My 9 month old puppy has recently recovered from a ‘proximal ulna osteotomy’ for an Ununited anconeal process, UAP. He developed a barely noticeable, intermittent limp around 5 months. X-rays revealed a ‘UAP’. We pushed for an early referral and thankfully he had the surgery at a favourable age. After a long, six weeks of crate rest and strict, reduced, leaded exercise (two 5/10 min walks a day), his ‘anconeal process’ has reunited beautifully. I fed him sardines in sunflower oil every day and his kibble contains glucosamine, chondroitin and msn. When he was diagnosed, it broke my heart. The thought of crate resting a young dog is such a set back. Trying to train a dog with frustrated energy is so hard. We walked him 4/5 times a day in a doggy pushchair and lifted him out to see other dogs. Picnics with the car boot open whilst crated, watching the world go by worked well. Toys that hide treats and slow eating trays/mats are fab too. Three weeks into crate rest, we saw light at the end of the tunnel. He’s walking brilliantly now and is lined up for physio and hydro. He also has his omega 3’s and joint supplements. For anyone else going through this, be pushy for early treatment and watch them carefully through the crate rest period. Hopefully the outcome will be as fortunate as it was for our pup!
Hi and welcome ! How lovely to read your post ! Your pup has had to endure surgery at such a young age and credit to you that he is so good now , thanks for posting this x
My pup broke his elbow at 16 weeks and had it pinned and screwed and had to go through the dreaded crate rest for a month, then a small room for a month etc etc and finally he could have five minute lead walk twice a day, so I know what a hard time you have been through. Drift was operated on at a referral practice and the vet recommended Synoquin which he was on all his life. He never had arthritis in that joint but unfortunately in the paw of that leg, he recently was put to sleep at aged 11 so I am sure your pup has many pain free years ahead of him.
Thank you so much for your words of reassurance. I am sorry to hear that you recently lost your dog. It’s truly heartbreaking. I’ve not long lost a dog either. The diagnosis of elbow dysplasia with my new pup therefore hit me hard but I rose to the challenge and pulled him through. I will look up synoquin. I’ve heard of nutraquin too. Thanks for your kind reply.
Oh thank you so much. I made each day my project to get him through his rest period safely and with mental stimulation. I gave myself a big pat on the back when I saw your reply
So sorry to read that you have recently lost a beloved dog as well. It must have been a double blow to find you new pup had elbow dysplasia but you have been very diligent in his recovery, some more news to cheer you up is that I had a friend whose pup had the same problem and he went on to be a Field Trial Champion.
Stacia, thank you for passing on that information. I’m still trying to adjust to my reformed dog. I know I need to start rebuilding his muscle tone but I’m feeling so cautious. I think I’ll ease him back to exercise gently but you’ve given me a positive feeling for his future limitations. That’s so lovely to hear! These Consultants perform miracles! It’s so lovely being the other side of the journey.
My pup had hydrotherapy to build up his muscles, he also walked in a 'wet' treadmill at the same place, perhaps you could try that as it is gentle.
Yes, hydrotherapy and the treadmill seem like the way forward. He has his physiotherapist assessment next week so hopefully he’ll get the nod for his hydrotherapy exercise plan. I’ve had to push for both as although beneficial, it’s not routinely suggested on discharge. Strange as humans get offered physio in hospital and the benefits are well known. The rehabilitation plan is surely important.
Hi and a very warm welcome from me and my soon to be three years old girl Mabel. Your post is so heart warming and it’s lovely to read of such a positive outcome. My girl has ED, first diagnosed at 5 months. She has endured two lots of surgery and months and months of restricted exercise. She had a procedure called PAUL, the plate that was fitted in her leg has transformed her life. Couldn’t agree more be pushy, trust your instincts and hopefully it will all come good.
Thank you for sharing your similar experience. Poor Mabel and poor you, the prolonged crate rest and restricted exercise must have been soooo hard. They look to us to provide alternative stimulation. From kongs to chews, trips in the car etc. It’s hard keeping them entertained when they seemingly never tire! It’s fantastic news to hear that the PAUL procedure has transformed Mabel. The surgical options are amazing and it’s great that our doggies have pulled through. Age can be critical to the success of surgery. Like you said being pushy, particularly for an early referral is paramount. Also, whilst waiting for surgery, we kept to very short, leaded walks and no jumping or stairs etc. I wish Mabel all the best. It was so lovely to hear her good news.
