he told me that if i dont do something fast the other knee is going to tear if has not already. im trying to scrap some cash together but im short. i just want to know if there is anything that can be done fast before my dog and i are facing double the trouble. i have tried the pet care program but just not enough.

]]> By: Kerri Verdonck http://dogkneeinjury.com/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-8173 Kerri Verdonck Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:37:57 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/#comment-8173 Hi my name is Chloe, I am a 2-year-old purebred Great Dane. The reason for this flyer is that in August of 2009 I had Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy/TPLO surgery on my right rear leg. Now, less than six months later the doctors diagnosis is the same issue to my left leg. If you are not aware, this is a very serious and costly surgery. Our estimate was around $5,000.00 with x-rays and pre / post-op appointments. All the necessary documentation can be forwarded from our veterinarian. I was inquiring if you know of any organizations that would assist us with the cost of the surgery as we are unable to move forward at this time. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy/TPLO surgery The first part of the surgery involves removing the torn ends of the cruciate ligament and examining the medial and lateral meniscus cartilages. If a tear of either meniscus is found, the damaged part of the meniscus is removed. If a partial tear of the cruciate ligament is noted, the ligament is left intact as it has a good chance to heal following the TPLO surgery. A curved cut is made in the top of the tibia and the bone is rotated in order to level the slope of the tibial plateau. A plate and six screws are used to hold the bones in place. If your pet is a very large dog, a larger plate is typically used and eight screws are inserted into the bone. The cut in the bone will heal in about 6 to 8 weeks. We love our two Great Danes, we just don't have the funds for this surgery again and I don't want to put it off any longer as she is suffering. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or paperwork needed. If this e-mail is not to the correct person, I'd appreciate it if you could forward it to them. Thank you very much for your time and consideration in advance for any donations or assistance that you can give me! Thanks Again, Chloe & Owners-Kerri & Chad Verdonck (chad@ecss.com) Hi my name is Chloe, I am a 2-year-old purebred Great Dane. The reason for this flyer is that in August of 2009 I had Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy/TPLO surgery on my right rear leg. Now, less than six months later the doctors diagnosis is the same issue to my left leg. If you are not aware, this is a very serious and costly surgery. Our estimate was around $5,000.00 with x-rays and pre / post-op appointments. All the necessary documentation can be forwarded from our veterinarian. I was inquiring if you know of any organizations that would assist us with the cost of the surgery as we are unable to move forward at this time.

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy/TPLO surgery

The first part of the surgery involves removing the torn ends of the cruciate ligament and examining the medial and lateral meniscus cartilages. If a tear of either meniscus is found, the damaged part of the meniscus is removed. If a partial tear of the cruciate ligament is noted, the ligament is left intact as it has a good chance to heal following the TPLO surgery. A curved cut is made in the top of the tibia and the bone is rotated in order to level the slope of the tibial plateau. A plate and six screws are used to hold the bones in place. If your pet is a very large dog, a larger plate is typically used and eight screws are inserted into the bone. The cut in the bone will heal in about 6 to 8 weeks.

We love our two Great Danes, we just don’t have the funds for this surgery again and I don’t want to put it off any longer as she is suffering. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or paperwork needed.
If this e-mail is not to the correct person, I’d appreciate it if you could forward it to them.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration in advance for any donations or assistance that you can give me!

Thanks Again,
Chloe & Owners-Kerri & Chad Verdonck (chad@ecss.com)

]]> By: Ron Schmidt http://dogkneeinjury.com/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-7934 Ron Schmidt Fri, 04 Jun 2010 04:43:13 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/#comment-7934 My 7 yr.old German Shepherd goes in for his TPLO surgery tommorrow morning, It's been 5 months since he got hurt. The quality of life has gotten worse, we used to be able to cover 10 miles a week, now around the block and he's limping for a day, lots of just laying around and he's getting so agitated lately and as much as we can't afford the $3200-3600 ,we plan on using Care Credit and paying the payments over an extended time just to make it affordable. Man I just can't imagine the worst things happen to our pets at probably the worst time in our lives. I tell you It's a test to see if we care about money or a life. I choose life, as long as I remain healthy I'll be able to make money to pay the bill off. I ask everyone who is reading this please say a prayer for my Best friend Zackery(ZackBoy) He is on face book Zackery Schmidt My 7 yr.old German Shepherd goes in for his TPLO surgery tommorrow morning, It’s been 5 months since he got hurt. The quality of life has gotten worse, we used to be able to cover 10 miles a week, now around the block and he’s limping for a day, lots of just laying around and he’s getting so agitated lately and as much as we can’t afford the $3200-3600 ,we plan on using Care Credit and paying the payments over an extended time just to make it affordable. Man I just can’t imagine the worst things happen to our pets at probably the worst time in our lives. I tell you It’s a test to see if we care about money or a life. I choose life, as long as I remain healthy I’ll be able to make money to pay the bill off.
I ask everyone who is reading this please say a prayer for my Best friend Zackery(ZackBoy) He is on face book Zackery Schmidt

]]> By: paul brosch http://dogkneeinjury.com/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-7589 paul brosch Sat, 22 May 2010 02:06:16 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/#comment-7589 When you go to Bed say a Real Pray tonight for your, Loved DOG. it works All the money in the World can not, make it Better. But. a Pray is Wonderful,,, It works. When you go to Bed say a Real Pray tonight for your, Loved DOG. it works

All the money in the World can not, make it Better.
But. a Pray is Wonderful,,,

It works.

