Cute pictures, @dravernor . . . 
Cheers
Joe
6 Likes
How old is your dog, and I donât mean, if she is old, why not just leave it alone, but is she a puppy?
We had a Papillon with something that sounds like that, and I never really fully understood it, but they said she could be ok, unless it gets worse, and if you wanted to breed her (which we did not) it would be necessary to be done, but otherwise, she might be ok with it and have a normal life.
She is alive and kicking about 9 years old now and just fine without the surgery.
Again, I vaguely remember them saying it was something that sounded like what your dog has, but I canât be sure it is the same thing.
It was not something that ever bothered our dog, it was like she was 100% normal, she just peed kind of funny (her stance), but that might just have been her anyway.
5 Likes
Thanks @T_dub⊠Sara and I are having second thoughts about this. She seems to be healing naturally, and Iâve read many articles that say surgery isnât always necessary.
Not to mention, I totally distrust the entire vet business.
5 Likes
Vet opinions are very broad and wide sadly @PamPurrs.
You are right to question it. Get another opinion. Itâs a lot cheaper than a surgery.
5 Likes
Vets are a real mixed bag . Weâve had some great ones out to our horses and a couple that wonât be allowed on the property again.
I hope Lucy recovers well and naturally would be wonderful
4 Likes
Yes, it is hard to know what to think. On one hand, I agree, their time, and medications and the talent to pull off surgery, along with other factors that make pet surgery very specialized, is VERY COSTLY. And unlike Humanâs, there is not a HUGE market for pet insurance.
On the other hand, it is hard to tell if they will perform unnecessary surgeries on animals (that are not vital or will harm them in any way, but on the other hand may not be totally necessary) to get business they may desperately at times, and, in the age of Covid.
I tend to trust them when something is off and antibiotics fix it, or to get RX strength Flea meds that work way better then the OTC type (IMO), but when they come up with high cost solutions to minimal problems, it sort of puts a bit ? in my head.
way back when when they told me that it would cost $3000 just for a CT scan, to search for the problem on my Rott that was struggling very much, they did not even suggest it. She was 10 year old Rott, and suffering from something in her brain cuz she couldnât even use her back legs anymore. Once her hips were cleared, and not the problem, it was time to put her down.
4 Likes
Finding a good vet is hard but once you do, hang on to them, they are gold.
5 Likes
I like to think that most vets do have the pets best interest in mind, but the surgeon will always tend to think that surgery is the answer. To quote some Phish lyrics⊠âWhen the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.â
6 Likes
Good point.
Iâm not familiar with that band or those lyrics, but I do recall studying Maslowâs theories in my college psych classes, and the quote from his 1960s book, âToward a Psychology of Beingâ in which he stated similar words (which is now known as Maslowâs Hammer):
I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.
7 Likes
Most all vets and doctors alike all go by the 80/20 rule of diagnosis, it how the system is set up.
Advocating for yourself, or your furry friend, to insure you are not in the 20 is so important.
I find myself in the 20 more often than the rule would suggest.
3 Likes
Follow up on Lucy:
After much research, meditation, reflection, and discussion with Sara and friends (plus a few beers), we have decided to take a more holistic approach to Lucyâs situation.
Weâve been giving her some natural supplements, and stimulating her knee via exercise and gentle massages. Her limp is nearly non existent now, although she still wonât leap onto the bed or a chair. That may take more time. She needs to lose weight, so we are putting her on a diet.
With all that said, we have decided to cancel her scheduled surgery. For those of you whoâve contributed to her fund, Iâve contacted GoFundMe and am making arrangements to have all donations returned to the donors. Iâm not sure how long that will take, but keep your eyes out for any messages from GoFundMe or your bank.
I truly thank you all for your support.
19 Likes
This is great news!
4 Likes
Hi Pam @PamPurrs,
Thatâs great news, Shirl and I hope everything is going as well as it can.
Cheers Brian
4 Likes
Great news, Pam . . . 
Glad that everything is working out and Lucy is ok . . . 
Cheers
Joe
5 Likes
Great. Have you thought about one of the Bed Stairs or Ramps for dogs? We had one of those, cuz the bed was on a frame and was about 3ft off the ground, if not a little higher.
2 Likes
We bought her a little staircase, but couldnât get her to use it so we returned it. Iâm thinking of building a ramp for her.
2 Likes
Me trying to practice⊠She was layed across my tab for a bit⊠She usually tries to squeeze behind the bass.
16 Likes
Finally remembered to take a picture of Zoey.
Sheâs 3 1/2. Bernese Mountain Dog. Sweetest mush on the planet. Wont set foot in my music room. Hates the noise and the confined space.
17 Likes
I wishâd all your pets r belong to me. I went through and liked every picture posted. Most of you have the coolest cats and dogs. Some of you have horses and one of you even has a tiger. A cool zoo bunch.
10 Likes