My dachshund, Angelo, is 1 yr old and suffering from severe pain in his front legs. The vet took x-rays and told me that he had a small fracture and referred me to an orthopedic surgeon. The orthopedic surgeon looked at the x-rays and told me that it was a birth defect and he will be in pain for the rest of his life, that there is nothing I can do. I feel helpless and need some answers for my baby boy.
2007-01-14 12:29:24 · 24 answers · asked by Amy D 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My chihuahua has a badly deformed front foot that pains her on occasion. I take her to a holistic vet who does accupuncture on her. It has been a huge help for her.
Good thoughts to you and Angelo.
2007-01-14 13:21:49 · answer #1 · answered by 5gr8k9s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to a different orthopedic surgeon. There are options that do cost a lot, but can make the difference of a life in pain and a normal life. Surgery could be an option.
Contact the breeder. Let her/him know you're having this problem, is there anything they can do? At least contact the other puppy buyers in the litter.
Is it elbow displasia or something similar? There are surgeries possible. Expensive, but possible.
Constant pain meds are detrimental as well. Rimadyl, asprin etc....
Get second and third opinions.
If there really was absolutely nothing I could do.....I would euthanize as a final option.
2007-01-14 12:41:59 · answer #2 · answered by Jupiter 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We would get a second opinion form another vet. Very few "birth defects" to the legs are entirely untreatable. And if the first vet saw "fractures" you need to pursue that tack. The dog may have to be put into traction, and his recovery may take many, many months... but "fractures" ARE entirely treatable.
We'd also suggest finding a vet who can put your dog on a series of different pain medications to help you find one that helps the dog manage his pain while still having a good quality of life.
Don't give up; fight for your dog. Some vets are only as good as their opinion of themselves; you need to find one who takes a real interest in your dog and is willing to work closely with you to find an acceptable option of treatment for your pet.
2007-01-14 12:40:41 · answer #3 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Contact your nearest Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University in your state that has a Veterinary School. They're the best! They're great for dealing with unusual problems like yours.
Also, there are carts that dogs can use that keep them from putting weight on their front feet. You can google these, take a look, and see if they would be helpful.
Talk to your veterinarian about keeping the little guy as pain-free as possible. For example, keep him as slim as possible so that his little legs don't have to carry any more weight than absolutely necessary.
I'm sure that your veterinarian can also suggest pain medication that can help to keep him more comfortable, too. Discuss these medications and their side effects to find the best one for him
I have three Dachshunds, so I know how precious they can be. Best wishes to both of you,
D
2007-01-14 12:40:34 · answer #4 · answered by Dogs'n'trike 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would talk with your regular vet about some kind of pain relief. There are several products (Rimadyl, Previcox, and Metacam to name a few) that may be able to help. DO NOT use any human pain relievers unless recommended by your vet. Over the counter stuff like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and even aspirin can do more harm than good. You should also ask your vet if he/she could recommend another specialist so that you could get another opinion, then go from there.
2007-01-14 12:39:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
obviously these specialists know what they are talking about,can you honestly think about letting this poor darling go on in pain ?
I am a person who loves animals more than any other thing on this planet and have dogs myself and sad as it seems I have had to recently make the final decision to put down my dog . I have to tell you that even though it broke my heart to part with him he now has relief from pain and your dog would thank you for the same . It would be very selfish to think how sad you would be to keep him in pain much better to know he no longer suffers
2007-01-14 13:07:51 · answer #6 · answered by margaret k 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go back to your original vet and tell him what the specialist said.
Firstly, the 1st vet should have picked up whether it was birth defect or not, and 2ndly one or other should have at least offered you some kind of pain relief medicine for the animal or suggested having hit put down.
Someone's not doing their job here.
2007-01-14 12:34:09 · answer #7 · answered by margo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely go to another doctor. =)
Dogs are fast healers, and their bodies will heal around even the most absurd injuries.
This is coming from a dog lover, i have had many, and have made many hard choices. But, do what you can as far as doctors go, but if it is going to create too much hardship in your life, do what is right for the dog and put him down.
2007-01-14 12:43:17 · answer #8 · answered by ninjamasterdave 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get another opinion. If its said the same thing, then I would put him down. I would not let my dog live in pain. The expense for the pain meds will be a lot too.
No kind of life... put him down. I'm really sorry- I have a shihtzu who is my entire world, I know how hard it is. But its the selfless thing to do.
Best wishes....
2007-01-14 12:41:53 · answer #9 · answered by SunValleyLife 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try to find some other vets to get opinions on and try other methods first.Pain relievers might help...but there is no way of knowing for sure just how much they help or how long.If it is something that he would just have to live with,then I think it might be nicer to put him down.Not easy to do if it must be done,but it's nicer then forcing him to live in pain.
2007-01-14 12:41:05 · answer #10 · answered by rebel_gurl002 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