My almost one year old chocolate lab had a run-in with a fence while chasing a squirrel a few weeks ago. After she ran into the fence she had a small cut on her front left leg and was limping slightly. She slightly limped intermittently on this leg, after exercise or getting up after sleeping. After 2 weeks of rest (as best we could with an energetic lab) and no improvement I took her to the vet. She presents with visible slight swelling of the elbow joint, but the vet was unable to get a pain reaction. She lets you manipulate, put pressure on, and move the leg without reaction. We did 5 days of anti-inflammatories and more rest, but there hasn't really been much change. She sent photos of the swollen elbow to an orthopedic vet, who suggested ED and x-rays, however my regular vet doesn't think ED really fits because it was after an injury, and there seems to be no pain. She suggested two more weeks rest, and then x-rays if still no improvement. However the x-rays may not show anything. I feel so bad for her not being able to play with her puppy friends that we see in the neighborhood, play fetch in the park, or run around off leash. It's been a total of 5 weeks, and two more breaks my heart. Has anyone else had elbow injuries that didn't end up being ED? I can't even find anything about dog elbow injuries other than ED because it's so prevalent.
Did the otherpedic vet know it was after an injury? Seems strange to suggest ED when no other symptoms, do you know parents elbow scores? You've done 5 you can manage another 2, but 7 weeks in total is a long time especially with the energy they have. If you are on Facebook there is a group called canine enrichment ideas. You'll see posts with people who have similar issues to you and plenty of tips on there on how to keep a dog entertained when on enforced rest.
Thank you for the link to the FB group. I will check it out! Yes the Ortho vet did know it was after an injury, but I think they just hear lab+limping+swelling and automatically say ED & x-rays.
Were her parents elbow scored? Personally, I take any limb injury very seriously and force complete rest . Out on a lead for a wee and that's it for 2 weeks, then gently increasing lead walks for 4 weeks . I see too many cases of ongoing soft tissue injuries because they were not sufficiently rested after the initial injury.
I'm not sure of her parent's elbow scores, there is a health guarantee in her contract against elbow/hip dysplasia though. I will contact the breeder and ask.
