You might not have imagined that jumping off the couch for a little dog could be the start of big knee issues but poor Destino was destined for 2 major knee surgeries before he reached the age of 4.
Patellar luxation is a slipping knee (the patella) that can move out of position too easily. It's measured in grades (grade 1 being the least problem, grad 4 being the worst) and is treated with pain medication in less severe cases and corrected with surgery for the higher grades.
After Destino jumped off the couch one day, he started to limp a little and after a veterinary exam, his owners discovered he had a 3.5 grade out of 4 patellar luxation in his left knee as well as a grade 2 of 4 patellar luxation in the right knee. His pet parents had no idea.
Destino had two surgeries over 2 years and is now back to his old self.
Here's an example of the costs associated with the most recent surgery on the right knee performed in Parkland, Florida in January 2009.
ITEM Baytril 68mg Qty 7 $ 21.70 Clavamox 125mg Qty 14 $ 16.80 Tramadol 50mg Qty 21 $ 21.00 Metacam 10ml $ 26.50 CBC $ 43.00 General Health Profile IH $ 84.00 Electrocardiogram Pre-Anesthetic $ 60.00 IV Catheter $ 45.00 Fluid Intravenous per Day $ 38.00 Infusion Pump daily $ 5.00 Anesthesia General $ 105.00 Anesthesia 1/2 hr $ 50.00 Anesthesia Electronic Monitoring $ 28.00 Buprinex Inj x4 $ 108.00 Baytril Inj $ 37.00 Hospitalization per night $ 40.70 Daily Dr. Exam $ 21.40 Metacam Inj $ 36.00 Infectious Control Fee $ 5.00 E-Collar $ 19.50 Surgery $ 1,100.00 $ 1,911.60
Destino's refund check was $1,463.04 after a $200 deductible and 10% copay (the Prescription Drugs & Dental Illness add-on was not chosen for Destino's policy) for a monthly premium of $24.76.
Related posts:
Guest post: A General Discussion of Orthopedic Issues in Dogs
Guest Post: Four Most Common Orthopedic Problems in Dogs
Top 10 ways to prevent orthopedic issues in dogs
How much did you say patella luxation cost to treat in my dog?
