Little Gypsy Rose and Schnitzel were playing together when Gypsy started screaming bloody murder. Her little leg was sticking straight out and she kept screaming. I thought that Schnitzel had somehow broken Gypsy's leg. Gypsy Rose acted like she was going to bite me but turned and bit her own leg instead. Crying like a baby I grabbed her and went running to the vet here in Monroe.

They did xrays and said she has Luxating Patella, the vet said she has it in both her legs but the one that went out was the worst. They said she will need an operation and it will cost around $600.00 for each knee. The vet told me what would be done during the operation and it made me feel so sick.

Gypsy Rose wouldn't be able to use her leg for a couple of months if they do the operation. They had to put her little knee back into place and said to watch it for a while. They said if it went out and they were closed I could try to move it around to put it back in place. Or take her to a emergency room. I would be afraid to hurt her even further if I tried to put it back in.

So now tomorrow I will be making another 80 mile trip to her own vet to see what he has to say about it. Maybe it will be less costly in Jackson. I am beside myself I wonder when will the pain ever end. Is this the price we pay for wanting more furbabies in our lives? I will let you all know what the vet says when I take Gypsy Rose up there.
Ann
Here we were so happy just a little while before it happened! Picture taken just hours before it happened today.

Ann,

Keep us posted on sweet Gypsy Rose. You have been through so much!!

Sending prayers your way.

Love,

Kathy

Ann,

Your babies are very cute. Keep your spirits up ... it just a bump in the road. My mother-in-laws black lab had the same thing and went through the surgery and had many great running years after.

Vicki (Stymy's Mom)

Dear Ann,

Poor Gypsy Rose! My first year of teaching I had a student who had chronic dislocating knees. Her knee dislocated in my class one day...it was awful...poor girl, she was in so much pain. I feel so bad for Gypsy...at least my student understood what was happening to her...little Gypsy had no clue.

I can sympathize with the surgery your looking at...my cat, Calvin, has tested postive for hyperthyroidism. I have to take her back on Monday for a recheck. If she tests positive again, we'll be doing surgery on Wednesday. The surgery will cost between $700-$800. I'll make my last payment this month for Shiloh's chemotherapy, and now I'll be looking at another big vet bill. I love Calvin so much, I can't imagine not doing what needs to be done.

Keep us posted on little Gypsy.
Love,
Kathleen

Oh Ann...
Just when you were feeling so much better!
Poor little Gypsy Rose!!
I hope the vet in Jackson offers some better options for you.
Thinking of and praying for you and your furbabies.
Love,
Fran

Oh no! The poor little sweetie.

I'm so sorry Ann. I hope she's better really soon.

I'm sure she'll be ok, but what a scare for you again.

Give her a special treat from her "Aunt Steph"

Dear Ann,

Thinking of you and hoping your sweet Gypsy Rose will be OK. Poor little thing. She looks so adorable sitting with you and Schnitzel. Like you said, you were finally at a point of feeling happy again. Hopefully, your regular vet will have better news, especially about the cost of the surgery. You never think you're going to need it but we all should get medical insurance for our pets when they're young.

Lynn

Hi Ann,

How's the lil one doing? How are you??

Steph

Hi Ann,
Hannah had that too, and once a vet suggested surgery, but we didn't do it. It would start and then stop bothering her, especially when I took her to the vet -- all of a sudden, it didn't seem to bother her anymore. Maybe I should have had that done after all too, but I did not because it was only intermittent and then seemed to be okay. I certainly hope Gypsy Rose won't have to have the surgery either. I know how hard that would be on both of you.
Love,
Marcia

Ann,

How is Gypsy Rose doing today?


Kristie

Thank you all for asking about little Gypsy Rose. I was so worried about her. It seems like since Chili Bean and Snookie died and then Amber was so sick I just worry all the time.

The vet in Jackson said Gypsy Rose does indeed have Luxating Patella. He said that the x-rays showed it was not as bad as the vet here in Monroe lead me to believe.

Dr. Tim said there is no need to do an operation now and that we will watch it and see what happens. He said they usually don't do anything until it gets in the last couple of stages. If it needs to be done later the good news is it is only $400 a knee instead of the $600 per knee here.

Her knee went out one other time before she was able to see the vet in Jackson but after 15 minutes she was walking on it again. All her blood work was good so that makes me feel better too. The doctor said it may not get any worse and I can buy joint medicine at the drug store that helps both humans and animals.
Love, Ann

Dear Ann,

I'm sorry that Gypsy was officially diagnosed with the luxating patella, but I'm glad that it's not as serious or expensive as the vet in Monroe led you to believe.

We can all breathe a little sigh of relief for sweet Gypsy Rose!

Love,
Kathleen

Ann,

That's good news that little Gypsy Rose doesn't need surgery right now. You all must be very relieved.

Lynn

Ann-
I'm so glad the news is good. At least Gypsy Rose is not required to have any surgery now.
Hope you are feeling a bit better after the vet visit.
Love,
Fran