We rather figured it would happen. The vet says 40% of dogs who tear one ACL eventually tear the other, whether or not the first one is repaired. Almost exactly a year ago, Rosie tore her left ACL while chasing a squirrel. ACL = Anterior Cruciate Ligament = knee (called a stifle joint on a dog). Surgery was $2100. Here we go again...another credit card attack.

But it must be done. She's family! Surgery is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 4 (tomorrow). Oh how I dislike that big plastic collar!

Please wish for a smooth surgery and recuperation.

Prayers for Rosie. Let us know how things went. I'm sure she'll be back to chasing squirrels in no time.

A
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poor doggie. Vet bills are so horrific though! My thoughts are with you.

I'm so sorry your dog needs surgery, but I'm sure she'll be okay. I will pray for her. Vets can do so much more now to help animals. I understand the vet bills though. When I had my dog who had lupus, we spent alot of money trying to keep him comfortable. He had alot of treatments and took alot of pills which I gave him three times a day for two years after diagnosed. I now have four animals. A rescue calico which I got as a kitten who has a heart murmur, a rescue hound who has constant ear infections from her floppy ear and needs dental surgery because of the tartar on her teeth, a torte which a dear friend of mine wanted me to take after she passed away earlier this year and a shiapoo which my great aunt wanted me to take after she was diaganosed with alzheimers and had to go into a nursing home. I don't feel that good because of my health problems with rsd, but couldn't say no to them. And my furry babies keep me moving which is good therapy for my mind and body. It's a full house but I love my animals. I understand the worries and vet bills though, but I'm sure your furry baby will be okay and maybe the vet can set up a payment plan if you need it. Our vet helps us with our vet bills thank goodness. Take care and my thoughts and prayers are with you both.
PS - I think I saw new collars which are much softer that are now being sold. I can't remember where I saw them, but maybe drs foster and smith or petsmart may have them. They looked alot more comfortable for animals. Take care.

Rosie is home. Very unhappy but she ate and pooped, 2 good things to happen after surgery. My BF is laying on the floor with her, his head inside her hood. She's stopped whining and has finally laid her head down.

I'm glad Rosie is home and is okay. I'm sure she will heal quickly. Give her a gentle hug from me!

I am glad she is doing well. Animals are like small children IMO.

We have taught our cats.... "all done" and "all gone".... for various situations. It really helps.

Having a human so close to communicate, all done... is very valuable too!

Here is hoping things continue in a positive healing way for her!

There is such a thing as
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From our perspective, vet bills may seem high, but compared to human medical bills for similar procedures they're a bargain. Given the high rate of delinquent clients, it's surprising their bills aren't higher.

Doc

MrsD, we've taught Rosie Enough and No More(food)...Enough verbally and No More by hand signal. I'm working on Tigger, my female kitty, with No More because lately she's gotten very pushy with begging. She's very overweight and is on a diet.

Dr Smith, my vet's office suggested the Citi Health Card, a credit card especially for health issues that accepts veterinarians. I have a better APR on my own credit card.

I'm having a problem getting all Rosie's pills into her. She eats the Rimadyl just fine, but the 4 pain pills and 2 anti-inflammatory capsules must taste bad. I don't remember having this problem last year. This morning I tried wrapping them all in bread - that didn't work. Trying to stuff the mass down her throat didn't work. My BF suggested crushing the pills and breaking open the capsules - will try that next meal.

We use the words, "All Gone" and show furface our empty hands (which doubles as a hand signal. He also knows the meaning of "No Begging". The exact words aren't too important—whatever works for you.

We went to a party a few weeks ago where the owner had a little scruffy dog that was very aggressive about begging and stealing food of unattended plates. He just kept making the rounds between all the guests. After the 4th or 5th time, we had him cowed with a look. He'd slink away giving us a look like, "Oh, yeah... you guys don't fall for my act... grumble, grumble..."
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Doc