Rocky's Bad News At The Vet

Today has not been a good day for us. Rocky had been limping and since it wasn't getting better we took him to the Vet. He is nine years old now and on his last visit to the Vet we discussed him having arthritis. We have been limiting his activity.

Unfortunately he is diagnosed with ACL. He tore a ligament in his knee and will have to be operated on. There is no alternative. If we don't have it done, it could damage his other back leg and he would be immobile, etc. (Because he is not able to use his one back leg much that is damaged.)

My heart is just breaking worrying about him. We could not make the decision at the moment I was there because I was too upset. I am so worried about his age and getting through this.

The Vet said that it will cost us over $1200! He said that they would have to do blood work, Xrays, etc. to make sure that he could even be operated on. If he has too much arthritis or other things, then he won't even be able to be operated on. He has been healthy the majority of his life other than having skin cancer once.

The money really has me worried. I don't have insurance and I don't go to a doctor unless it's an emergency. I will do whatever I can for Rocky. I just hope that he will be able to handle this and recover.

I have to call the surgeon tomorrow to ask a few more questions.

I am starting to cry again. Anyone that has a dog and they treat them like their kid will know how I feel.

Please wish Rocky luck.

Comments: 16

Larry H. Apr 7, 2011, 5:47pm UTC

sorry about Rocky, I hope everything works out.

J F. Apr 7, 2011, 6:13pm UTC

Thanks, Larry. I know you and Janet love your dogs and help other dogs, too. So you know how I feel. Rocky is our kid.

Larry H. Apr 7, 2011, 6:55pm UTC

They have pet insurance, we would go broke if we bought it for all the animals. don't have it for any of the. Taking 2 of the cats to a shot clinic Saturday..

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Chris E. Apr 7, 2011, 6:15pm UTC

I am sorry to hear this. I know pets can be such an important part of the family and of of course you are going to be sad about this.

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Bernard C. Apr 7, 2011, 6:30pm UTC

Sorry to hear about that - hope the operation helps him

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Kim B. Apr 7, 2011, 7:26pm UTC

Oh, no. Poor Rocky, I am so sorry you all are going through this. He will be in my prayers, I understand how upset you must be. Big Hug for you both.

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Rebecca P. Apr 7, 2011, 7:47pm UTC

I'm so sorry to hear about Rocky. Vet bills can be insane, and I hope things can get worked out.

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Pam S. Apr 7, 2011, 9:42pm UTC

I am so sorry to hear this, I will keep you & Rocky in my thoughts & prayers.

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Diane B. Apr 8, 2011, 1:59am UTC

I am sorry to hear about Rocky, all of my animals are like my kids so I know how you are feeling.

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wendy st. john-devereaux Apr 8, 2011, 7:08am UTC

i sure do understand about pets being like my furry kids!!!.......and i am sooo sorry to hear about poor rocky...i hope that he will be ok.....i will remember you and rocky in my prayers...

blessings

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Marilyn (PaintsOnSlate) S. Apr 9, 2011, 2:50pm UTC

I am so sorry about your pooch. I've been in your shoes before and have chosen to have the dog put down. There have been times in my life when a thousand dollars might have as well been a Million so I know what you are going through. It's a tough decision. As much as I love my fur babies I think doing what is best for the humans is more important than a surgery that may or may not help the pet. What ever you decide to do I'll be thinking of you.

I think Vets are very good at scaring humans and not always helpful to the humans. One vet told me my dog had heart worm and needed treatment that was going to cost thousands. He told me without treatment the dog would die within the year. I said no and the dog lived another 10 years until he was 18.

J F. Apr 9, 2011, 6:19pm UTC

Yes, they only want the money at times. I am getting a second opinion on this. I can't afford this, but the main concern is Rocky's health and welfare. He is nine years old and and I don't know if he could go through this. He is not in pain and is very healthy otherwise. I am researching and talking to many people to make the best decision for him.

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☃ Shannon K. Wendt Apr 9, 2011, 2:56pm UTC

I am SO sorry to hear this!

My dog Rhieon started limping a few weeks ago. I am "hoping" it's only arthritis, so I started her on glucosamine. I can't afford to even take her to the vet for a physical to see what might be wrong :(

J F. Apr 9, 2011, 6:16pm UTC

Try to keep her as quiet as possible and limit activity. It may heal on it's own.

Good luck!

☃ Shannon K. Wendt Apr 10, 2011, 11:07am UTC

She isn't quite as active as the other two, so that shouldn't be too hard.

I still take her on a short walk though.

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August Lady May 18, 2011, 2:36pm UTC

Really hope Rocky is doing well now!

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Rocky's Bad News At The Vet

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