Hi, Hunter our choc lab sweetheart is now 10 months old. He has had 2 ops for his elbows, and now he has torn his back knee ligament. Just as we seemed to be progressing (Sonic therapy on his elbows) and the pain was being reduced, boom a small dog with an inattentive owner wraps its retractable lead round Hunter's back leg. Tonight I find out how severe the tear is, and we discuss the path forward. We just seem to have so much bad luck and I am utterly heart broken. Can anybody shed any light on the operations/procedures for ACL? Another big operation at such a young age....... Thanks Lorraine
I can't shed any light on your question @Lorraine Seale, but I just wanted to express how sorry I am you and your boy have been going through this. You have had terrible bad luck and your boy is so young and damn that inattentive owner. All is crossed that things start going your way.
We have just got back from the specialist....the third examination (in 2 days) and she has confirmed that his knee ligament is very badly sprained but no torn ligament. He now has very strong pain killers and needs rest. However she is concerned that his elbows are still not improving and has concern about his hips too. The past 2 days have been a rollercoaster of feelings/emotions and having to think about heartbreaking decisions. So we will stick with the pain control, supplements and physio. Sorry for the sharing but I had to vent off somehow.
Very glad to hear that your pup didn't tear his ACL after all. Maybe the rest and painkillers will also help give his elbows a jumpstart to healing better? I really hope you get some good news soon!
Thanks Emily. We just seem to be so unlucky but on the other side he has changed our lives for the better and nothing beats a wiggle bum and crazy hello when I get home! Hunter is now high as a kite watching France v Belgium with my husband and son!!
Hi from Emma and Mason (also chocolate Labrador 11 months) vent away this forum should help I hope. We are all thinking after you guys
Oh @Lorraine Seale at least some relief that Hunter doesn't need an ACL - all caused by a stupid owner with an extending lead . Fingers crossed that you see some improvements with the elbows - just because Hunter isn't as far advanced as the specialist expects doesn't mean he won't improve further. They are all different. Worries about hips could be related to changes in Hunters gait due to the elbows - correcting Jen's gait is something we've been working on through the water treadmill, and building muscle to support the joints. Try to take each day as it comes and try not to worry about what may be in the future (really hard I know, but worrying doesn't change it) xx
It’s good to hear that Hunter doesn’t need ACL surgery. Ensuring that he has rest is going to be a challenge, but well worth it to help with the healing process. Has the vet mentioned hydrotherapy, as @Jojo83 suggests? It may not be appropriate at the moment, but would be worth asking about. I hope things take a turn for the better - keep us posted.
After our hols hydrotherapy is on the agenda! Unfortunately there is nobody close by but he loves water. Hopefully my next post will have good news!
Hi JoJo I see you mentioned changing your dogs gait. I have posted elsewhere a question on whether anyone has had any experience on whether a pacing gait means there is a problem or whether it is just typical of Labradors. I’m not sure if it is something that Duke would benefit from changing his current gait.
