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Expert: - 2/19/2010


Question
Hello,

I am writing to seek advice regarding a post TPLO surgical complication my 8.5 year old Labrador is suffering from.  It is very rare.  My Labrador has TPLO surgery on his right knee for a partial CCL tear in September 2009 and was FULLY rehabilitated.  In February he under went TPLO surgery on his left knee and also had his right knee scoped.  When I picked him up the doctor said the right leg looked great; however, my dog was knuckling when he walked on the right foot.  The knuckling later turned into a dropped right hock.  The surgeons said there was complication with surgery.  They don't know what caused the knuckling and dropped hock but suspect a complication with the epidural or a stroke.  

I am seeking advice because the physical therapist has advised me to purchase a $900 brace for the right ankle.  Is the liable for any of the damage he did to my dogs right leg?  My family is very upset.  They feel like the vet should pay for any expenses related to the right leg since it was perfectly fine before they surgery.

Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.  They have admitted something happened to my dog while he was under they're care.  I went to the most expensive and renowned TPLO surgeon in my state.  


Regards,
TPLO complication

Answer
Courtney,
I am not a vet or a lawyer. You really need to contact a lawyer in your state. You should also contact the Veterinary Medical board in your state but contact a lawyer first.

I tried to file charges against a vet that was a surgical specialist for performing a surgery ($2500)on a dog that should never have undergone the procedure, causing a financial strain and undue emotional suffering for my Mom and Dad. I got no where with it because I went to VMB. The point is, like doctors, while they 'investigate' the case, sometimes you wonder how much they are looking out for each others backs.

Call a good lawyer that will give you a free consultation and take the case on contingency meaning they get paid if they win.

Good luck.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

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