So, we met with the orthopedic vet today. Yeah, definitely not a good day. Our emotionally draining day involved additional sedation and x-rays, consultation and waiting; we learned that Cooper's dysplasia is very severe. They advised surgery on his "better" hip (essentially breaking the crest in 3 pieces and repositioning with plates, wire and screws). They will not perform this procedure on the more damaged right hip because the results would be less favorable. Instead it is a case of "wait & see" with the possibility of his needing a hip replacement. It has been a very costly week with all of these visits and we are facing painful decisions. The window of opportunity for this surgery is extremely brief - the vet wants to do it tomorrow-in a month, too much damage will have occurred. We have done what we can to be responsible and humane, but are facing the fiscal realities of proceeding with these treatments. This one surgery will be double of what we anticipated to pay for repair to both hips. Anti-inflammatory meds alone are $70 for a 2 week supply, so continuing with that regimen is hardly an 8 year option either. We do not know how fast arthritis will set in, but given the problems he is exhibiting at this stage, it doesn't look good. We are not sure what the future hold for him, but we do not want it to be one of suffering. Only time will tell.
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