Didn't realize Hip replacement cost $$$$$$

[MOKASMOM]

Well yesterday Moka had her consultation with the orthopedic surgen. She told me that she will need a total hip replacement on both hips. I wasnt surprised by that. She told me I have to take her to the University of Madison. So yesterday I called Madison and I am scheduled for another consultation on June 30th and the 1st procedure will be done on July 1st. I was expecting to pay $3200.00-$3600.00 for both hips. Boy was I wrong. This procedure will cost me $6400.00 for both hips. OUCH!!!!! That will hurt my pocket book for awhile. I guess its time for a 2nd job. So after the 1st surgery is done the 2nd one will take place 6 months after. What we do for the love of our animals. The surgen also told me if she was a little younger they would have done a TPO but They can't do that for her now. She stated she needs the full hip replacement done. So if everyone can please keep Moka in your prayers and wish us luck I would really appreciate it.

Thank You!!

[carolynnl4]

Poor Moka! (And poor you!) I totally understand where you're coming from as far as the OUCH goes ... Have you considered CareCredit? Or one of the other programs that let you borrow interest free?

And thank you so much for being one of those people who doesn't think it's insane to go spend more money on your beloved companion than you paid for her!

[MOKASMOM]

Originally Posted by carolynnl4

... Have you considered CareCredit? Or one of the other programs that let you borrow interest free?

Actually I asked the secretary up in Madison that I didnt have that kind of money she told me not to worry and will deal with it when I get there. So I have no idea what plans they have. All I know is I dont want to be in collections and have to call on myself to pay my own bill.

[jas'smom]

Sorry you and Moka have to go through this. Some comfort in knowing that these replacements usually go well. Also, I have found that most of the University and teaching hospitals will work with you on a payment schedule. I had a horse that needed $20,000 dollars worth of surgery and after care. New Bolton (Asso with the U Of PA Vet School) was very fair and worked out payments.

[Miabella]

You know, it's often the case that after one side is replaced, the dog functions so well that the other side does not need to be replaced. I would do which ever side is worse first, go through the recovery period, and then see what's needed.

[MOKASMOM]

Originally Posted by Miabella

You know, it's often the case that after one side is replaced, the dog functions so well that the other side does not need to be replaced. I would do which ever side is worse first, go through the recovery period, and then see what's needed.

Yeah that it what I was told too. The only problem is that its goingt o be a difficult decision on which side to do 1st as both hips a equally bad. 1 side is not better then the other. Like yesterday she wis limping on her right side more but the week before it was the left. So I really dont know what they plan on doing.

[jasper's_mommy]

I am headed down that same path. Heidi's hips are bad and she is starting limp a little. I need to get x-rays taken, I am just dreading the prognosis. Ack!! I will definitely need to apply for additional credit.

[brunie's mom]

I am so sorry that you and Moka must go through this. My dog Bruno had to be euthanized at the age of 5 because of his HD, he was not a good candidate for hip replacement surgery.

I do think that you should try to get some of the surgery costs from your "breeder". It may be worth it to take her to small claims court....maybe the will stop breeding their dogs.

For those of you that don't remember we had a big discussion on these forums about this breeder...they had applied to breed even more Rottweilers ....a puppy mill for Rotts. Maybe by sueing them, and they lose money....they will stop breeding all together.

Gina

[MOKASMOM]

Originally Posted by brunie's mom

I am so sorry that you and Moka must go through this. My dog Bruno had to be euthanized at the age of 5 because of his HD, he was not a good candidate for hip replacement surgery.

I do think that you should try to get some of the surgery costs from your "breeder". It may be worth it to take her to small claims court....maybe the will stop breeding their dogs.

For those of you that don't remember we had a big discussion on these forums about this breeder...they had applied to breed even more Rottweilers ....a puppy mill for Rotts. Maybe by sueing them, and they lose money....they will stop breeding all together.

Gina

On that note I wanted to let you know I just contacted Lacrosse Tribune and had a discussion about my whole situation and they told me they where going to call me next week about writing an artical about them and also who to contact about this whole situation. I dont really know if I would loose this case or not. I spoke to the breeder back in Febuary and they told me to bring her back. Thats not going to happen. So what does a true breeder in this case do if the OP does not want to return the dog and continue on. Who would be responsible to pay for it? In my eyes it looks like I will be responsible for it since I will not do what her guarantee states.

[LavenderRott]

It will be interesting to see if this reporter gets any reaction from other people who have gotten pups from this "breeder". Since one of the concerns I raised with the board that approved their breeding facility was the long term health of pups coming from parents with no serious health checks, I would love to hear how many people are like Michele. With wonderful pups that they adore and MAJOR preventable vet bills.

[MOKASMOM]

Originally Posted by LavenderRott

It will be interesting to see if this reporter gets any reaction from other people who have gotten pups from this "breeder". Since one of the concerns I raised with the board that approved their breeding facility was the long term health of pups coming from parents with no serious health checks, I would love to hear how many people are like Michele. With wonderful pups that they adore and MAJOR preventable vet bills.

Thanks LavenderRott. I will try my best. The only problem is the Schombergs sold pups to all over the place not just Wisconsin. So it's going to be hard to find everyone out there. Unless this gets put on the internet for everyone to see. Which I hope. I will kept everyone updated as to what is going on. Thanks Everyone for the support. So far its just me, myself, and I doing this battle.

[LavenderRott]

You may be fighting the battle yourself, but you have one heck of a cheering section!

[Brooke&Ryan]

Originally Posted by LavenderRott

You may be fighting the battle yourself, but you have one heck of a cheering section!

Sandi is correct. We're a bunch of letter writers, so let us know if you need any help in that department for writing letters to the newspaper. It's wonderful that you're trying to help other owners not make the mistake of buying a puppy from that "woman".


Brooke

[Judi W]

Before proceding with the surgery I would ask the surgeon if he could put me in contact the the owners of other large dogs that have had the surgery. I would want to visit, see how their dogs are getting along and ask them about it. Now realize he is pretty much going to refer you to people where the surgery is successful, but still do your homework.

[lblax]

Originally Posted by Judi W

Before proceding with the surgery I would ask the surgeon if he could put me in contact the the owners of other large dogs that have had the surgery. I would want to visit, see how their dogs are getting along and ask them about it. Now realize he is pretty much going to refer you to people where the surgery is successful, but still do your homework.

and dont forget to ask him about the developmant of arthritis after the operations. with surgery comes scar tissue and artheritis. and talk to a person who has had joint replacemants it isnt a fun procedure.. remember your not doing the procedue on a loved on that will be here for years to come a dogs time on earth is short lived in the best of circumstances, your dog will more than likely experiance pain for months or up to 2 years after the surgery and just like humans wont be 100% after surgery. a women in our club has had both hips done and she is into her 2nd year of recovery.. im not trying to be the party pooper here but really think out your options before you take time away from your family to work that 2nd job or spend the family nest egg because what i have seen of the dogs that have had it done just really isnt that great.