Remington's Anal Gland Surgery Scheduled!

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

Here is the most recent update on Remington's surgery...

I contacted Purdue's Small Animal Clinic on Friday.  After getting a referral from our current vet they were more than happy to speak with me about the surgery. They have several vets in house that specialize in soft tissue surgeries.  The type of surgery that we are discussing doing with Remington is something that their surgeons are very familiar with and do on a routine basis. What would happen is we would bring him in for a consultation to go over Remington's medical history.  They would do testing on him for 2-3 hours to make sure he is healthy enough to have the surgery.  If he is... then we would leave him there that night and they would perform the surgery next day.  He would then stay at the hospital for 2-3 days after the surgery because they would need to keep a close eye on him and manage his pain levels accordingly.  While there he would be monitored 24 hours a day until we came to pick him up. We would also receive calls on a daily basis to update us on how he is doing.

Now... here is what is tough to swallow.  The price they quoted us for the surgery is between $800-$1300.  YIKES!  However, this would cover the consultation, blood work/tests, anesthesia, the removal of the anal glands, pain medication, and his stay at the hospital after the surgery.  It is a lot of money for us to spend and will definitely put a huge dent in our savings, but we absolutely feel it is worth it for him to have people that specialize in this and for the amount of care he will get.

We have scheduled the consultation for May 17th... which means he will have the surgery on the 18th.  We decided on this date specifically because the way Dan and I's schedule work out we would have 13 days where one of us would be with Remington during the recovery process.

At this point in time I feel very much at peace with the decision.  I don't feel like we could do anything more to ensure that Remington have the best outcome possible for this surgery.  I am planning on documenting the recovery process because as I was looking for information on this subject is was incredibly hard to find anything out there that would tell me what to expect.  I'm sure that there will be many more posts concerning this :)

 

Thank you to my DK Family for all the advice and support that was given to me on this subject!  I don't feel I could have made the decision I did without you!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Kendra, I think you've made the right decision, and it doesn't sound like remington could be in better hands...either during his hospital stay or afterwards. Remington is very lucky to have you and Dan for parents!

The cost, while I know it's hard to fit into a budget, also sounds very reasonable to me. Jack's allergy testing, which took a couple of hours and required no prior testing and no overnigt stays, cost $ 500. I felt the money was well-spent, and I know you'll feel that way too.

I hope everything goes perfectly for Remington! We will be thinking of you both!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I am glad you are comfortable with your decision.  I think it is the right one for Remmy and for you. I think $800 to $1300 sounds quite reasonable for the surgery and the evaluation and overnight(s) care.  My vet, like Nancy's will take payments.  It is worth it to ask. My son's vet once even let him work off a large bill cleaning the cages, etc when he was in college.  I think most vets and their staff are pretty tenderhearted about time pauments.

Kind thoughts and prayers for you all.  Keep us posted.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You are doing the right thing.  You might want to check with the surgeon's office about a special credit card designed for pet situations.  When Gordie had his $4,000 CCL surgery, we used this and had a 6 month interest free time to pay it off. This type of thing might save your savings.

[Kyoko]

I will be thinking of you and Remmington and praying that everything will go well as planned. I am sure that he will come out of surgery and recovery fine! It will be the new and happier beginning!!  

[Teri & Clover]

Purdue vets are amazing. My friend rescues greyhounds and she has taken several dogs there throughout the years for various types of surgeries. I know Remington will be in good hands. I'm glad you feel good about your decision.

[Brandi]

I have faith that Remington will do just fine, Purdue is the best place you could take him in my opinion.....all paws in my household is crossed for a successful surgery.   Good Luck Remington, hope all goes well and you recover quickly ;)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Kendra, I come from a family of Purdue Boilermakers, so I just feel very confident that you picked a wonderful place to take Remington for his surgery. I think you have done an amazing job of asking the right questions and searching for answers for Remington's condition. We will be keeping all fingers and paws crossed that Remington has a successful surgery, a speedy recovery, and his quality of life improves for the rest of his life. Keep us all posted!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Just knowing that the outcome could cure him and make him so much more comfortable and happier is well worth it. I'm glad you are at peace with your decision and have the ability to be there for his recovery is awesome! Good luck to you guys and Remington, we'll be praying for a good outcome! Will be looking for the updates!

[Lorraine Bromley]

This sounds like a very good decision for all of you. It is hard to be without your baby while they are away. Be strong and everything will be fine.

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

You have made a courageous decision...and a wise one!  You and Remington will be so happy three months from now and the $ will seem less painful!  Go, get it over and get to enjoying the benefits!  :)