My best friend has elbow dysplasia
Discussion
After several weeks of trips to the vet my beloved Labrador has been diagnosed with elbow dysplasia. Despite all the breeder’s certificate scores being nigh on perfect and taking care during Lila’s development she’s become lame on one of her forelegs.
She’s scheduled for keyhole surgery in a couple of weeks but the recovery process is going to be long and heartbreaking - three months confined to her crate to begin with. She’s only a year old and has so much energy. There’s also, sadly, an inevitability she’ll develop arthritis at a much younger age.
I’d appreciate any advice or guidance from anyone who’s been through this with their pup. If things get worse very quickly I’m wondering if it’s fair to put her through multiple operations and months of being stuck in a crate.
She’s scheduled for keyhole surgery in a couple of weeks but the recovery process is going to be long and heartbreaking - three months confined to her crate to begin with. She’s only a year old and has so much energy. There’s also, sadly, an inevitability she’ll develop arthritis at a much younger age.
I’d appreciate any advice or guidance from anyone who’s been through this with their pup. If things get worse very quickly I’m wondering if it’s fair to put her through multiple operations and months of being stuck in a crate.
I don't have any experience of this but just wanted to say how sorry I am that you and Lila are going through this.
There may be labrador forums/Facebook forums where others will be able to share their experiences of the op and rehabilitation process?
All I will say is that, in my experience, dogs (particularly those that are so loved, like Lila) are quick to adapt to a change in routine, don't tend to feel sorry for themselves like us humans do, and very much 'live for the day', so the three month crate rest should be quickly forgotten once she is well again.
Good luck.
There may be labrador forums/Facebook forums where others will be able to share their experiences of the op and rehabilitation process?
All I will say is that, in my experience, dogs (particularly those that are so loved, like Lila) are quick to adapt to a change in routine, don't tend to feel sorry for themselves like us humans do, and very much 'live for the day', so the three month crate rest should be quickly forgotten once she is well again.
Good luck.
moorx said:
I don't have any experience of this but just wanted to say how sorry I am that you and Lila are going through this.
There may be labrador forums/Facebook forums where others will be able to share their experiences of the op and rehabilitation process?
All I will say is that, in my experience, dogs (particularly those that are so loved, like Lila) are quick to adapt to a change in routine, don't tend to feel sorry for themselves like us humans do, and very much 'live for the day', so the three month crate rest should be quickly forgotten once she is well again.
Good luck.
Thank you. The initial shock is slowly wearing off and I’ve thrown myself into some of the Labrador forums where, sadly, hip and elbow dysplasia is not uncommon. I’m learning rapidly that taking things day by day is important. I suspect Lila will take things in her stride - albeit with a slight limp! There may be labrador forums/Facebook forums where others will be able to share their experiences of the op and rehabilitation process?
All I will say is that, in my experience, dogs (particularly those that are so loved, like Lila) are quick to adapt to a change in routine, don't tend to feel sorry for themselves like us humans do, and very much 'live for the day', so the three month crate rest should be quickly forgotten once she is well again.
Good luck.
All the best to Lila. I've seen a few "Supervets" where I wonder if I'd put my friend through what they have to do to theirs. I have thought I wouldn't on a few occasions, but the surgery is successful, and the rehabilitation although hard generally seems to give the dog back it's freedom.
She has youth on her side, I'd probably take a tough 6 months if it gives you both the next 10+ years together.
She has youth on her side, I'd probably take a tough 6 months if it gives you both the next 10+ years together.
Chester draws said:
All the best to Lila. I've seen a few "Supervets" where I wonder if I'd put my friend through what they have to do to theirs. I have thought I wouldn't on a few occasions, but the surgery is successful, and the rehabilitation although hard generally seems to give the dog back it's freedom.
She has youth on her side, I'd probably take a tough 6 months if it gives you both the next 10+ years together.
At the moment it only seems to be the one leg so we’ll do all we can to get some normality back into her life, although sadly I think ‘fetch’ is now out of the question. I know some dogs do develop dysplasia in their other legs. Fingers crossed Lila is spared that. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Things were feeling bleak yesterday but 24hrs has brought a bit of rationality back to the proceedings!She has youth on her side, I'd probably take a tough 6 months if it gives you both the next 10+ years together.