]]> By: George http://dogkneeinjury.com/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-7519 George Tue, 18 May 2010 17:59:14 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/#comment-7519 Hello all, we have been doing the CM approach for about 5 months. Hershey has been getting much better until last night when he chased a skunk real fast (got sprayed too). This has lead to a very big set back, just about back to the beginning. This is very sad, he seemed almost healed completely. We were still limiting his activity, but were allowing him some off leash time in the yard. Hopefully he recovers faster this time around, if not we will go in for TTA/TPLO. Those in the San Diego county area, please suggest a good affordable surgeon to go with. We have met with Dr. Aron and his wife Rainy and may end up going with them. The quote is about $3400 with them for a TTA, they do not perform the TPLO though, which can be better in certain cases based on the angle of the joint... Please if you know some one, email us at georgewa@hotmail.com, thanks. Hello all, we have been doing the CM approach for about 5 months. Hershey has been getting much better until last night when he chased a skunk real fast (got sprayed too). This has lead to a very big set back, just about back to the beginning. This is very sad, he seemed almost healed completely. We were still limiting his activity, but were allowing him some off leash time in the yard. Hopefully he recovers faster this time around, if not we will go in for TTA/TPLO. Those in the San Diego county area, please suggest a good affordable surgeon to go with. We have met with Dr. Aron and his wife Rainy and may end up going with them. The quote is about $3400 with them for a TTA, they do not perform the TPLO though, which can be better in certain cases based on the angle of the joint… Please if you know some one, email us at georgewa@hotmail.com, thanks.

]]> By: Janet http://dogkneeinjury.com/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-7348 Janet Sun, 09 May 2010 18:42:34 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/#comment-7348 What is the difference between a minor ACL tear and a rupture? My five-year-old female AGILITY lab was just diagnosed. The vet suggested 10 days rest and rimadyl. What are your thoughts? Should I get a second option? I'm thinking she will definitely need more time to rehab the leg. Is there another drug other than rimadyl? I've hear that Labs sometimes have issues with this drug. What is the difference between a minor ACL tear and a rupture? My five-year-old female AGILITY lab was just diagnosed. The vet suggested 10 days rest and rimadyl. What are your thoughts? Should I get a second option? I’m thinking she will definitely need more time to rehab the leg. Is there another drug other than rimadyl? I’ve hear that Labs sometimes have issues with this drug.

]]> By: Teri http://dogkneeinjury.com/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-6937 Teri Tue, 20 Apr 2010 01:08:11 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/#comment-6937 Call around in your area to see if any of the vets accept payment plans- we are in the same boat and go for the consult tomorrow for our 6yr old husky- and I know it will be way more than we have so we are asking about that as well since if they really have the dog's best interest in mind they should be able to come to some agreement with you. Good luck! I know how you feel in a way we are going through the same thing..... Call around in your area to see if any of the vets accept payment plans- we are in the same boat and go for the consult tomorrow for our 6yr old husky- and I know it will be way more than we have so we are asking about that as well since if they really have the dog’s best interest in mind they should be able to come to some agreement with you.
Good luck! I know how you feel in a way we are going through the same thing…..

]]> By: Mary http://dogkneeinjury.com/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/comment-page-1/#comment-6822 Mary Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:41:59 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/what-if-i-can-not-afford-ccl-surgery/#comment-6822 Bailey (my 90lb Great Pyranees/Husky mix) and I just returned from the vet as Bailey has been limping for several weeks and not getting better (he's limped in the past and usually recovers). The diagnosis is a totally torn CCL and most likely the meniscus is gone as well. Bailey is 9 years old and a frisbee addict, which is most likely the cause of this injury, though it looks like he was predisposed to it due to breed, size, etc. He's still a very active dog and because our jobs keep us away from home 12 or more hours a day, I don't think managed care will work for us. The surgery is $3000 and we don't have access to that kind of money. Credit cards and loans are out due to a family financial crisis. When Bailey came into my life he saved me. I can't bear the thought of him being in pain and due to his age and the severity of the injury, we cannot be sure if surgery would be the answer. I don't think he would survive being crated for 12 hours a day. He currently has a dog door and an acre fenced yard to play in. I don't know what to do and can't even stop crying long enough to think rationally. I just found this site and would appreciate any advice to help me decide what to do. Thank you. Bailey (my 90lb Great Pyranees/Husky mix) and I just returned from the vet as Bailey has been limping for several weeks and not getting better (he’s limped in the past and usually recovers). The diagnosis is a totally torn CCL and most likely the meniscus is gone as well. Bailey is 9 years old and a frisbee addict, which is most likely the cause of this injury, though it looks like he was predisposed to it due to breed, size, etc. He’s still a very active dog and because our jobs keep us away from home 12 or more hours a day, I don’t think managed care will work for us. The surgery is $3000 and we don’t have access to that kind of money. Credit cards and loans are out due to a family financial crisis. When Bailey came into my life he saved me. I can’t bear the thought of him being in pain and due to his age and the severity of the injury, we cannot be sure if surgery would be the answer. I don’t think he would survive being crated for 12 hours a day. He currently has a dog door and an acre fenced yard to play in. I don’t know what to do and can’t even stop crying long enough to think rationally. I just found this site and would appreciate any advice to help me decide what to do. Thank you.

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