Consultation with the specialist

Having just moved to the godawful city of Las Vegas, we were pretty worried that we would not be able to find a specialist or that the vet would somehow be as untrustworthy as the rest of the Las Vegans. [For instance a normal-enough person I know from work drives to Utah just "to get a decent oil change"] This is obviously a bit of an exaggeration, but you can understand our feeling of vulnerability during the process.

I looked online and searched for vets that are certified to do the TPLO procedure, since it does require some specialized training. Apparently the surgery was developed when a researcher noticed that the old type of surgery where a "synthetic" ligament recreates the cruiciate was failing highly active dogs. He then developed the TPLO surgery which requires cutting the bone and creating a "plateau" where the joint is absorbing the downward pressure of the tibia. (Ask your vet for a model, it is rather complicated and requires understanding a variety of the angles involved in canine anatomy.)

We found our vet online and felt very good after seeing what type of facilities were available (hydrotheraphy) and the level of training the staff had. Our consultation was rather expensive, considering it involved looking at the X-rays and my husband and I asking questions based on information we already looked up. The doctor did comment to us that TPLO is the surgery that he would do on his own 9 year-old Lab if he were in the same position. He also said that he approaches the surgery with every expectation that "Pocky will once again climb Turtlehead Peak and hike with us again". (I'm not sure if he's ever been up Turtlehead, but if that is the outcome I will be overjoyed.

We had some choices in addition to the type of surgery (the "old" procedure vs. TPLO). We had to choose to do arthroscopy or non-arthroscopy. (We chose the first because it may help in the recovery process and is slightly better for the vet as they view the joint.) It cost about $400 more. In the end, we ended up with a long itemized bill with a high estimate and a low estimate. It is going to be around the expected $3000. This includes the follow-up visit to remove the stitches, but does not include the final set of X-rays or the hydrotherapy.

We scheduled the surgery for March 28. He will be dropped off in the morning, stay overnight and be picked up at noon the following day. I am writing this on the eve of the surgery and I can honestly say that I am terrified.