Elbow dysplasia.
Discussion
We have a 7 month old Basset cross dog who has just been diagnosed with ED. It's not to bad (it seems) at the moment but he has started limping quite badly over the last few days. What is the best way to deal with this as the Vet seems VERY keen on operations without really doing any other investigations. It took some effort to get him to treat our pup at all if we weren't keen on x-rays and ops.
We've read lots of conflicting advice on the net and wonder if there is anyone with unbiased knowledge of the disease that could offer advise.
Many thanks.
We've read lots of conflicting advice on the net and wonder if there is anyone with unbiased knowledge of the disease that could offer advise.
Many thanks.
You need xrays to diagnose this at least. From there an informed plan of action can be taken. Sometimes surgery is needed if dysplasia causing bits of bone to be floating in the capsule etc. This can be really painful and crippling, it can't be underestimated how painful for a dog, surgery is not a wrong choice but you really should have xrays done to know.
If you decide against surgery then regular pain relief, good diet, keep weight down, limited exercise. Poss hydrotherapy and physio when had chance to settle and joint supplements are all advised.
Have a look at this site. It's very informative and correct.
www.vetontheweb.co.uk
Elbow dysplasia in dogs.
If you decide against surgery then regular pain relief, good diet, keep weight down, limited exercise. Poss hydrotherapy and physio when had chance to settle and joint supplements are all advised.
Have a look at this site. It's very informative and correct.
www.vetontheweb.co.uk
Elbow dysplasia in dogs.
Edited by bexVN on Wednesday 1st February 23:19
Edited by bexVN on Wednesday 1st February 23:25
Our Airedale was diagnosed with this at around the same age. We opted for surgery (to have his ulna shortened and effectively re-shape the elbow joint) and although it was a fairly lengthy rehabilitation process, he made a full recovery and at 4 years old there's absolutely no outward indication of any subsequent problems. Best of luck.
We've tried to get back in touch with the breeder to see if his Father or any of his siblings have suffered but we appear to have lost the contact details!
As an interim measure, and you are all gonna think we (my wife) are utterly insane, we went out and bought a... PRAM! Yes, he really is missing his daily walks that much (and driving us mad when the other dog goes out without him) that my wife is pushing him in his pram for 3 miles a day. Much to all our surprise, he loves it and still gets his daily fix of attention from all the people that have stopped and stroked him from the first time he was allowed out.
Just to prove that I'm not lying (and that we really are demented!)
Still, I guess he's getting fresh air and not being fed custard creams by yours truly!
As an interim measure, and you are all gonna think we (my wife) are utterly insane, we went out and bought a... PRAM! Yes, he really is missing his daily walks that much (and driving us mad when the other dog goes out without him) that my wife is pushing him in his pram for 3 miles a day. Much to all our surprise, he loves it and still gets his daily fix of attention from all the people that have stopped and stroked him from the first time he was allowed out.
Just to prove that I'm not lying (and that we really are demented!)
Still, I guess he's getting fresh air and not being fed custard creams by yours truly!
Xtriple129 said:
Still, I guess he's getting fresh air and not being fed custard creams by yours truly!
Get your Custard Creams from Aldi, they are like 32p a paocket - though our dogs in no way get them as bedtime biscuits.And nothing wrong with taking him out, that should keep his brain stimulated as well......
and if he is enjoying is then bonus. Saving money on the custard creams also a great idea 
We were told by the vet to keep him quiet and not let him have any excercise at all- even to being on his lead when let out into the garden for big jobs! He's got to be like this for a fortnight, not easy when you're 7 months old.
He limps pretty much constantly but it really doesn't seem to bother him in the slightest, he still wants to fight with our other dog and wants to run around the house at full speed... but we are keeping him quiet. Just about!
Must admit, over the course of the last five days he does seem to have improved considerably, still limping a bit but much reduced. In fact, at this precise moment, he's fighting with Phoebe and not limping at all.
He loves being in the pram! Lies there happily and gets fussed by all and sundry but the wife is getting some very funny looks and a reputation for being "That mad old woman that everyone ignores"
He's got to go back to the vets a week on Monday, we'll see what he says.
He limps pretty much constantly but it really doesn't seem to bother him in the slightest, he still wants to fight with our other dog and wants to run around the house at full speed... but we are keeping him quiet. Just about!
Must admit, over the course of the last five days he does seem to have improved considerably, still limping a bit but much reduced. In fact, at this precise moment, he's fighting with Phoebe and not limping at all.
He loves being in the pram! Lies there happily and gets fussed by all and sundry but the wife is getting some very funny looks and a reputation for being "That mad old woman that everyone ignores"
He's got to go back to the vets a week on Monday, we'll see what he says.
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