Pet Lovers

[fairydogmother]

My Yorkie has a partial cruciate ligament tear, hind leg. Have been referred to a veterinary orthopedic surgeon in Tampa. My google research says to expect to pay $3000 to $5000 for surgery. Has anyone had this done on their dog? Can you tell me how much it cost? We are also considering taking Diesel to the University of Florida Vet school, as they have a comprehensive ortho dept. Do you think that would cost less? Dog is 9 almost 10 yrs old. On pain meds until we can get in with a surgeon. Any personal experiences would be welcomed. Thanks. 

[1Snickers]

@fairydogmother  I took my Malamute to a Veterinarian school and she got good care. It was cheaper than some regular veterinarians. (She had a brain tumor and required radiation daily except week ends for a month). It was expensive, I don't recall how much.

  I would certainly consider the vet school! 

[conlt]

I took my dog to the University of Florida Vet School when she was young and they diagnosed the problem for my puppy. I don't remember it being less expensive than the regular Vet's office but you do have the expertise of the instructors over there. 

I had my wisdom teeth pulled by one of the professors at UF School of Dentistry and it was definitely a good choice for me considering how complicated my wisdom teeth were. I could have been paralyzed on one side of my face. They did a great job, I did not have the students do it but the students learned from it. 

[fairydogmother]

So far I'm liking what you ladies have said. Thanks!

[FancyPhillyshopper]

 I would not go to a vet school because of price.  I would go because of their expertise, knowledge, facilities and access to first-rate care and equipment.  I would also tell them that I do not want any students operating on my pet.  I find that many high quality vet specialists are associated with a vet school hospital anyway.  My local vet school is U of Penn.  I have been there several times for complicated pet issues, but I have also used the specialist vet centers for more easily treatable health needs.  My specialist told me once all operations start at $3000.00 because they set up a complete hospital room with multiple personnel and all emergency care ready if there are any complications, no matter how simple the procedure may be.  I have not found my vet school prices necessarily any cheaper than specialists.  I would interview the vet and make sure you are satisfied with his/her knowledge and experience.

[KathyM23]

@fairydogmother   Please do not wait too long for this surgery.  This is a very painful injury.  I took my dog to a State University Veteranian School for this surgery.  He had TPL surgery (tibial plateau leveling).  Yes, it was expensive, I think it was betwee $3,200 and $3,500, but I love my dog that much.  The recovery time is about 6 weeks.

There is also another type of surgery for this injury that is less expensive, but I dont know the name of it.  It must be OK also as my Primary Care Doctor had this other surgery for her dog.

Wouldn''t you know, 2 years later, my dog has a cruciate ligaent tear on his other leg.  Back to surgery he went.  

After the recovery period he is just fine; would never know he had any issue.  We do not let him jump tho.  We put a step in front of the couch so he could get up there and  DH got a ramp so he would walk out of the van instead of jumping down.

Wishing the best for your Yorkie.   I had a couple Yorkie's years ago.  The are great little guys.

[fairydogmother]

Well it turns out that University of Florida is not taking ortho appointments at this time. So the private surgeon is booked 4-6 weeks out. I'm concerned about a wait time that long but don't know of any other options in my area.  Thank goodness for his pain med.