Honey needs help!!!

[Doodle]

We just received a phone call from the vet confirming Honey (only 8 months old!) has 2 partially torn ACLs!!!! Our vet's office has an orthopedic surgeon as well and he agreed with our vet and asked that the x-rays be sent to a radiologist to double check. All three are in agreement it is both knees.

How can this be? Our poor Honey!! She's on meds to control the pain.

The vet is talking about surgery on BOTH knees with extensive recovery time.  Honey would have to be still with no exercise. Did I mention she is only 8 months old?

I'm sure it must have happened when Honey and Shadow were chasing and wrestling, they always have a good wrestle and run. 

The vet said it is going to cost anywhere from $1500-$2500 that's PER KNEE!!!! Tears are flowing as I'm writing this and my heart is breaking. We can't pay for this. We've already spent over $2,000 in medical bills on her just in the last 4 months! What am I going to do? I love her so much. If we don't do the surgery than she will either get a full tear in one or both knees and get arthritis and have to be on constant pain meds until she can't take it anymore. I can't do that to her. I feel horrible. I told the vet I heard that sometimes it can heal on its own.  She wasn't as hopeful because Honey is bigger (50 pounds) and generally speaking that happens in smaller dogs and it's not all that common.

HELP!!! What do I do??

[Camilla and Darwin]

The advice you have gotten is great, I just wanted to add that I'm so sorry this has happened and I hope you and Honey find a good option. Please keep us updated.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

I am so sorry Elizabeth for you, Honey and your family!  It is so hard to see our Doodles in pain and you want to do the very best for them.  You are in my prayers and Libby sends paw hugs and Doodle kisses to Honey.

[Rita and Fazzy]

A friend of mine here in Vancouver, WA had issues with one of her large dogs knees...both of them. She wound up taking him to Washington State Vet Hospital in Pullman, WA. They did a wonderful job and it was less in cost than to have the local orthopedic surgeon do it. Sending positive thoughts to you and Honey..

[Doodle]

Thank you for this information. What a great option! I'll look into this.  Again, thank you.

[Star and Goldie]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I completely understand the weighing burden of the financial aspect of this on top of the emotional worry. You've gotten some great advice but I would use extreme caution with care credit. It is absolutely great if it has to be the last resort but if you have another type of credit card with a lower interest rate you may want to take that route. The fees associated with care credit can become pretty steep if you aren't paying it off right away. But if a regular credit card (visa, mastercard, discover, etc) is not an option then care credit is a wonderful resource to use.

Some vets allow payment plans. Does yours? Asking is free!! I had a pretty expensive surgery for my Golden years ago- over $2,000- I didn't want to do Care Credit due to the fees and I didn't have credit cards then- my vet put me on a payment plan of $40 a month! Talk about a lifesaver!!! (and they even have a sign in the office that says they do NOT accept payment plans but I asked anyway!)

Good luck and keep us posted!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Some really great advice here.  I hope that you find someone that can help you get the surgeries.  If you would like to talk about the surgery, what to expect and some thoughts on the recovery process let me know.  I have been through the surgery with our Lucy.  Keep us posted.

[Doodle]

Thank you for writing. Can you please tell me about the recovery process from you point of view? Poor Lucy! How is she? How old is she? I have SO many questions.

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

You and Honey are definately in my thoughts and prayers!!!

[Doodle]

Thank you Cathy.  We can use ALL of them!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Very sorry to hear this and I can only imagine how difficult this will be financially and emotionally let alone trying to keep an eight month old puppy still for a long recovery. If its absolutely a must , maybe a light sedative to help keep her quiet during her Zoomies time of day. I'm sure many will not like the idea of "drugging" their dog, but when we are talking about a few months of recovery compared to 12-15 years of a pain free and strong doodles life, then it's something the Vet might consider. I don't know if there even is anything, but if not, crating is the only thing I can think of.
I hope you find some helpful info in your research.

[Doodle]

I've separated the dogs so Honey and Shadow can't do their daily wrestle and chase. Shadow was so confused why Honey was staring at him through the back door and not chasing him. She was and still is parked right next to the door waiting for a playtime that isn't going to happen. Humph,and this is day 1.
When I got home today she was so springy and happy it doesn't seem like she has any issues. I know she does and that's just like her to greet me with a truckload of love. And I know surgery is the way to go. She's currently on tramadol (she doesn't seem to get the groggy side effects) and Rimadyl for anti-inflamatory. They seem to be working but I know she still needs the surgery. I've been reading up most of the day and she'll have the best success this way.
My husband will be home soon and I'll need to be her advocate. Wish me luck!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

While the pain meds and anti inflammatories help with the pain, it also helps her feel better which makes her want to run and jump and play.  Our Vet felt that sometimes it was better not to give them the pain meds so they would lay still and rest.  It is a fine line.  You don't want them in pain, but you don't want them to hurt themselves further.  Good luck with Hubby and convincing him to go through with the surgery!