osteochondrosis

[shawn]

Hi guys,
I took Newmie to the vet yesterday because he was limping. After xrays, it looks like he may have osteochondrosis in his left elbow. We go back next week for more xrays and then probably to a specialist after Christmas.
Does anyone else out there have this? If so, how is your dog coping with it. I'm just very worried about Newmie being in pain and not being able to run as much as he likes. He has been a hand full. Two eye surgeries and now this, but I still love him so.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

shawn

 

[bridge2itnf@aol.com]

Shawn , ive heard of that condition. just by reading about it in different topics.I dont know how serious it is. Seeing a specialist is a good idea. ill say a prayer for Newmie! Bridget

 

[mudji]

After the first SENC Christmas parade in Savannah eight years ago, Angus came up lame and started limping, right out of the blue. We took him to the vet for x-rays. Long story short.... He ended up in surgery for OCD leisions in his left shoulder, and joint mice under his biceps tendon. The joint mice ended up about the size of generous jelly beans! After surgery, although the vet said his odds were that he might not be sound, mostly due to the joint mice surgery, he came through fine. In fact, the vet had me bring him back twice because he did not believe that he was sound. To this day he has been fine, and in fact walked the mile in the 8th annual parade on Dec. 1st with his brother Mowgli.

That's my experience.....
Hannah
with Angus snoring in my ear (tough morning here in Maine) and Mowgli holding down the bottom step

 

[shawn]

Hannah,
Thanks so much for the encouraging news! I have been so worried. Newmie is so young (9 mnths) and I wasn't looking forward to a long life of pain for him. I think after Christmas, if things are still the same, my vet is making us an appointment with the specialist and I will feel better (and hopefully Newmie will too).
thanks,
shawn

 

[HeatherL]

Shawn,
I posted a reply in November on a post titled "growing pains" started by kodiak. My mother's newf was diagnosed with this at 6 months of age. We were told once his shoulder heals he will be fine. He is on restricted activity until the joint does heal completely. He gets x-rayed every 3 months. My parents give him buffered aspirin and joint medicine to help with the pain. He also can get a shot once a week if he needs it to help with the pain. The shot works wonders although it is 50.00 a shot. But my parents were advised once it is completly healed he can resume normal activity, however the healing process is a long time. This is very common in large breeds especially males and often occurs between the ages of 6-9 months. Keep us posted.

Heather

 

[shawn]

Heather,
Thanks for the info! Newmie's pain is in his left elbow and there are no "mice" present, just some xray changes (compared to his right elbow). He is on Rimadyl and goes back to get more xrays on the 20th. As a matter of fact, he is a little more frisky today and bearing more weight on his left leg. (Right now, he is running around the house with a pair of my brother's running tights! He wants me to chase him for them.)

With everything he has been through in the 7 months since I've had him, I think I got a lemon (is there a lemon-law for dogs?). But, none the less, I will keep him even with all of his flaws. He has brought such JOY and LOVE to my life. He is the best investment I've made in a long time. (Oh, I love my son dearly, too, but they are jealous of each other!!)

Thanks again for all the info! Oh, Heather, what part of West Virginia are you from? I have a friend up there.
shawn

[This message has been edited by shawn (edited 12-13-2001).]

 

[HeatherL]

Shawn,
I am from a small town called Fairmont, I am close to Morgantown if this rings a bell. I'm glad your newfie was feeling better today. Murphy, my mother's newfie, has good and bad days. On the days he is feeling good, sometimes he will overdue it and by the end of the day he is hurting and favoring his leg. It's sad because they are still puppies and want to play like a pup but aren't able. Please keep us posted on his progress.

Heather

 

[shawn]

Heather,
My friend lives in Lewisburg (in the SE corner of WV).
I have been trying to keep Newmie "calm and quite" per Dr.'s orders, but I think it is pretty much impossible. He is such a nosy hound. Right now he is behind me barking wanting to play tug-of-war, in which he usually turns my chair over and I end up sprawled in the floor. I guess I'm just "much loved!"
shawn