Confirmed NFA

catseyes

catseyes

New member
It is confirmed that he has Newfoundland Forelimb Anomoly NFA.

His elbows are misplaced
His ulna and radius are different lengths one short one long, the long radius bowing badly.
His wrists are deformed
His feet splay out
He has carpal hyperextesion.

His xray were sent to Fitzpatricks - he can have work done surgically but it would mean possibly years of operations in stages on all joints and bones in the front legs with no guarantee of it working and even if they did he will never be normal. It would involve a lot of pins, plates and metalwork. Lots of pain and a cost of over £20k.

His radius is so bowed on both legs they believe that bone will soon shatter through his elbows. Noel himself is away for 2 weeks so we have to wait to see him but in the meantime his legs could go.

He is not in pain, is happy and we will allow him to enjoy what time he has left, as it will not be very long before he is in pain and struggling and then we will have to say goodbye.

Zelda is in love with him and it will break her aswell. Again.
 
Angela

Angela

Super Moderator
Oh no. Don't know what to say. Post more pics of that precious face. I think we have all fallen in love with him. Many hugs to you all.
 
L

lmfoltyn

New member
Oh my goodness...I can't believe such a thing...how old is this precious guy? His picture is just adorable!
 
dreamchaser456

dreamchaser456

New member
So sorry to hear this. Hopefully he will surprise the docs and everyone and live pain free longer than expected. You are all in our prayers now.
 
nowhavethreebears

nowhavethreebears

New member
I am so sorry to hear that your boy has NFA. But all is not lost. Don't assume that he can't live a normal lifespan.

A member who is inactive on here now (Karen Palmer Henson) who posted as luvxl k 9 has a dog Apache who has a very severe case. I believe he just turned 10 and leads a normal life. I believe you have already been in contact with Sula217?

They did water therapy with him and he never had a surgery. His legs aren't perfect but they are pretty amazing. The treatment regimen they used is named after him.
If I am telling you stuff you already know, sorry. It might benefit someone else who's new here though. You can contact Karen through her FB page.

I guess what I'm trying to say is DON'T give up on your boy and assume that he's doomed until you try some non surgical therapies with him. Please at least give it a shot. You will know when/if it is time to give up.

Sending many prayers for your family and your boy.
 
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catseyes

catseyes

New member
Vets have phoned and said fitzpatricks will try and see us next week BUT we're weighing up if it is worth it... we know they are gonna say multiple surgeries and at the costs we cant afford.
 
Ginny

Ginny

New member
Good grief. I'm so very sorry to hear this. Newfs are fabulous, but one tough breed. There are just so many problems for which we desperately need genetic markers. I hope your breeder gets involved with the NFA group.
 
DAWNMERIE

DAWNMERIE

Active member
The news is devastating I'm sure but don't give up. Keep that sparkle this he has and see what plans God has for you both, you might be surprised. I would make the diet changes (if you haven't already) you'd be very surprised at the newfs ability to defy all vets. Maybe Apachie's mom can also be of some help as I don't think she did any surgeries. We are all here for support should you need it.
 
victoria1140

victoria1140

Active member
Take a deep breath.l know when we got Max's cancer diagnosis it took us a while to settle and do the research and get an action plan going.Max's specialists told us they didn't expect him to be as fit and normal as he is so don't give up,these creatures can be amazing .

Its still worth getting an appointment at Fitzpatrick's, even if the news is bad then there may be something that can be done to help.
At least you can discuss options surgical and non surgical and perhaps they can do something to help with the costs.

Either way enjoy your boy and take loads of photos and videos and spoil your special boy.
 
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N

Newfs Forever

New member
I am so very sorry to read this. But as "nh3bears" has mentioned please try to seek out a good canine therapist for potential underwater treadmill, e-stim or lasering for an evaluation. It certainly would/could be well worth your while.

Sending many good thoughts and prayers.
 
catseyes

catseyes

New member
Im currently looking for hydro, physio, acupuncture, homeopathy etc.

We heard from the specialists and i was less than impressed. She said when you come in dont feed him on the day, taken aback i said he has had xrays so doesnt need anymore, she said oh no for the surgery!!

I said what surgery?? That we arent planning on having a consult and diving right in when we have been told he would need possibly 6 plus surgeries each with follow ups, xrays, ct scans none included in the prices which for 1 op start at 5k each.

I said we want a consult but there is no way we are jumping straight in.. he was meant to be away next week but changed his plans to see us, part of me thinks he saw a huge cheque coming his way.
 
Angela

Angela

Super Moderator
Oh that is scary, you mean he was thinking of operating without even seeing him? Do you know how prevalent FA is over there?
 
catseyes

catseyes

New member
He was planning on seeing him for a consult then operating straight away.

I dont think it is anywhere near as prevalent as it is in the usa.. i have yet to find anyone over here with a confirmed case.
 
skoorka

skoorka

New member
My heart is breaking for you, and I wish I had something to fix this. I've got friends down the road who's beautiful Newf boy has the same horrid condition but he is four and happy as heck! I am sending you tons of (((HUGS))), love and Newfy kisses!
 
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