Surgery needed on hips after car accident?

LumpyLycan · Mar 15, 2018

My frenchie was involved in a car accident on 3/13, both his hips were dislocated. So far he's doing fine and healing well, but the vets are suggesting hip surgery rather than giving him some anesthetic and popping them back into place. He has no broken bones or anything else requiring surgery. It's not that I don't want to give him the best care, but I am always skeptical that they are money grabbing and eager to slice and dice when its not necessary (no offense intended to vets) To date of posting on this forum; we're just short of 48 hours since the accident and still nothing has been done about his hips. He's just been heavily medicated at the moment and I am told he needs to rest so his blood tests can stabilize and he can be ready for surgery. I do believe he's not in good enough shape for surgery, but I'm questioning the need for surgery.

Tgirl · Mar 15, 2018

Usually the success of pupping them back into place is greatly influenced by how long it's been. The sooner the better. There may be a reason they didn't want to do it right away though, so it's hard to say. I work for a vet and we would MUCH rather be able to just pop them back in but sometimes that just won't work for whatever reason. Did they explain why they didn't think that would work? There are many things that could be influencing their decision about that. Vets don't make as much money as you think. Every one that I know really does what they think is best for the pet.

Alice Kable · Mar 16, 2018

I'd suggest getting a 2nd opinion if you don' t have complete trust in the vet.

I am so sorry you were involved in a car accident!

2bullymama · Mar 20, 2018

LumpyLycan said:
My frenchie was involved in a car accident on 3/13, both his hips were dislocated. So far he's doing fine and healing well, but the vets are suggesting hip surgery rather than giving him some anesthetic and popping them back into place. He has no broken bones or anything else requiring surgery. It's not that I don't want to give him the best care, but I am always skeptical that they are money grabbing and eager to slice and dice when its not necessary (no offense intended to vets) To date of posting on this forum; we're just short of 48 hours since the accident and still nothing has been done about his hips. He's just been heavily medicated at the moment and I am told he needs to rest so his blood tests can stabilize and he can be ready for surgery. I do believe he's not in good enough shape for surgery, but I'm questioning the need for surgery.

How are things? So sorry this has happened

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LumpyLycan · Mar 20, 2018

2bullymama said:
How are things? So sorry this has happened

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Hi! Thanks so much for the responses about Lycan. So far he’s had surgery on the left hip because that was the worse one, his heart started to go into stress and O2 levels were dropping so they stopped the surgery to give him a rest, they’ll do his right hip on Thursday (3/22) he’s looking good and each day he’s much better and stronger. The vet says he’s quite young (I rescued him from a puppy mill so no idea of his age, 1-3 years old is the guess) I’m so glad I gave him this chance, even if it has just about financially crippled me. I have no regrets

Tgirl · Mar 21, 2018

I'm glad to hear the surgery went well. Poor little guy, having to have both hips done

. Please let us know how the next surgery goes. I'll be thinking of you both.

Frenchie Grrrl · Mar 22, 2018

So scary!!! Glad he's improving. Best of luck with the second surgery.

davidh · Mar 24, 2018

So sorry this has happened to your baby. I hope the surgery helps and he is able to have a quick recovery.

LumpyLycan · Mar 25, 2018

Lycan is finally home! I’m so relieved and thanks for all your kind words. Any advice on keeping him calm and relaxed? He’s not even a week out of surgery but he’s pacing up and down his cage howling and barking, he’ll only lay quietly if someone is next to him, and instructions are no walking or weight bearing, that’s about near impossible.

Tgirl · Mar 25, 2018

I'm glad he is finally home. It's easier said than done to keep a dog on cage rest. Have you tried giving him Benadryl to see if it will make him a little sleepy?

2bullymama · Mar 25, 2018

LumpyLycan said:
Lycan is finally home! I’m so relieved and thanks for all your kind words. Any advice on keeping him calm and relaxed? He’s not even a week out of surgery but he’s pacing up and down his cage howling and barking, he’ll only lay quietly if someone is next to him, and instructions are no walking or weight bearing, that’s about near impossible.

Do what ever you have to... it is very important to keep him calm with little activity.
[MENTION=188]Cbrugs[/MENTION]

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Cbrugs · Mar 25, 2018

LumpyLycan said:
Lycan is finally home! I’m so relieved and thanks for all your kind words. Any advice on keeping him calm and relaxed? He’s not even a week out of surgery but he’s pacing up and down his cage howling and barking, he’ll only lay quietly if someone is next to him, and instructions are no walking or weight bearing, that’s about near impossible.

Glad that he’s home! Yes, strict crate rest will be very important. You can ask the vet for trazadone which is a sedative. It won’t knock him out but will help keep him calm. You can also try CBD oil. My guy was on crate rest for 6 weeks after surgery and this is what I used to help relax him.

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