Hips displasia/arthritis - may be a time for the op....

Fosterdog

If you can't find anyone to move in with could you maybe look into a flat/house swap for a few weeks?

Or possibly design some sort of sling/harness type thing that means you can lift her back end in a safe way, using the rail of the stairs to take most of the weight and she can walk using just her front legs? sorry my imagination is running away with me now

con1888

Could you maybe even try renting say a caravan or something for a few weeks til she recovers enough to go downstairs?

faerie~spangles

Gettingready, I feel for you I really do.

I too live in a first floor flat and my 12yr old Lab is starting to have difficulty managing the stairs.

I've discussed it with my OH and have decided that when the time comes that my old boy can't manage the stairs I will have him pts.

Caroline_a

GR I've racked my brains about this one, but can't think of anything useful for you. Hopefully the insurance may be able to help, or the consultant.

Hugs
xx

rising_from_the_ashes

Awwww GR (((hugs))) I know how long you've been dreading the time this may come - nothing useful to add (sorry) except to say that Noel F is fantastic.

Did anyone watch the series on TV? It's really amazing what can be done now.

Keeping my fingers crossed for her examination (and for your speedy recovery too of course)

gettingready

Thanks everyone - have to see what can I work out with insurance alone as I do not drive or have access to a car, no cash (or acces to credit) for renting somewhere else for after the op either ...

Will see when the vet says on the 28th, will talk to insurers and take it from there...

What bugs me is that she is only 5 years and 9 months , wants to run, play, chase a ball etc.. even with her legs as they are.

She is being walked on a lead only now and she is not very happy

Wellyboots6

Tyson is not much older though and he has started with it.

It is being managed quite well now with his tablets and injections, so hopefully that will keep him mobile for a while longer.

I do understand what you are going through though. I have a flight of steps from my back door up to the garden and am worrying about what to do once he struggles with the steps

gettingready

The problem with tablets and injections is that they do not solve the problem, they only get rid of the pain that is why I am looking into surgery.

There is an excellent post re this type of surgery here - if anyone wants to read up on it:

http://www.petforums.co.uk/dog-health-nutrition/118528-diary-hip-replacement.html

Waterfalls

I love assisting with the total hip replacements in out surgery. its such a clever surgery. and i love that sometime the dogs do home the next day feeling more comfortable than when they came in.

con1888

No way of getting a temporary ramp ? Would that solve anything.