Eli's back from the Vet's... and not with good news... He completely tore his Cruciate ligament. The Vet recommended TPLO, but he cannot do it himself. It'd have to be with a specialist or with this traveling surgeon, who'd come into their office. He said $2k for the TPLO with a specialist, maybe somewhat cheaper with the traveling guy. He said there's no damage to the knee bones, which is good. And he was surprised how well Eli gets around with it completely torn. Attributed that to the Deramax, which eliminates the inflammation.

Koko, why do you say there are too many risks with TPLO?

I tried to do some research on CCL damage, most people said the outcomes of regular surgery vs TPLO were pretty equal, but for some reason the Vet doesnt think so. He said we'd get much better results with the TPLO, than the regular surgery, which he could do for ~$500-600.

We're kind of at a loss... J just lost her job last week to 'downsizing'... so coming up with an extra $2k is a stretch right now. $600 wouldn't be as bad, but when he acted like the results would be so poor... Its a hard decision.

It's also hard because this isn't our normal vet, he's just the one in the office who'd be able to do the surgery. Our normal vet isn't able to do so I guess, so she had us see him instead. So trusting him... is kind of hard too. Although, I know she trusts him, enough to share an office with him (and has for many years).

On a good note, his hips look excellent (always worry since he has so many bone issues...) and he was a very good patient.