A week or so ago Gracie jumped up into the back of the Jack and Yelped and then wanted to lay down.... 40 mins later when we got home she was quite happy, ran around the yard etc no worries but to do the right thing I took her to the Vet on the Monday and he gave her some anti iflamitories and sent us away with a bill but wanted to do xrays etc...
Just got the call from the Vet. Gracie has ruptured both cruciate ligaments in her back legs and has hip dysplasia in both hips. Gracie is only 18 months old.
Wait for this; the estimate for repair is $15,000. Holy snapping duck poo....
Now the dog does not appear to be in pain but she does prefer to drop rather than sit, so I don't know. I think I have 3 courses of action, a second opinion, do nothing or euthanasia....
I bet I have a battle to get the $500 xrays (That I will pay for) to get another opinion.
Jesus I'm upset, Gracie is a mate....

Hi Basil,
I'm really sorry to hear about your dog.  We had a King Charles years ago who was truly a member of our family and it was heartbreaking for all of us when he died. 
It sounds like a second opinion would be a good option.  How could a vet charge that much to mend a dog??  Hopefully someone else will have a more optimistic view of the problem and how to fix it. 

Some people will shout me down about Bowen Therapy for Humans and Animals, but it does work. Only seeing is believing. A friend had a racing Greyhound dog which was involved in a tangle with other dogs on the track. She couldn't walk after this and Vets recommended putting her down. Well this bloke loves his dogs and couldn't do it, but had heard about Bowen Therapy, organised an appointment, and only after 4 visits the dog is able to run again..not race though, and is quite capable to run, play and jump, and is a happy dog. Keep us informed if you try that Therapy.....

Ok I'v calmed down, retrieved Gracie from the VET at only $329 for the Xrays..... There was a heated and accrimonious discussion re who owned the xrays with about a dozen other people in the waiting room listening in. I won as I paid and have the xrays in my possesion.
Phoned the RSPCA Vet this morning and the girl asked me a few questions and said that if there was hip dysplasia Gracie would be showing some signs and not bolting around the yard with great enthusiasm. We are taking her there this arvo for a 2nd opinion. Hoping this is not some sort of scam because if it is then a legal challenge will ensue, I'll have the initial Vets sweetbreads if he is "overservicing".
Thanks for your encouraging words, it means agreat deal to me.

-- Edited by Basil Faulty at 11:06, 2008-08-19

I am so sorry to hear about Gracie and hope that you get good news from the RSPCA. We unfortunately had to euthanase our much loved 14 year old Maltese last year and are still missing her dreadfully. Please keep us informed as to how Gracie is doing.

RSPCA Vet says Gracie has some indications of Dysplasia and put her on an anti arthritic drug. Said the cruciate ligamants were good but no excessive excercise for a few months till the drug can help her rear hips "heal" which she said will happen in younger dogs... Total cost including consult $36
Wheeeeeeeeeew

-- Edited by Basil Faulty at 21:25, 2008-08-19

What an outstanding result.......... Gracie and Basil are still happy together. Makes one think seriously about that Vet who did the original prognosis. Give Gracie a hug from us Forum members...she is a loved and lucky dog..Cheers mate.

Hi Basil For arthritis in dogs and humans it's hard to beat fish oil for additional support. My wife and I take a minimum of 3 capsules a day and our dog Oscar who is 12 and a bit arthritic 1 a day / big difference. For a large dog 2 a day no problem. One of the best and lowest cost nutritional options for people and dogs.Plenty of good scientific evidence to support.Excellent for cardio vascular system as well.

Yes strange you should mention the fish oil, the RSPCA vet did as well, 2, 1000mg caps a day for Gracie a 38kg dog for 3 months if there is any improvement then drop it to 1. if no improvement then don't bother. Also Vet (rspca) suggested that sardines (ALDI) 50cents a tin in oil would be better than the fish oil as they also contain other things that will make her coat glossy. Also said to try glucosamine with chondroitin, anecdotal evidence that this will actually help Gracies hip bones and cartilege regrow now as she is still growing so I'll try that, did'nt work for my knees, but I'm no pup either.

BUT WAIT there is more........ I'm still dumbstruck by this news..... Gracie is to be awarded an "honour" in the 2009 Canine Australia Day Honours (didn't know they existed) in the category "most worthwhile Canine Emplyoyment for a Shelter Dog"  for her work at the War Vets Home where she is a therapy dog. now that friends brings a lump to my throat.
Gracie will be formally attired in her Dryzabone (with pockets for treats) I'll have to hire top hat and "Tails".
Anyway we are off today for a few days holiday at a pet friendly farmstay at Berry (NSW) where Gracie will encounter a real cow....
Thaks once more for your kind thoughts and supportive comments, I do appreciate them.

I forgot to mention we also give our dog 1/2 a glucosamine sulfate 1000mg every day with a bit a pecks paste. He loves it !

Thought it was only 'human' docs who did the over-servicing. After sending my beloved Hector to heaven, it was touch and go for Nancy-cat. (Some sort of kidney virus). Its 1 1/2 years later and she is about to turn 18 years old. Walks like a duck, but is one of the reasons I can't go away, too far. I know its only a matter of time, and console myself with the open road, when the time comes.

Hi Basil,  Sorry to hear about your dog, sounds like the breeder was a bit suss, selling pups with bad genes.

I sympathise with you having to make a decision like that but when you are faced with possible bankrupcy in order to pay the vet's bill, common sense has to prevail.

What does it say about the vets in our wonderful country?  We are so attached to our animals and boy do they know it, I think they see us coming. 

In the next life I'm definitely coming back as a vet.