Welcome to the Bandit Bulletin!
My name is Shannyn, and I am Bandit's Foster Mom! I will provide updates here as we travel with Bandit on his journey to being a fully healed pup from Hip Displaysia!
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Howdy & Gig'em!
Bandit had a big day yesterday at the Texas A&M Small Animal Hospital in College Station. He was seen by Dr. McAlexander and 4th yr. Vet Student, Natalie. We were so impressed by our whole experience all day long!
When we arrived, we were checked in quickly...they had our paperwork ready seeing the collie walk through the doors. After a quick wait and some sniffs around the waiting room, we were called back.
Bandit was a big boy and hopped up on the scale. He weighs in at 55lbs. Then we sniffed all the way back to our room. Here, we met with Patti, the Ortho Assistant. She gave us a run-down of what our day would look like and what we should expect.
Patti took Bandit back for his intial wellness exam, very similar to what your vet would do on your pet's yearly visit. While that was being done, our vet student came and got what we know of sweet Bandit's history. I wish he could talk so that we knew more.
Then, he had an ortho exam done. They watched how he walked, sat, got up, laid down, ran, reviewed Radiographs sent in, etc..
After this, I was called back and met with the Ortho Specialist, Dr. McAlexander. He was super thorough in all of his explanations, and patiently answered all of my questions that I had for him; which was a lot. He first confirmed Bandit's initial diagnosis from Dr. McIntyre of severe Hip Dispaysia, and a Partial Sub Luxation of his right hip. He also confirmed that his left hip is deterioriating as well.
I must say that being at a teaching hospital is great for this teacher! I learned SO much yesterday. As the Dr. presents, the vet student is present taking notes as well.
After giving us his diagnosis, he gave us 2 options for treatment. We have opted for the Total Hip Replacement. As we want Bandit to have a full life with little side effects. Yes, we know that everything has potential side effects, but this is the lesser option for him to be able to play & play to his collie hearts content. He falls into the Tier 1 Category, and this estimated cost is about $8,500. This includes his tests before, surgery & post-op care in the hosptial.
Bandit was then ready to begin the Pre-Screening they do before he could be 'ok'd' to have surgery. Their animals have to pass a Dermatology screening. This cuts down on possible post surgical infections for the pups. They put him under to get 4 different views of Radiographs to use for surgery. Then he would have to pass with no bacteria in urine & good bloodwork.
Yesterday, Bandit was able to get his Radiographs done. After that, he recieved lots of snuggles as he woke up from Natalie. The bad news of the day was Dermatology. They found 2 little spots on his tummy. So, we have 4 weeks of 2/week medicated baths to clear any infections that might be brewing in all his fur that they may not have been able to see besides on his tummy. This is totally ok though! This gives us a little more time to raise some money, and get Bandit some items for his wish list.
Bandit hanging out in the back with Natalie.
We go back to Texas A&M on Wednesday, November 29. If Bandit passes on this day, he will have surgery the following day. Say some prayers that his skin clears up & stays clear!
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