Another dog, another surgery
- Thread starter Tony Large
- Start date
I have a Rott, too
. Best dog I've had, ever!I'm not sure about the cost of the ear surgery - haven't had to do that one. But I don't think it will be nearly as expensive as most other canine surgeries involving the trunk or limbs. I wish you - and the pooch - well :wink:
danthebugman
BoM Nov '10
Not a vet, but I've worked in vet clinics for about 7 years now. Hematomas happen when blood fills between the cartilage in the ear. What causes it isn't really understood, but generally believed to happen due to a lot of shaking/scratching (multiple causes, but most common would probably be an ear infection). It can temporarily be fixed by aspiration, but it will swell back up. Surgery is the only way to fix it. It's not really very common, but we do a fair number of them. Basically what they'll do is make an incision on the inside of the ear, drain all the blood out and then put a bunch of stitches in to tack the ear together. Then just let it heal. The dog will probably wear an e-collar (or some form of it) until the stitches get removed (can take up to 3 weeks) and there will be medications for pain and antibiotics. The price depends on where you live and what kind of care your vet gives. The clinic I work at is more expensive than some of the others in town, but I'll tell you honestly that you get what you pay for. The price you quoted doesn't sound all that bad, especially if it includes presurgical blood work (like CBC & Chem Panel). Just be glad it's not something life threatening. We discharged a chocolate lab today that we did an emergency exploratory on last week. Found a piece of a corn cob, a peach pit, and part of a sock in her intestines. The owner's bill was around $1300 and that was after the discount he got for being a fireman!! Hope it helps, if you have any other questions shoot me a message and best wished for a fast and smooth recovery.
Dan
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I've had one of my hunting dogs, a black lab, have ACL surgery on the same leg twice. Rehab for a dog that is used to going 100 mph at all times is a nightmare. We also have a dalmation who has had acl surgery on both rear legs. Same lab has had heartworms, even while on the monthly chewables, is epileptic (on phenobarbital for life) and has had about a million other things go on so I feel your pain. Fact is they become a big part of the family so proper care is imperative. For me, thankfully, one of my close friends is an incredible vet so for all 4 acl surgeries combined I've paid a grand total of 500$ to cover his medication expenses. Obviously this isn't the norm, but no matter the cost I would have paid it. That same lab still duck and dove hunts with me over 50 times a year and has retrieved close to 1000 birds in his life. His care is all worth it to me.
On a side note most employers are offering pet insurance plans that are very reasonable and might be something to consider for anyone with aging pets.
Sorry you are having to go through this, but think how luck your animals are to have such a good provider. They're worth it.
On a side note most employers are offering pet insurance plans that are very reasonable and might be something to consider for anyone with aging pets.
Sorry you are having to go through this, but think how luck your animals are to have such a good provider. They're worth it.
Dan thanks for the info. The price range does include the bloodwork, but the vet told me they are debating on that. She is a young dog and they are squeezing her in right after I get done at work today. They know her history and feel she won't have any problems with surgery, but they are the experts and if the bloodwork needs done they will do it.
Thanks for all the well wishes. These dogs are my life and they do get treated well
Thanks for all the well wishes. These dogs are my life and they do get treated well
Update: The surgery went well, everything was cleaned out and stitched up. Was told she did have a pretty significant ear infection and they cleaned the hell out of it. The place is really taking care of me. They kept the cost down to $262, are keeping her overnight free of charge, and are going to feed and water her until I get done at work tomorrow to pick her up. That is what keeps me going back....great vets and great to the pet owners. They know how much we care for our dogs and this is the only problem we have ever had with her. Thanks again guys for all the well wishes.
danthebugman
BoM Nov '10
:laugh: Oh Tony, if only all clients were this way. Glad to hear everything went well.
Dan
I trust my Vet and its nice that they don't take advantage of me. I have been in there when some pretty nasty clients were yapping away about the care/bill. If you aren't happy A) Go somewhere else. B) If the cost is getting to you, don't own an animal.