THANKS to ALL of you who have replied with beautiful words of encouragement
and Prayers ... means a LOT to us in this very difficult time.

Quote Originally Posted by Freedom View Post

All this time, Smoke has been "smokin'!" as he motored around.
You can't do something when you don't know there is an issue.

First, I wonder if a second opinion, or a specialist, may have a different take of this situation?

How old is Smokey, anyhow?
... recommends NOT using Rimadyl for dogs over 7 years of age.
There are 2 other pain relievers which do not pose issues ...
Dr. B is considered to be "An Orthopedic Specialist" in the eastern Ohio area.
He's done a LOT of knee and ACL reconstructions in his practice.
Our Doc Mike sends patients to Doc B frequently - they're good friends and both
understand the limitations of a One-Doc clinic vrs. a large, multi-Doc Hospital practice.
Doc Mike already knew I'd rushed Smokey in to see Doc B --- the Docs had
traded notes Thursday morning; and Debbie (from Dr. Mike's Office) had called me
on Thursday to offer their support and desire to be kept 'in the loop'.

Doc B is NOT a rush into anything guy --- he nixed an 'exploratory surgery' as not
warranted (yet) due to the seemingly sudden onset of the problem.
I think we're in Good Hands.


Quote Originally Posted by 4 Dog Mother View Post

Don't rush into anything.
Nothing important is going to change with that knee in the next few days/week.
Find out all you can about other options even if that means seeing another vet.

We will be keeping him and you in our prayers.
THANKS, Mom!!


Quote Originally Posted by Cincy'sMom View Post

I don't think any of us would have made a different choice then you did ...
seeing him run around the dog park for the last 5 years,
I would have never said he needed to have that knee checked out.

I remember maybe the first time you came,
he favored it once or twice toward the end of the day ...
but he hasn't shown a sign of pain out there since.

Dogs are so good at hiding their pain it is often to the extreme point before we humans ever know.
Doesn't make you a neglectful parent ... just makes him a strong dog!
Although Amy's thoughts are quite true ...
I can't help but know that I SHOULD have done more for Smokey SOONER!
He wouldn't be in this terrible situation IF I'd been a better and more diligent parent.

Eyes are leakin pretty bad ...
I'm gonna go {{{Hug}}} some FurKids.

THANKS Again, Gang!