What would you do if your trusted vet said...

I had a similar experience, not one that required surgery though.  Xerxes developed canine papillomas (puppy warts) to a horrible degree.  My normal vet kept me coming back and hesitating to make any decisions.  He consulted a dermatology text several times in my presence.  I felt he was out of his league, so I called a veterinary dermatologist that my family had used for our akita with sebaceous adenitis.  $200 and 7 days later (including the meds) we were papilloma free and have remained so.
 
So in my case visiting the specialist worked for me, and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again, if the need arose.

I would have ask for an explanation of " I think so" can you fix it or not? Not I think so.

Why does a dog have to be under anesthesia to have an x-ray?

ORIGINAL: Lilea

Why does a dog have to be under anesthesia to have an x-ray?

Manipulating his leg to the extent that they need to get good pictures would cause him severe pain.

"I think so" needs to be clarified.... does he mean he thinks he can do it (but isn't sure) or he thinks it can be done but either needs to see the x-rays or actually get in there to get a clearer picture?  I'd recommend further discssuions with your vet and as calliecritters said, ask outright if they think you should see a spec..... Getting a specialist opinion couldn't hurt could it?

Hi Sooner,
Well, total reconstruction is very different then fixing a fracture as you know. A big part of surgery is confidence and "I think so" is never an option with me. If I don't know I can do it, I call in help! Now, just because he hasn't done the exact procedure before doesn't exactly mean he can't. If he is comfortable with the anatomy, instruments, and prosthetic's then of course everything will likely be fine. Every patient is different with a different presentation, the basics are the same, but I encounter new things every day. It's hilarious to see a 60 y/o surgeon at my work say, "well I've never seen it do that before" about the way a tumor envades or a bone breaks. You are never goint to find someone who has seen everything, because that surgeon doesn't exist If I were you I would bring up these points with your trusted vet first. Ask what about the surgery is different to him and ask again if he is confident he can perform it. Although people would love to label us as arrogant, we actually do have the best in mind for our patients and the better part of valor is to step aside if it is beyod our skills/training. I wouldn't recommend going to a specialist before speaking with your vet as I would hate for it to affect your long time relationship and it very well may. Your vet is there to come up with a plan WITH you and you deserve to feel comfortable before your baby is on the table! I hope all works out well, good luck

Thanks for the input everyone, fortunately it isn't what the vet originally thought. Wylie has been x-rayed and needs a pin in his elbow - which they are doing right now. I'm quite comfortable with the vet performing this surgery.

Wylie and I appreciate any good vibes you can spare for a good surgery and recovery  [sm=happy.gif]

Good vibes for Wiley coming your way!

Good vibes for Wylie & your vet.  I can't wait to see more photos of him as he recovers.  When you can, please give him some head skritches from me & maybe some ear rubs.