Maxx has been a patient of Jarrettsville since 2019.
Early September of last year Maxx came in to be seen for non weight bearing on his right front paw. His annual exam was completed, including a blood draw which will be sent out to the lab for a full work up. Maxx also had his nails trimmed before his visit was over. He was sent home that day with oral pain medications to help with any discomfort he may be experiencing in the meantime.
Maxx’s bloodwork came back as ‘normal’ other than a previously noted ‘Lyme positive’ which everyone was already aware of. In light of this, a course of broad-spectrum antibiotic was started.
Early December Maxx was once again seen for right front limb lameness and this time around the examination findings are much more consistent with a bone tumor in his right humerus (upper front limb).
Confirming the diagnosis with an Oncologist was discussed. Amputation to relieve the source of the pain was walked about as well. The cost with a Board Certified Surgical Specialist is $3500-$4000. Jarrettsville Veterinary Center is able to offer this procedure at $1500-$2000. For the time being pain management was started by continuing Carprofen and adding on Gabapentin as well.
A few days later, Maxx’s right front limb amputation was scheduled at Jarrettsville.
On the day of surgery pre op radiographs were taken and revealed the humerus lesion has caused a pathologic fracture in the limb to be amputated. Three view chest radiographs were also taken and are concerning for metastic lesions. Concerned the amputation will not extend life or change the Patient’s expected outcome, but will be best option for pain management. The owner chose to continue with surgery.
The amputation went super smoothly and Maxx’s recovery was uneventful, which is to say things went very well and as expected. Maxx gently rested throughout the afternoon.
Later that evening, Maxx ‘s owner was here to pick up. A plastic Elizabethan collar was placed around Maxx’s neck much to his chagrin! A Technician explained his discharge and recheck instructions and answered any questions his owner may have asked.
Happy to report Maxx’s incision healed beautifully and he is doing great!
Rough surgical cost breakdown:
ANESTHESIA $125.00
Castration Canine $150.00
NAIL TRIM $0.00
Sedation/Pain/Anxiety Inj Meds $175.00
Oral Pain Meds To Go Home $25.00
Collar, Plastic Large 16-21 cm $15.00
RIMADYL INJ. 50mg/mL $48.80
I V CATHETER PLACEMENT $40.00
Fluid Pump $25.00
FLUIDS INTRAVENOUS $50.00
Acepromazine Inj./ml $10.69
Amputation of limb, Canine $1,000.00
Surgical Package $250.00
I V CATHETER PLACEMENT $0.00
FLUIDS INTRAVENOUS $0.00
Fluid Pump $0.00
Surgical Instrument Pack $0.00
Digital Radiograph, 4 or more Views $100.00
Fentanyl CRI/500ml $75.00
Fentanyl 50mcg/ml $22.72
ANESTHESIA (ADDITIONAL/MINUTE) $340.00
Gabapentin 300mg $16.00
Trazodone 100mg 12/20/2023 $16.00
Cefazolin Inj./ML, 100 mg/ml $44.48
Additional Suture Pack $240.00
Collar, Plastic Large 16-21 cm $15.00
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