Today has been a very dark day and I knew it was going to happen I just hoped I was wrong. Mabel had her three month check up this morning and apart from a brief spell of no limping at all she had got significantly worse. I had kept a diary not only for myself but also to keep things clear in my mind for the specialist today. He decided to perform X-rays this morning and to my absolute horror the arthritis is horrendous. He is a very experienced orthopaedic specialist (having won awards for his research etc, etc) and he said it was the worst case he had ever seen and couldn't believe how she manages to walk on that right leg. In two weeks time he will perform surgery. He plans to cut the ulna and fit a metal plate which will change the way the elbow sits in the joint. This will help relieve the pain on the very damaged inside of the elbow. Recovery is very slow, with the first four months being particularly difficult. He then hopes that the arthritis can be managed as she gets older with exercise and medication. There are many risks and we hope that she will not be in the 20% bracket of surgery being unsuccessful. Fingers crossed, trouble is there really is no alternative. A big plus is she is only 18 months old so the bone will heal quickly. Tomorrow we are off to Cannock Chase with her sisters for some laughter and fun as it will be a second summer of five minute walks and solitude. It's so incredibly hard not to cry and cry and then cry some more. I think a nice bottle of wine is in order and a big fat cake or two. I'm absolutely determined to stay focused, at least this time round I know what I'm in for, I already have my list of random walks to do as well as getting in the car and driving for half an hour for a five minute walk. It's a funny old world one of her brother's has an elbow score of 0/0 I found out last week. I still wouldn't swap my gorgeous girl for the world even if she has a big attack of the grumps today.
@Pilatelover I am so, so sorry to hear this news Claire, it's what we both have had nightmares about. If you feel the need to rant and rage, you know where I am or if there is anything I can do. A glass of wine or two is definitely in order today. Big hugs to you and big licks for Mabel, who will come through this like the little star she is. Take care xxx
Oh Claire I am deeply sorry to hear about poor lovely Mabel it just seems so unfair and maybe a good cry is in order. I hope the surgery is a success for Mabel and she can have some pain free years. You will get through the 4 months post surgery of that I am in no doubt. Have a lovely time at Cannock Chase and enjoy this time. Take lots of photo's for us to see please Keep your chin up, stay positive, you will get through it for Mabel's sake. Enjoy your bottle of wine and most importantly CAKE! xxx
I'm really so sorry to hear you have to do this again - I know what it feels like, the surgeon had told me so clearly I'd have to do a second cruciate op with Charlie, but I kept hoping....you are right, this time you know the score, you know what to do and it does make it easier in practical ways. Not emotional ways though. It's a lousy hand to be dealt, and really unfair. Stay strong, you are doing the very, very best for your girl and you'll give her the best care and the best life possible. That's all any of us can do.
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear. That's awful news, especially after you both have already been through so much. Thank goodness Mabel is in the best hands possible and has the best mum to help her in her recovery. We'll all be here to help you along the journey as best as we can x
Ah Claire, this must be so hard for you. I dread the time that someone says to me that Lilly needs her hips done. You are at least prepared, know the score, know the good the bad and the ugly. Keep your spirits up. Asda has some good offers on wine right now. Many hugs for you both xxxxx
Really sorry that you've had this news. Definitely go for the nice wine and the cakes. I'm sure the skill of the surgeon is a big factor in the success of the surgery, and it sounds like your specialist is very skilled. Here's to a good outcome and a much more comfortable elbow for Mabel at the end of the day.
So sorry to hear your bad news, definitely a wine and large cake day. Have a lovely day at Cannock Chase.
You and Mabel will be in our thoughts daily!! I get teary eyed at the thought of anything happening to our lil girl, so I can't even imagine how hard this is for you. One thing I do know is that Labs are very strong in body and heart, so Mabel WILL recover!!
What a rotten thing to find out today, you must be absolutely fed up and depressed. I find it is the aftercare which is the most difficult to cope with. If he is an experienced vet then he will do the best job he can and this time next year, this disappointment and worry will be well in the past. Fingers crossed for the best possible outcome.
So sorry Claire to hear about dear Mabel. Chin up, she will be in the best hands of an experienced orthopaedic specialist. Best medicine for you is a bottle of wine and chocolate cake. Hugs to you both xx
Oh no, poor Mabel, and poor you! You'll manage, you know you will, but you must be feeling rubbish right now. Wine and cake is definitely the order of the day.
So sorry to hear about Mabel needing more surgery It must be hard and I can't imagine how you are feeling, but we are all here for you any time you need to vent or just let us know how things are going. Sending you big hugs x
So sorry to read this! Hugs to you both! I hope that everything works according to plan and that the recovery will be smooth....
I know it must be scary and I'm sorry it's needed but you are lucky Mabel is young enough to do the surgery. Oban is not, the Ortho Surgeon won't operate. He's not too bad now, can still go for walks, but when it gets worse, as it likely will, I have limited options. Good good thoughts this helps fix Mabel right up.
