Tank’s in the hospital having his surgery!
Tank was admitted to the VCA Pet Hospital in Fountain Valley, CA. on Saturday, December 10, 2011. He had his right, front leg amputated yesterday. His veterinarian, Doctor B. called and told us Tank had gone through surgery well and he had waken up and was in recovery. The hospital we chose keeps the dogs until they can walk and go potty on their own, so we don’t have a discharge date for Tank as yet. We were given an estimate of $3500.00-$6,000.00 for the surgery and related expenses. I want to share the cost of things for us in case anyone else may be curious.
We have spent about $2,000.00 already with previous tests, x-rays and procedures done by our veterinarian. There was suspicion that Tank may have contracted Valley Fever, so he had been tested for that, but the tests came back negative. Our vet also took a sample of the bone where a lump had developed on Tank’s right, front leg. The bone biopsy actually came back negative for cancer, but our vet was unable to get a good sample, so he warned us cancer is still highly likely.
The surgeon told us the removed leg would be sent out for biopsy, and we had a 90% chance that it would come back as cancer, although he did point out that some dogs have to fall into that 10% group, so there was still hope. The vet assured us that there was also a 100% chance that Tank’s quality of life would improve with the removal of the infected leg! The surgeon has such a good attitude, it carries over to us and we have complete faith in him.
I have ordered a harness and pain removal pack from the Tripawds store. I love all the videos and selection of related items. I look forward to finding all the information and support we all need during this adjustment period!
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Good luck to you and Tank. I’m sure he’ll surprise you with his abilities after he’s recovered. These dogs are in the business of surprising us!
Shari
we send our best wishes for a speedy recovery for tank. the journey will be rocky, but remember to enjoy every moment you are given.
charon & spirit gayle
Hi and welcome to Tripawds. Good to hear Tank made it through surgery well.
If you have specific questions or are looking for lots and lots of support you might try posting in the Forums. A blog is a great place to write Tank’s story and post pictures (hint, hint) there are many more people who frequent the forums regularly.
Again, welcome. Looking forward to learning more about Tank.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Glad to hear Tank made it through surgery! My Max had surgery at the exact same place (we live in Tustin), but with a different surgeon (Dr. Rooks, but I think he has since retired). If you are not in the lucky 10%, and Tank does have cancer, one of the nation’s top veterinary oncologists (Dr. Barbara Kitchell, University of Michigan) consults there. She would fly in every month when we went through our initial diagnosis in 2008, so maybe she is still there now. Also, the gal who gave Max his chemo (Celia) was super nice. Best of luck to you and Tank, please keep us updated on his progress. He is a very handsome boy, I hope he feels better very soon!
Hi Tank, thanks for joining us here. We’re very sorry you had to, but with a name like yours, you’re going to stomp this thing flat, whatever it is.
As for costs, we really appreciate your sharing that. There is a forum discussion you can feel free to add to if you’d like, here.
We’re cheering you on my friend, good luck!