Robtouw
Well-Known Member
I picked up Cruiser yesterday and had a few surprises. I was expecting a nice calm, sleepy puppy but instead received a bundle of energy that was kissing everything in sight and smacking everything with that whipping tail! He is walking pretty well, but isn't quite putting all of his weight on that leg just yet and his feet are turning outward to compensate for the weight. That will get better in time. The stitches look pretty gross, but the funniest part is where they shaved the back left half of his body. He is totally naked and boy does he look different without fur! Last night it was difficult to keep him quiet. The vet said no jumping, romping and only 5 min walks two to three times a day. Cruiser is not having that, he wants to play, tried to jump and is definately not sedated. He is on an anitbiotic, rimadyl and tramadol and I expected the combo to make him sleepy, seems to have the opposite effect he is energetic, hungry and frustrated at his confinement. Silly pup.
When we taught him to high five, shake, sit pretty and speak it was pretty fun and we were amazed at how quickly he learned, but he is trying to impress us with all four to get our attention and since he isn't supposed to jump or bear his weight down on that leg, sit pretty wasn't such a good idea, also speak at this point has become more of a demand. He has to have stitches removed in 10 days (my local vet will do) and goes back for xrays in 6 weeks then begins some sort of therapy to teach him to use the leg again properly. His surgeon will review the xrays at 6 weeks and will examine Cruiser, they said the xrays and exam will be $90 and that he wanted me to come to him, he does not like other vets to "take it from here". He is a funny, blunt little man but very focused on Cruiser's health and was very excited to discuss the surgery and his fine work. I can definately tell he enjoys performing surgery on dogs and enjoys the effects his skill has on their lives. It is a pleasure to find someone that focused and skilled.
The final bill for his emergency care was actually under the estimate given to us, that was a surprise. They had estimated $3000 and it came in at $2436. The hospital gave me info on a pet care credit plan for emergencies, its a credit card that allows you to put up to $6k on it during an emergency and gives you 6 months to pay it off at no interest. I think I may sign up and keep it just in case. Also, they encouraged me to look at pet insurance and gave me info for 8 different programs to research, which I will do. In the past most plans that I looked at were not worth the monthly premium, but that was years ago--maybe there have been changes!
When we taught him to high five, shake, sit pretty and speak it was pretty fun and we were amazed at how quickly he learned, but he is trying to impress us with all four to get our attention and since he isn't supposed to jump or bear his weight down on that leg, sit pretty wasn't such a good idea, also speak at this point has become more of a demand. He has to have stitches removed in 10 days (my local vet will do) and goes back for xrays in 6 weeks then begins some sort of therapy to teach him to use the leg again properly. His surgeon will review the xrays at 6 weeks and will examine Cruiser, they said the xrays and exam will be $90 and that he wanted me to come to him, he does not like other vets to "take it from here". He is a funny, blunt little man but very focused on Cruiser's health and was very excited to discuss the surgery and his fine work. I can definately tell he enjoys performing surgery on dogs and enjoys the effects his skill has on their lives. It is a pleasure to find someone that focused and skilled.
The final bill for his emergency care was actually under the estimate given to us, that was a surprise. They had estimated $3000 and it came in at $2436. The hospital gave me info on a pet care credit plan for emergencies, its a credit card that allows you to put up to $6k on it during an emergency and gives you 6 months to pay it off at no interest. I think I may sign up and keep it just in case. Also, they encouraged me to look at pet insurance and gave me info for 8 different programs to research, which I will do. In the past most plans that I looked at were not worth the monthly premium, but that was years ago--maybe there have been changes!