Post OP check

[Zak]

Zak had his post op check today. They watched him walk up and down just once then said he looked fine.

At the time he was going crazy as he really hates the vets and gets very worked up.

The guy that looked at him (from a distance) was one of the two that did the operation.

He then said because Zak gets so worked up it may be better to leave the post OP Xray. "To be honest we can not tell a lot from the X-ray and as he gets so worked up it may be better for him not to have to come back for one"

He then went on to talk about the second hip in January. He said that for some reason the second hip replacements sometimes do not go as well as the first and there can be problems. He then said that once the dogs have one good hip they weight bear on that a lot and are often fine in themselves and do not require the second one done.

What really freaks me out is when we initially took him in they re-xray'd him and showed us that both hips were that bad the only option was a total hip replacement on both sides. (this initial conversion was with the other of the two guys)

He said to treat him with kid gloves for the first 4 months and after that give him as much exercise as I could and see how he was, if he showed any signs of a problem to have the other one done which seems sensible.

I just get this horrible feeling though that because Zak is so difficult to deal with they are just trying to put me off having him go back.

In fairness when he is at the vets he is like a different dog, but they are vets for god sake, is it not part of the job?

I also found out just yesterday that a women at work was referred to east midlands referrals (which is round the corner from me). Instead I have had to get Taxis to Castle Donnington at £100 a time when I could of been referred down the road. They are also £1500 cheaper for a cemented joint.

Zak had an uncemented joint but I cant see that making much difference in price.

I just get the feeling I have been referred to this other practice because the guy that did the op also works at my local vets once a week so they have sent the work his way.

I know this post probably wont make any sense, I just don't know what to do next

On the other hand Zak does not have to go to the vets again now until god knows when which is great for him.

[Zak]

I just rang East Midlands Referrals and the lady said I could make an appointment to see Graham at any time. He will be able to request a copy of the Xray's rather than take new ones and we could take it from there.

She seemed really nice and said to not worry about anything, just to see how he is once he recovers from his current operation.

[zetstaff]

Originally Posted by Zak

Zak had his post op check today. They watched him walk up and down just once then said he looked fine.

At the time he was going crazy as he really hates the vets and gets very worked up.

The guy that looked at him (from a distance) was one of the two that did the operation.

He then said because Zak gets so worked up it may be better to leave the post OP Xray. "To be honest we can not tell a lot from the X-ray and as he gets so worked up it may be better for him not to have to come back for one"

He then went on to talk about the second hip in January. He said that for some reason the second hip replacements sometimes do not go as well as the first and there can be problems. He then said that once the dogs have one good hip they weight bear on that a lot and are often fine in themselves and do not require the second one done.

What really freaks me out is when we initially took him in they re-xray'd him and showed us that both hips were that bad the only option was a total hip replacement on both sides. (this initial conversion was with the other of the two guys)

He said to treat him with kid gloves for the first 4 months and after that give him as much exercise as I could and see how he was, if he showed any signs of a problem to have the other one done which seems sensible.

I just get this horrible feeling though that because Zak is so difficult to deal with they are just trying to put me off having him go back.

In fairness when he is at the vets he is like a different dog, but they are vets for god sake, is it not part of the job?

I also found out just yesterday that a women at work was referred to east midlands referrals (which is round the corner from me). Instead I have had to get Taxis to Castle Donnington at £100 a time when I could of been referred down the road. They are also £1500 cheaper for a cemented joint.

Zak had an uncemented joint but I cant see that making much difference in price.

I just get the feeling I have been referred to this other practice because the guy that did the op also works at my local vets once a week so they have sent the work his way.

I know this post probably wont make any sense, I just don't know what to do next

On the other hand Zak does not have to go to the vets again now until god knows when which is great for him.

Can't you get a second opinion Richie? I agree it sounds like they're changing their mind after telling you there's no other alternative !!!! And yes they ought to be able to deal with him.

Can't you get a referral to an orthopaedic specialist if they say they've changed their view + you're not happy? Glo+ Zymbre were referred to Liverpool small animal thingy, something to do with the Uni I think + they were fantastic.

I know Zak gets stressed but he's only a bubba mate + he can't spend the rest of his days scared of the vet

I wouldn't be happy xxx

[zetstaff]

Ooops posted at same time

[Otto 's Mutter]

Sounds like you did right in contacting the East Midlands referrals and IF he needs the second op, you will be able to take him there.

[sami]

I agree Rich Leave him a few months to recover. By then you will have the evidence yourself hopefully as to whether he needs the other hip done. I think you have answered your own question, I would be trying the East midlands one. If you go back to the original you will be questioning their opinions constantly now.

[Zak]

Thanks, I think that's the best thing to do was just wound up earlier. Sometimes I wonder what I would do if I had not found this forum xx

[zetstaff]

Originally Posted by Zak

Thanks, I think that's the best thing to do was just wound up earlier. Sometimes I wonder what I would do if I had not found this forum xx

Agree, in light of recent events... Let the dust settle, there's no rush. Get Zak rehab'd and then review it. You need a very good relationship with your vets whatever you decide. x

[Kathy]

I don't know how far this vet down the road is but if you can walk there (or even if you have to drive) , I'd just take Zak in occasionally to say hi and have a treat for few times until his fear leaves.