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Hi all. I have a 1 year old pyr or pyr mix He's 82 lbs at one year and looks exactly like a Pyr, but with a predominantly tan coat and only one set of rear dewclaws, not that it matters to us. I got him at approx.10 weeks as a foster rescue puppy. He had been dumped in the country with a sib (never found) and was shot. He was an emaciated 12 lbs and the rescue's vet kept him overnight because of his heavy breathing and infection from the wound. An xray of his chest area showed an irregular diaphragm which the vet said could be from being hit by a car or from abuse. Today I took Ben into our vet because he often seemed to favor his left rear leg. When an xray was taken it revealed that he apparently had his femur knocked out of its socket before we got him and had it been treated at the time may never have become a problem, at least not as much of a problem as it is now. There were no signs of congenital dysplasia in either hip. My vet told me that he would need surgery soon before he develops severe arthritis. The choices I was offered were referral to an orthopedic specialist @ about $3000.00 for hip replacement surgery or to have the top of his femur removed at a cost of $250. with about 2 months of recuperation in either case. I have used the same vet for about 20 years and really trust him, although he is a country vet with not a lot of fancy equipment. He told me that the ball removal is not recommended in large breed dogs, but he has found it to work satisfactorily in the cases he has operated on. We have 3 college student children and my husband's job is iffy so money IS an issue. I would like to get your comments and any experiences/advice you might be able to share with me. Also, I am wondering what Ben's eventual wt might be if it is 82 lb. now? I have never fed him puppy food and feed Flint River Ranch dog food, so we try to provide well for all of our babies--8 dogs & 4 cats. Coincidentally, at the same vet visit, when I was having my 17 cat assessed for a mammmary tumor she was found to be diabetic and can't have surgery, but will be on meds and special diet. My only GOOD news was that the little 3 1/2 month old terrier mix foster is heathy after surviving mange, flea, tick and internal parasite infection, plus rocky mtn spotted fever and ready to go to a wonderful home this weekend with an elderly lady who will love her to pieces! Thanks for reading my ramblings. I would appreciate any advice. Oh, we are strictly limiting Ben's exercise until he can be treated.
Sincerely,
Shari Drube
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