So sorry to hear that. Yes unfortunately joint surgery will inevitably lead to arthritis. My pup had 3 surgeries on his patella last year- aged 13m - 21m - recovery is tough but take each step at a time and plan plan plan…. There’s lots you can do before surgery. Including getting used to a crate / double ended lead / harness and room confinement.
I’d suggest looking at Marianne Dorn’s website she’s a Specialist Rehab Vet and has a really great website (the rehab vet).
Also for future to build your understanding of arthritis look at CAM website (canine arthritis management).
The most important thing is to do the post surgery rehab to the letter…. Don’t skip anything because it’s really important for a successful outcome.
If you have any slippery floors buy runners and mats and put them everywhere! No steps at all so get ramps and stair gates.
Plan for someone to be around for at least the first 6 weeks if you can.
If you struggle with crate rest then you can ask for sedation- my boy is ADHD! It was awful as he had 16 weeks then 6 weeks then 12 weeks/ one after another and he really was badly affected and we had to get him into Fitzpatricks for residential followed by a Vet Behaviourist- he’s doing ok now but leg still not 100%.
Please shout if I can help with anything/resources- best of luck.
I’d suggest looking at Marianne Dorn’s website she’s a Specialist Rehab Vet and has a really great website (the rehab vet).
Also for future to build your understanding of arthritis look at CAM website (canine arthritis management).
The most important thing is to do the post surgery rehab to the letter…. Don’t skip anything because it’s really important for a successful outcome.
If you have any slippery floors buy runners and mats and put them everywhere! No steps at all so get ramps and stair gates.
Plan for someone to be around for at least the first 6 weeks if you can.
If you struggle with crate rest then you can ask for sedation- my boy is ADHD! It was awful as he had 16 weeks then 6 weeks then 12 weeks/ one after another and he really was badly affected and we had to get him into Fitzpatricks for residential followed by a Vet Behaviourist- he’s doing ok now but leg still not 100%.
Please shout if I can help with anything/resources- best of luck.
parakitaMol. said:
So sorry to hear that. Yes unfortunately joint surgery will inevitably lead to arthritis. My pup had 3 surgeries on his patella last year- aged 13m - 21m - recovery is tough but take each step at a time and plan plan plan…. There’s lots you can do before surgery. Including getting used to a crate / double ended lead / harness and room confinement.
I’d suggest looking at Marianne Dorn’s website she’s a Specialist Rehab Vet and has a really great website (the rehab vet).
Also for future to build your understanding of arthritis look at CAM website (canine arthritis management).
The most important thing is to do the post surgery rehab to the letter…. Don’t skip anything because it’s really important for a successful outcome.
If you have any slippery floors buy runners and mats and put them everywhere! No steps at all so get ramps and stair gates.
Plan for someone to be around for at least the first 6 weeks if you can.
If you struggle with crate rest then you can ask for sedation- my boy is ADHD! It was awful as he had 16 weeks then 6 weeks then 12 weeks/ one after another and he really was badly affected and we had to get him into Fitzpatricks for residential followed by a Vet Behaviourist- he’s doing ok now but leg still not 100%.
Please shout if I can help with anything/resources- best of luck.
Thanks so much for that. Fantastic advice and resources. We’ve started researching already to look at what to expect. It’s going to be a long road to recovery after the initial surgery but hopefully it’ll buy us a few years of something approaching normality before arthritis does inevitably set in. Once again thank you. I’d suggest looking at Marianne Dorn’s website she’s a Specialist Rehab Vet and has a really great website (the rehab vet).
Also for future to build your understanding of arthritis look at CAM website (canine arthritis management).
The most important thing is to do the post surgery rehab to the letter…. Don’t skip anything because it’s really important for a successful outcome.
If you have any slippery floors buy runners and mats and put them everywhere! No steps at all so get ramps and stair gates.
Plan for someone to be around for at least the first 6 weeks if you can.
If you struggle with crate rest then you can ask for sedation- my boy is ADHD! It was awful as he had 16 weeks then 6 weeks then 12 weeks/ one after another and he really was badly affected and we had to get him into Fitzpatricks for residential followed by a Vet Behaviourist- he’s doing ok now but leg still not 100%.
