Just my luck. Holiday=Emergency

[Whimsy]

Found one of our chins with a broken leg. My regular exotics vet is not in today, and my back up is closed.
The office I usually go it was open and they invited me to come in. However, when I got there they informed me that none of the vets in that day see exotics. They would not even give her sub-Q fluids. So they sent me to the emergency vet...who also does not have an exotics specialist in today. UGH! They suggested I stabilize her, and keep her comfortable until she can be seen by our regular exotics vet tomorrow morning.

I have metacam (0.5 mg/ml) on hand, but the vet couldn't even tell me what dosage to give! Seriously???

So, can anyone supply me with that handy calculation? This chin weighs in at 871g.

We're giving her critical care and fluids by mouth, which she is taking without any problems, but is not eating or drinking on her own.
She is alert and isn't chewing on her leg.
We have her in a carrier to keep her movements minimal.
Any other suggestions (and prayers) would be much appreciated.

 

[Stackie]

It sounds like you are doing everything you can. Anytime I have given metacam, it has been .1 CC's twice a day.

 

[ticklechin]

Guido is 876 gms and his dose was .1ml twice a day but my vet uses 1.5mg/ml metecam suspension.

 

[RDZCRanch]

Metacam(Meloxicam) should not be given to pregnant or lactating animals.

http://ratguide.com/meds/nsaids/meloxicam.php

Since she hasn't gone into shock, just keep her movements to a minimum, like you're already doing and get her to an exotic vet tomorrow to have the break assessed. You need to not only keep her health and comfort in mind but also the health of the babies.

 

[Whimsy]

Here's an update on all who are interested, or who are curious about the cost of surgery for a chin with a broken leg.

Please keep in mind that this chinnie's leg was obviously broken. It was not a sprain, strain or partial fracture. It was completely broken and I discovered was actually an open fracture, not closed as originally thought.

After hearing the stories of others who have tried to save a leg and have ended up with an amputation, we decided to save Kismet the months of recovery time on a technique that rarely works. I went to our regular vet armed with information and asked for an amputation.

My vet argued with me about wanting to try a pin first, then wrote up an estimate of $1500.00 for a straight amputation. He said the cost of a pin vs. an amputation is the same. I'm sorry, but that estimate sounded way far out, so off we went to our back-up vet.
Back up vet is charging $600.
Can you guess who we went with?

 

[6Dusters]

I guess I had better ask my vet and back up vet questions after reading your post. In regards to an amputation should that emergency come up here at the fur ball ranch.

Some forum members know that it is almost impossible seeing your exotic vet in the clinic when you have a true emergency. I only state this for new people who HAVE NOT thought about who will see your chinchilla. They are considered exotic and thus difficult in some cases to find that vet. And as Whimsy and I both know "you exotic vet" is not always working in the clinic the day you really need them.

I'm sorry about your girls leg. I know you have asked all the right questions in regards to the surgery. And I too would have to go with the lesser amount if the doctor was knowledgeable and I was comfortable with him or her.

Keep us informed.

 

[ABBY W.]

Wow, $1500? That is way out there! My vet charges no more than $800 for an amputation. Same for my backup emergency clinic.

As far as the metacam, the dosage I've always been given is .1 cc.

How's the poor baby doing?

 

[tunes]

I would have to move from your side of the country. My most expensive vet charges $150.00. My other two charge $65.00 and $45.00.

You might want to tell them you want a limb removed, not reattached.

 

[Whimsy]

I would have to move from your side of the country. My most expensive vet charges $150.00. My other two charge $65.00 and $45.00.

You might want to tell them you want a limb removed, not reattached.

:laughitup:

Well, I just picked her up. The actual charges were even less than they quoted me. It was ONLY 550 and some change. Still a lot, but much less than the original estimate.
I think I just might consider that move.

 

[NorthIdahoChins]

I'm so glad you were able to get her amputation done. I pray she heals quickly and is jumping around on her three beautiful little legs soon By the way, my little chinnie that had hurt her leg started using it the other day. I was blessed that mine wasn't as severe as yours. Would love to see pictures when you get a chance

 

[caiti]

Yay!! I'm glad you could get her fixed up and for about a third of your regular vet's quote.

 

[Whimsy]

Here are the pics, as requested.

 

[StevieP]

Whimsy, who were the vets that you went to?

 

[threewingedfury]

I would have to move from your side of the country. My most expensive vet charges $150.00. My other two charge $65.00 and $45.00.

You might want to tell them you want a limb removed, not reattached.

Sadly, in our neck of the woods - vets are just not reasonable when it comes to prices. It's rather unfortunate.

 

[Whimsy]

Whimsy, who were the vets that you went to?

The first vet is in Banfield on VB Blvd.
Now I use Pet Care on VB Blvd. All the vets at Pet Care see exotics, but I would avoid the blond female.

 

[NorthIdahoChins]

Thanks for the pictures Whimsy! Poor girl. I'm so glad that you took her in and got her leg amputated. I'm sure she will be hopping around in no time. What a good chin Mommy you are

 

[Tagna]

I would have to move from your side of the country. My most expensive vet charges $150.00. My other two charge $65.00 and $45.00.

You might want to tell them you want a limb removed, not reattached.

WOW! My emerg vet is $175 just to walk in the door and it's $85 for my regular vet just to walk in their door. I know our vet costs are higher in Canada but WOW! I can't imagine their cost for an amputation but I bet it's close to $2000.