Post Operative care and costs

JCR

Hi - my dog is going in for an operation next Tuesday to have a lump removed from his leg. This is my third time of going to the vets about this and the first time they have suggested getting it taken off. Anyway - I wondered if anyone on here may have a ball park figure about how much it will cost. He is insured but I just want to prepare myself for how much I'll be forking out for before I can claim it back.

Also has anyone got any advice for post op care. I have been told that he will not be able to go out for walk for 10 days, given that he is a very lively golden retriever who loves his walks, this is going to be very hard on us both.

Thanks

Alibi_2

Ask your vets to provide you with an estimate prior to surgery, as the cost will depend on how long the vet takes to take the lump off, suture the site, whether it will need dressing, etc.

As for exercise it really depends on where the lump is being taken from, if its somewhere were there isn't a lot of skin and the sutures are going to be under pressure from exercise then strict rest for 10 days it will be, however generally if its on a good fleshy bit you should be alble to do short walks on the lead only for 10 days until the sutures are removed or if they are disolvable ones until the wound has healed. Also if its lower leg / foot area you want to keep the wound area as clean and dry as possible so if you are allowed to take for short lead walks you may have to cover the wound are whilst out. Again check with your vet as they will be the best to advise you.

And save you forking out (except the excess, usually around £60) ask if you can make a direct claim for the op.

Hope everything goes well post-op, I have a Goldie too and know how they like to get out and socialise!

katiep_2

With regards to the exercise, keep him mentally stimulated inside the house. Train him to do some new tricks, or to search for a favorite toy etc.

I have a springer x. I can exercise him for HOURS and he'll still go, but it's mental stimulation that gets him to sleep and let me get on with the jobs!

~cleo~

hope everything goes well - my dog is having leg surgery in a couple of weeks time, its very complex procedure and is going to cost £1200 the vet said because its a large amount of money they can deal directly with the insurer so it should be worth asking your vet if they can do this (as Alibi said above)

JCR

Thanks for your responses. The lump is unfortunately near his hip joint so movement will probably impact on the stitches. I will use his exercise time to try and stimulate him mentally - not sure what I'll do for myself though as I rely on the exercise too!!!!

Thanks again everyone.