Please shout if I can help with anything/resources- best of luck.
There’s loads you can do to minimise arthritis/ supplements/lifestyle/ appropriate activity and the new librella injections are doing amazing things for many arthritic dogs.
For now just focus on each day…. Next 2 weeks on preparing (I took my pup to hydro before his surgery and I also started pre surgery physio 6 weeks before).
Don’t underestimate the muscle wastage after surgery- your dog will need to build this gradually-I’d actually recommend getting a Vet Physio prior to surgery and starting some exercises because your dog will otherwise have to ‘learn’ them after surgery which is harder x
For now just focus on each day…. Next 2 weeks on preparing (I took my pup to hydro before his surgery and I also started pre surgery physio 6 weeks before).
Don’t underestimate the muscle wastage after surgery- your dog will need to build this gradually-I’d actually recommend getting a Vet Physio prior to surgery and starting some exercises because your dog will otherwise have to ‘learn’ them after surgery which is harder x
My staffy was diagnosed with dysplasia and we was told by the vet to try joint aid and a turmeric/black pepper corn/olive oil mix in each meal.
After a few months he was walking normally and even the Supervet staff were surprised how well he became even though the x-ray showed the issue fairly bad,quite amazing how with time the issue became manageable.
He stayed on that concoction for 6 years until he passed of other issues.
After a few months he was walking normally and even the Supervet staff were surprised how well he became even though the x-ray showed the issue fairly bad,quite amazing how with time the issue became manageable.
He stayed on that concoction for 6 years until he passed of other issues.
Edited by Norton850 on Saturday 31st July 09:26
My old rottie had elbow dysplasia, but he was 4-6 years old when it became evident (didn't know his age as he was found wandering) MRI scan showed bone fragments, removed under keyhole, which was reasonably successful, and certainly better than before. I researched much of the possible surgical options, which are still not mainstream in the UK, and decided due to his age that the middle course of keyhole was best to start with. He had been on every possible supplement and additive with only minor success, and didn't tolerate the usual NSAID painkillers. Librelo wasn't available then.
So, best advice sadly depends on what we don't know which is the future, elbows are less like hips where maturing of the bones and muscles covers up the instablilty and inevitable development of arthritis, and so it is likely to be a more steady progression. However, your dog is young and may possibly be able to cope well for some time without interference. If lameness increases over the next year, then surgery is really the only option, meanwhile use as many alternatives as possible to help the hound and slow the dysplasia. I tried CBD but didn't help my pooch, acupincture did in his last 4 years though.
Given that the disease is there and going to rpogress regardless of what you do, I wouldn't now restrict exercise unless it causes obvious post execise soreness, it just seems unfair to hold the dog back from running and playing for the rest of its life, different if it is a aprt of convalescence. Also, keyhole surgery is obviously less invasive than other surgery, so convalescence time is reduced. Many ortho vets recommend vast periods of inactivity to protrct their hard work in their patients, but I would listen to a physio much more afer a month or so. HTH
So, best advice sadly depends on what we don't know which is the future, elbows are less like hips where maturing of the bones and muscles covers up the instablilty and inevitable development of arthritis, and so it is likely to be a more steady progression. However, your dog is young and may possibly be able to cope well for some time without interference. If lameness increases over the next year, then surgery is really the only option, meanwhile use as many alternatives as possible to help the hound and slow the dysplasia. I tried CBD but didn't help my pooch, acupincture did in his last 4 years though.
Given that the disease is there and going to rpogress regardless of what you do, I wouldn't now restrict exercise unless it causes obvious post execise soreness, it just seems unfair to hold the dog back from running and playing for the rest of its life, different if it is a aprt of convalescence. Also, keyhole surgery is obviously less invasive than other surgery, so convalescence time is reduced. Many ortho vets recommend vast periods of inactivity to protrct their hard work in their patients, but I would listen to a physio much more afer a month or so. HTH
garythesign said:
Once again the kindness and help on here is amazing.
amongst all the crap that seems to be modern life, people still take the time to help another pet owner.
Thank you for restoring my faith in humans
I am so touched by the replies. It’s been a tough couple of days. Since Lila arrived on the scene I’ve always worried about dysplasia. Now it’s happened I need to start researching the best way forward. The least upset one in the family is Lila! amongst all the crap that seems to be modern life, people still take the time to help another pet owner.
