I called the vet’s office at Iowa State University today, and they said they were able to do a fistulagram — shoot dye into Buddy’s fistula (wound) in hopes of finding the foreign object causing the problems. If found, they would then perform surgery to remove the item. The fistulagram costs about $350, and the surgery $1500.
I’m disappointed, as I was hoping the cost would be significantly lower than the local specialist. However, I trust our vet when he tells me to “cut our losses,” amputate, and let Buddy move on to live a pain-free life as a tripawd. I wish money were not an object, but it is. And Buddy has already been through two unsuccessful surgeries and months of pain. Not to mention the low success rate of finding the object with the fistulagram.
I talk to someone about a possible job for me tomorrow. When I know more about that, I will make the appointment.
We all love Buddy and want the best for him.