Elbow Dysplasia

[robertjt]

Our Fin was diagnosed with ED today. He went in for a CT and unfortunately they found a very large fragmentation of the medial coronoid process. I guess the good news is that it's only his left side. Both shoulders look fantastic and so does his right elbow. He'll have arthroscopic surgery next Wednesday, 3/19 and will stay overnight.

Anyone else experience this? I'm sure every dog recovers differently, but what was your experience?

Off to call his breeder...

Thank you - Amy

 

[Angela]

Evan was diagnosed with bilateral FCP when he was about 2 years. He had surgery on one elbow to remove the chips, the other one was not done. He is now 9 1/2 years old and has been fine since. He has DD in Canada and U.S., RE in U.S., RAE and CDX in Canada. Sometimes he limps and then rests and has a few days of Metacam but although in they beginning we were devastated it hasn't deterred him from doing what he wants.
Good luck and let us know how he does.

Oh, and btw, he came from an extremely reputable Canadian breeder and his parents had all health clearances.

 

[robertjt]

Thanks Angela. Evan has accomplished a lot and I'm so happy to hear he's doing well, so many years later. I should think positive. I just have this knot in my stomach.

I will definitely keep you posted. Thanks again.

Oh, and I'm glad you mentioned Evan's parents. Both of Fin's were cleared too.

 

[R Taft]

Well wishes for the op......no experience here

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

Snuffles was diagnose with bad elbows back just about this time of year in 2007 looking back here. There are lousy pictures of his film xray at http://www.newf.net/Forums/showthread.php?t=53771 We also tried to do a experimental NSAID drug study back around early Sept, and I did get a copy of a digital X-Ray http://www.newf.net/Forums/showthread.php?t=107452. I do not remember what "process" was broken, but Snuffles will be ten April 2nd, and though walks/runs a bit stiff legged on his right leg, we have never done anything but supplements and walked a lot. I think the specialist that we saw said "Motion is lotion". Up till last Nov, we had not done any drugs on a regular bases. Maybe the occasional 100 mg Deramaxx. But the Vet thought Snuffles was showing some signs of being arthritic in his hips and really didn't want to jump in the car or walk, so I did start him on a very low daily dose of Deramaxx (75 mg). Now he does jump in the car again, though he won't go up our steps any more. He can still walk a mile or 3 without any bad effects too.

I guess what I am saying even though he has had bad elbows most of his life, it really has not made him a cripple.

 

[victoria1140]

Max had fragmentation and front elbow reshaping done at approx 9 months old.

Within a day we could see the difference. I was told to think of it as having rocks removed from my shoes.

We treated him with supplements and hydro but he also had to have his hips done as well.

The big problem is keeping them quiet.the scarring is minimal too.

Up to his latest problem he is like a whirling dervish and nothing stops him.

 

[chumleysma]

Fingers crossed that all goes well for Fin.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

No experience but wishing you guys well.

 

[robertjt]

Thank you everyone for the well wishes. I do feel a bit better this morning.

It does help reading about Snuffles and Max too. Thank you for sharing. Keeping Fin quiet is going to be a challenge. He is our clown and the most active out of the 3. Fingers crossed all goes well. I will definitely keep you all posted.

 

[victoria1140]

Hi Robert,
we actually got sedatives for Max just in case as he hates being crated or contained and it was easier to sedate rather than him being stressed

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

No experience with elbow dysplasia specifically, but its been said around here many times...The dog does not know what his X-rays look like. Hopefully the surgery will make him comfortable and he'll do great!

To briefly share our experience with orthopedic issues, when we got Maggie she could not walk down our very short street. We attributed it to being out of shape. After a few months she started refusing all stairs, couldn't get in the car, etc. The orthopedist diagnosed her with very severe arthritis from a torn CCL that was never repaired. It likely happened years before. There was no surgical "fix" for this problem.

It's been a long road, but with supplements, metacam (we use the human version - its cheap and works just a well), and a good diet and exercise, she barely even limps. If she does a lot one day, she may have a bit of trouble the next, but a little rest does the trick. She runs and plays now at 8 years old more than she did 3 years ago!

My point is, with the proper care, things get better. I'm sure Fin will do great!

 

[robertjt]

Thanks Brandie. So happy to hear about Maggie and how well she's doing. I definitely feel better than I did Tuesday.

Thanks to all on NN - they sure know how to make one feel much better!!