Thank you for restoring my faith in humans
Thevet said:
My old rottie had elbow dysplasia, but he was 4-6 years old when it became evident (didn't know his age as he was found wandering) MRI scan showed bone fragments, removed under keyhole, which was reasonably successful, and certainly better than before. I researched much of the possible surgical options, which are still not mainstream in the UK, and decided due to his age that the middle course of keyhole was best to start with. He had been on every possible supplement and additive with only minor success, and didn't tolerate the usual NSAID painkillers. Librelo wasn't available then.
So, best advice sadly depends on what we don't know which is the future, elbows are less like hips where maturing of the bones and muscles covers up the instablilty and inevitable development of arthritis, and so it is likely to be a more steady progression. However, your dog is young and may possibly be able to cope well for some time without interference. If lameness increases over the next year, then surgery is really the only option, meanwhile use as many alternatives as possible to help the hound and slow the dysplasia. I tried CBD but didn't help my pooch, acupincture did in his last 4 years though.
Given that the disease is there and going to rpogress regardless of what you do, I wouldn't now restrict exercise unless it causes obvious post execise soreness, it just seems unfair to hold the dog back from running and playing for the rest of its life, different if it is a aprt of convalescence. Also, keyhole surgery is obviously less invasive than other surgery, so convalescence time is reduced. Many ortho vets recommend vast periods of inactivity to protrct their hard work in their patients, but I would listen to a physio much more afer a month or so. HTH
Thanks so much for your reply. It’s very much appreciated. Just to clarify, are you saying that we shouldn’t rush into surgery quite yet? I was thinking that last night. Lila’s initial lameness has cleared up completely and she seems back to her normal self. I do feel like I was slightly rushed into booking the surgery (scheduled for two weeks), although it’s highly possible the orthopedic vet saw something he was worried about. So, best advice sadly depends on what we don't know which is the future, elbows are less like hips where maturing of the bones and muscles covers up the instablilty and inevitable development of arthritis, and so it is likely to be a more steady progression. However, your dog is young and may possibly be able to cope well for some time without interference. If lameness increases over the next year, then surgery is really the only option, meanwhile use as many alternatives as possible to help the hound and slow the dysplasia. I tried CBD but didn't help my pooch, acupincture did in his last 4 years though.
Given that the disease is there and going to rpogress regardless of what you do, I wouldn't now restrict exercise unless it causes obvious post execise soreness, it just seems unfair to hold the dog back from running and playing for the rest of its life, different if it is a aprt of convalescence. Also, keyhole surgery is obviously less invasive than other surgery, so convalescence time is reduced. Many ortho vets recommend vast periods of inactivity to protrct their hard work in their patients, but I would listen to a physio much more afer a month or so. HTH
Norton850 said:
My staffy was diagnosed with dysplasia and we was told by the vet to try joint aid and a turmeric/black pepper corn/olive oil mix in each meal.
After a few months he was walking normally and even the Supervet staff were surprised how well he became even though the x-ray showed the issue fairly bad,quite amazing how with time the issue became manageable.
He stayed on that concoction for 6 years until he passed of other issues.
It might useful to the OP to understand the ‘grading’ (from 0-3) because the ‘grade’ often determines the treatment. After a few months he was walking normally and even the Supervet staff were surprised how well he became even though the x-ray showed the issue fairly bad,quite amazing how with time the issue became manageable.
He stayed on that concoction for 6 years until he passed of other issues.
Edited by Norton850 on Saturday 31st July 09:26
So my dog was given a 2/3 due to 3 factors: he was luxating laterally rather than medially (trickier), his trochlea groove was virtually non existent and he had an exceptionally low lying patella (Baja)….his knee dislocated on every single flexation.
Surgery was our ONLY option for a 1 year old.
Some dogs luxate maybe once a year on heavy running and turning- those dogs are usually Grade 1 and managed through conservative treatment (some sports dogs will undergo a groove deepening surgery).
My point is that each case is different so it’s often really tricky to compare.
I’d totally agree with TheVet about listening to physio.
My experience of surgery is that finding the right specialists to do the surgery then finding the right physio to support pre and post recovery.
