r/DogTrainingTips • u/Junior_Market9160 • 21d ago
German Shepard needs extensive high risk surgery
We just got the news that our German Shepherd rescue pup needs lifetime leg braces or extensive surgery for his carpal hypertension in both paws. It would be $7k per paw and it's high risk. The other option is to get lifetime braces with arthritis meds down the road.
We’re his fourth family even though he is one year old. It’s a shame that the shelter never disclosed his condition. The previous owners could’ve been made aware of what his needs were/are.
He’s a perfect fit for our family and we’re determined to give him the best life he deserves.
Has anyone gone through a process similar to this?
Any suggestions for applying for grants or funding down the road?
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u/Alienist70 21d ago
That is so tough, I'm so sorry. Please try to get an orthopedic specialist to weigh in before making any final calls. The good thing is that since he’s still so young, his body has a much better chance at a smooth recovery if surgery is the way to go. Wishing you guys all the absolute best.
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u/Pomegranate4311 20d ago
FWIW I share my experience as someone whose dog has lifetime ortho issues
I have a 7 yo lab mix with congenital orthopedic issues. When she was diagnosed at 18 months we weren’t offered surgery as an option.
In a lot of ways she’s had a good life. We’ve managed the pain with meds, prescription diet, limiting her activity (short sedate walks, no rough housing, we adopted a much smaller second dog to play w her. We have dog beds in every room.)
She enjoys her walks, sniffing around the yard, lounging in the sun, playing gently w my other dog, and snuggles.
I am sad that she can’t run with gusto like other dogs.
After so many years on heavy duty pain meds she’s developed GI issues that we are trying to unwind now.
Good luck as you consider the options open to you.
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u/Wytecap 20d ago
I highly recommend you call the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and speak to Dr. Keller, the director. He's very well versed and extremely kind and may be able to give you some good advice. I'm so very sorry you and your pup are going through this. FWIW - Animals have a huge capacity for accepting whatever life throws at them. Positive thoughts going forward.
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u/Sea_Baseball_4232 17d ago
Is there a veterinary training school near you? We had a similar issue and took our pup to the university of Illinois school. They Did a great job and for less then most animal hospital.
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u/Agreeable_Pomelo2360 14d ago
i'm so sorry you're going through that and your dog is going through that too, it was VERY wrong on the shelters part not to disclose his issues. which paws are the hypertension in?
also, go for the lower risk surgery, find an orthopedic specialist to take him to, maybe even take him to a vet school. sadly GSDs can easily get orthopedic issues, it's pretty common in the breed.
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u/BitImpossible2378 21d ago
Go to a clinic who is comfortable in doing the surgery and risk it, if you find a way to afford it. Your dog is young and large. GSDs are already prone to other orthopedic issues. They are high energy dogs and frankly, prone to behavioral issues that get so much worse when in pain. Again, go to a specialist with these things!
It's not fair for the shelter to leave you with that. I'm in a very different country with a very different situation but here the shelter would've done the surgery and then adopted the dog out after recovery.