Molly is our beagle and has been our pet now for seven years.
Last Friday night she came in from outside hobbling on three legs, favoring one of her back legs. She has done this from time to time, like when a thorn gets caught in her paw. I checked for thorns. None. I felt her leg and it was really limp. I had a bad feeling about this. She didn’t seem to be in any pain, but was napping a lot and was slow and sluggish.
The next morning, Vernal took her to the vet and learned that she had a pretty serious, yet common injury. She tore a ligament in her knee that allows the leg to expand or contract. I guess you can’t repair the ligament.
We have to make a decision, not about death but quality of life.
- Leave her as is and be a 3 legged dog, which could develop into serious arthritis problems later in life.
- Spend a butt-load of money for surgery, which could make leg usable again. I don’t like the idea of spending that much money on a dog, for something that could happen in her other leg. I am leaving this option open as vernal looks into payment plans.
Yesterday, she did catch a rabbit trail in our backyard and ran along crazily following the scent. She really hasn’t missed a beat. But it was sad to see her hobble over to her favorite spot on the couch to take a nap and look up at it knowing that she couldn’t jump.
What to do?
27 comments:
Oh, sweet Molly! The story brings back so many memories of Moose and her paw in her collar.
How sad! It breaks my heart to see animals that are hurting. That is a tough decision.
My dog has had 3 sugaries on his front left leg. Once to pin all of his fingers together( four screws, the result of a fall) And twice to repair the growth plate he broke(the result of being a rough playing puppy). His leg is bent at a 30 degree angle and when he stands it looks like it is backwards. He uses it about 75% of the time and for the most part gets around like any other dog.
it bothers us way more than it does him.
He is a rat terrier and weighs about 17 lbs. Clearly if he were a biger dog it would be a bigger issue. In under 2 years we have spent about 7 grand to repair him. People think it is stupid but how could I tell my kids that we were not going to fix there dog?? He has been an incredible addition to our family- even though he is obviously very handicaped. I would do it all over again. He is a great animal.
That always makes for a hard decision. Vernal is the more money-conscious person in your family, though, right? I think she will know what the right thing to do is, whatever that happens to be.
Vernal is more money conscious, but she is aslo more tender hearted and emotional when it comes to animals.
7 grand, ouch!!! Can't you come up with an excuse like it ran away and buy a new dog for 100 dollars?
I know, that sounds heartless.
No, I'm sorry I couldn't. Animals are a huge part of my family and this one is not replacable.
Clearly, my opinion is not for everyone- but it is what worked well for us.
No, I'm sorry I couldn't. Animals are a huge part of my family and this one is not replacable.
Clearly, my opinion is not for everyone- but it is what worked well for us.
I have a feeling that I would not be looked upon fondly, if we don't do the surgery. Vernal is exploring all the options. Molly gets one major surgery for her lifetime, so this better be it.
She is a good part of our family, I just wish the boys liked her more.
They will, give them time...
How old are your boys?
Goose is 2 years 10 months
Turkey is 10 months.
Goose is between Sam and Nate. Turkey is a year younger than Nate. I keep telling Seminole that our boys are gonna be in a rock band.
I love it!! My dughter is 9,My older son is 6 and my baby is 3. They will have alot more interest in the dog when they are older!! So are you guys done having babies??
We are thinking about one more, we'll see.
Wonderful. I never did figure out who that Captain Easy was on my sight- I do beleive it was a random blogger....
So, is your whole family into this blog thing??
Also have you ever been this direction?? The summer after 9th grade, my dad sent me to Seminoles in KS to stay with them but I do not beleive I have ever met you?? I think I met your sister, though.
My wife does it occasionally. She is busy with the kids at home, so when she get's a chance to get onling, she likes to catch up reading others before posting on her own.
Seminole and Magrelo just got into it last week. That is about it for my family.
I don't know who captain Easy is either.
Are you related to any of these people?
Yes, I have been to Rapid. Many times. We used to go every other year when Seminole used to live there. The last time I was there was in '99 for my grandpa's funeral.
You probably met my sister, but not me.
Yes I am related to Princess Justice. She is my sister and the Cheif Deputy States Attorney her in town. Hence the name. Everyone else has been my friends forever. I have known everyone on my blog for at least 15 years or longer. Kinda like Seminole.
awww, how sad for little molly. In my opinion... yes she's a part of your family, however, she's a dog... and besides, I think a three legged dog has character. It's cool. She will set the trend in your neighborhood. Don't deny her this great opportunity to overcome her disability and make something special and extraordinary of herself. Oh my gosh... I'm so excited for little molly's future! Go molly! The three legged dog! woohoo!
awww, how sad for little molly. In my opinion... yes she's a part of your family, however, she's a dog... and besides, I think a three legged dog has character. It's cool. She will set the trend in your neighborhood. Don't deny her this great opportunity to overcome her disability and make something special and extraordinary of herself. Oh my gosh... I'm so excited for little molly's future! Go molly! The three legged dog! woohoo!
Gina,
Sorry to disappoint, but I somehow agreed to surgery. I am standing firm, though, she only gets one surgery and that's it.
Yay Molly!! Good for you, Forrest!!
Hmmm... what a good daddy you are. I'm happy for little molly, although, she could have made such a statement of coolness and diversity.
and Forrest is all about coolness and diversity. She was just trying to fit in...
and Forrest is all about coolness and diversity. She was just trying to fit in...
With all the nipples she has it would be more than just one boob job.
Well not a vet, but darn good at what I do, never put a dog down for this reason ! Ask your vet for a Rx. of Rimadyl 75 mg. depending on Mollys weight ya can give 1/2 tab twice a day or maybe 1 tab twice of day also start her on InfamAway Hip and Joint Formula which is alot like Glucosamine they both will help with the pain, she may run with 3and 1/2 legs but she still has alot left in her!
I you are wondering who is writting this would ya believe Uncle Doug ! You are the only ones in the family that remeber me and I am so thankful of that! I truly love you guys and it sure would be nice to see ya again, also the plan that I gave above ! I have Shaedow on, and she is older than Molly so hang in there if ya want to talk give me a call! Love you guys, God Bless !
He Haw I know about Ole Dogs and Scooter Rats , Mountainmen as I am one!
Sure do miss ya guys! Doug
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