The surgeon gives a standard hand out with rest but does not go into detail about what ‘rest’ actually means. Their job is the surgery!
During the last year My pup had a team of :
- Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon with extensive experience of knee and shoulder surgery
- Vet Physio (sports dog expert)
- Hydrotherapist (sports dog expert)
- Vet acupuncture specialist
- Vet laser specialist
- Rehab Vet
- Nutritionist
However he’s now back to gentle sports competition and he can tear around my field
Here he is doing a ‘special’ class in agility (they put the jumps really low and just jumps and tunnels) he might never make it as a proper agility dog but given last year we thought he may lose his leg I’m very happy
We did daily physio for 18 months and loads of videos/ zoom with therapist to make sure we did the exercises correctly.
Teaching the dog (and you) to use a fig 8 head collar and double ended lead correctly will benefit greatly to ensure your lead walking is perfect - there’s actually quite an art to it -
Edited by parakitaMol. on Saturday 31st July 11:33
Chubbyross said:
Thanks so much for your reply. It’s very much appreciated. Just to clarify, are you saying that we shouldn’t rush into surgery quite yet? I was thinking that last night. Lila’s initial lameness has cleared up completely and she seems back to her normal self. I do feel like I was slightly rushed into booking the surgery (scheduled for two weeks), although it’s highly possible the orthopedic vet saw something he was worried about.
I would not rush unless the dog is seriously lame, there have already been some claims of non-surgical healing here, and maybe trying them will work for you. Surgery is a big commitment for elbow dysplasia, even keyhole, I stopped restricting exercise afe=ter about 6 weeks and had no problem, but more invasive stuff will require more control. Watching them recover is such a tug on your heart, watching them limp is worse. You can revert to surgery at almost any point, so look at as many easier options first before surgery. My advice would be different for hip dysplasia as hip replacements are much more routine and successful. So, just a quick update on Lila’s elbow dysplasia. Following the initial diagnosis her limp seemed to clear up considerably. We therefore decided to postpone the surgery until around November or possibly early into the new year. Our thinking was that we could use the grotty winter months to allow her to recover and get her to a stage where regular walks, albeit short ones, could be reintroduced.
However, the best laid plans of labs and men saw to it that things haven’t quite worked out. Her limp on her front left leg returned just a week after delaying surgery. We then decided to go ahead as soon as possible. She goes in for arthroscopic assessment and treatment this Friday. There’s definitely a fragment of bone that needs to be removed but we don’t know much more until the vet investigates further.
We’ve set up a room for post-treatment recovery. She has a super comfy camping mattress and non-slip carpets at the ready, with puppy pen fencing surrounding her recovery area. We’ve been advised that she needs to be kept in this small space for six weeks, with only toilet breaks to punctuate her day. During this time we can also start her on very short walks, five minutes to begin with, plus lots of other physio as well.
It’s going to be a long and slow process of recovery but we’ll give her all the love and care we can. Thank you to everyone who’s offered advice and guidance. It’s been much appreciated. I’ll update this thread once she comes back home over the weekend.
Get a dog, they said. It’ll be wonderful, they said. Harumph! But I wouldn’t be without her now, dysplasia or not!
However, the best laid plans of labs and men saw to it that things haven’t quite worked out. Her limp on her front left leg returned just a week after delaying surgery. We then decided to go ahead as soon as possible. She goes in for arthroscopic assessment and treatment this Friday. There’s definitely a fragment of bone that needs to be removed but we don’t know much more until the vet investigates further.
We’ve set up a room for post-treatment recovery. She has a super comfy camping mattress and non-slip carpets at the ready, with puppy pen fencing surrounding her recovery area. We’ve been advised that she needs to be kept in this small space for six weeks, with only toilet breaks to punctuate her day. During this time we can also start her on very short walks, five minutes to begin with, plus lots of other physio as well.
It’s going to be a long and slow process of recovery but we’ll give her all the love and care we can. Thank you to everyone who’s offered advice and guidance. It’s been much appreciated. I’ll update this thread once she comes back home over the weekend.
Get a dog, they said. It’ll be wonderful, they said. Harumph! But I wouldn’t be without her now, dysplasia or not!
Edited by Chubbyross on Wednesday 15th September 10:43
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