A couple of weeks ago our 1 year old chocolate lab Toffle started limping, she was obviously in a lot of distress and saw our vet for X-rays etc. We have waited a couple of weeks for second and third opinions, which have shown elbow dysplasia in both elbows (although much worse on the left). She is on loxicom, tramadol, glucosamine and now fish oils - and she has gone on a diet! We bought her from a registered breeder, who we met a few times, we saw parents' health checks which were all acceptable. I just feel so sorry for her, she is so young, and I am so worried about the future. She is actually doing really well at the moment, and her limp stopped two days ago - but I understand this may be short lived. The vet has suggested hydrotherapy - we live in Wimbledon - can anyone recommend anywhere? Is hydrotherapy a long term management plan, or acute? Is it supposed to help with the pain, or muscle building? Do insurers cover?! Sorry, lots of questions! Also I think she will ned bloods every 3 months to check her liver function of her analgesics. Does this mean she will need a general anaesthetic every 3 months?? The vet only called me half an hour ago, so apologies for all the questions! Are there any happy stories out there about young dogs who had a similar diagnosis? Is there anything else we could do for her? ....as an aside, should I tell the breeder?
I am so sorry to read your news , but please don't despair , of course it all depends upon the degree of ED, but it can be managed at times without intervention , your Vet will guide you through and advise . Re the tests for liver function , most dogs will give blood without any need for sedation , one of mine had to have 6 monthly checks due to the meds she was on and never needed any anaesthetic of any kind . We have a couple of member who`s dogs have ED , I`m sure someone will soon answer your queries , good luck .
I`m not surprised ! News like this is a shock , just a thought but maybe yes, tell the breeder ? As you probably know , health checks in both parents are very important but are no guarantee that a pup wont suffer from ED or HD , its just sheer bad luck and I do feel for you . I would certainly mention it , just in case another pup has had issues, best to be forewarned .
Hi there, I'm sorry to hear your girl has been diagnosed with ED. If you do a search on the forum you'll find several threads that discuss ED and several members who have dogs with ED. This link was in one of the threads and you may find it useful, some of it is quite technical but it discusses all the treatment options. I know one of the forum members had their dog operated on at this practice: http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/orthopaedic/canine-elbow-dysplasia/
EmilyKathryn I'm sure your head is in a spin and all your thoughts are on your little girl. I can guess how you are feeling as I remember only to well how I felt when Juno was diagnosed with ED at 8 months and had surgery. Here we are some 7 months after and Juno has a fun and active life, albeit with some restrictions. To answer your last question first, yes please tell your breeder so that they are aware. What form of ED does Toffle have as dysplasia is a catch all term for abnormalities? Some forms require surgery while others can be managed by diet and supplements. With Juno, although one elbow is deformed, she had fragmentation of coronoid process which require surgery to remove the fragments. It sounds as if your vet is looking to reduce inflammation and manage the condition. One of the most important things you can do for your girl is to keep her slim to reduce stress on her elbows. We had hydrotherapy following the surgery which helped to recover fitness and muscle tone without the normal stresses of exercise but we were on a regime of restricted exercise on lead only. What does your vet say about hydrotherapy? I'm sure there is a hundred and one questions at the moment, but please keep asking and we'll answer the best we can, or suggest that you speak to your vet, and where we can't we are happy to support. Remember that you are not alone and you and Toffle will come up with a plan to go forward and enjoy life together.
Here is a happy story for you. A friend's dog had elbow displaysia, both elbows, both operated on, dog became a Ft Ch and is still well and happy in old age.
Sending you lots of support. There are several people on this forum who have dogs with ED, and most of them are doing fine. But yes, please tell your breeder; this will be very important information for them regarding whether to breed from their dogs again.
Thank you all. Looking back at our paperwork, Toffle's parents had elbow scores of 0, so we have been unlucky. I have taken your advice and emailed the breeder. I obviously need to ask our vet more questions about which type of ED she has. The possibility of surgery in the future was mentioned, if fragments need to be removed, but our vet doesn't think we would gain anything from it currently. Initial treatment is maintaining a healthy weight (she has a little bit to lose), fish oils, anti-inflammatories and tramadol. She did suggest hydrotherapy, which we will look in to. I will look at the specific ED forums on the site, thanks for guiding me in that direction. We have 3 boys, who absolutely adore Toffle, but play can be rough at times - do we need to be more careful about putting extra strain on her joints now? Huge thanks again!
Your vet is the best person to ask but my Orthopaedic Surgeon's advice for Juno was no jumping (to catch balls or onto beds etc), no up and down stairs (or as little as possible), no running/chasing after balls but running to retrieve is fine and no agility or flyball. So I would say playing with the boys is fine you may need to discourage some elements depending upon how they play.. We play lots of recall type games and have her running between us. I know when I first got the diagnosis I was emailing backwards and forwards with all the different questions that came to mind. Has your vet got an information sheet of general advice. My surgeon provided one in greater detail in French (we're in France) and a shorter version in English which I found really useful. Hydrotherapy is brilliant as it allows more incentive exercise but without the stress on the joints. If you have pet insurance they should cover the cost, certainly worth a phone call. My insurer refused to cover any of our costs but that's French insurance for you. Juno says to tell Toffle that she will be fine and can still have lots of fun and games, it's their people that do all the worrying
Hi there. Can sympathise with the head in a spin. Lilly was diagnosed with HD not ED but I would say that more than 4 years on and no surgery but taking anti-inflammatory tabs her hips click like mad but she hasn't limped for ages and has a fine turn of speed chasing deer. Anyway...The point of this post was to say that Lilly gets a bit growly if you get too close. For instance if she is asleep on her bed and someone gets a bit close she will quite likely growl pretty loud. She doesn't ever snap. Might be relevant to your boys though. Look out for warning signs the boys are getting unwelcome growls. Just in case. I hope you can speak to your vet. Make a list of questions. Good luck.
Hiya, been there, Buster was 7 months when we found he had ED like you head in a spin don't know which way to turn or the outcome for our boy, he was heavily restricted for many many months, he was on Previcox until August this year, he is on Synoquin for life, he is now 20 months old he has never had surgery (that's not to say it won't be needed in the future) he has restrictions like he's not allowed to chase after a ball or toy, we limit his walks although we can increase that providing he's ok. And I won't say it isn't hard watching all the "normal" dogs running and chasing after balls with no care in the world as I would love for Buster to be able to do that. He can run but it has to be off his own steam we can't encourage it, luckily my boy is quite happy to walk/trot along side us most of the time.
Hello there,so sorry you've had such bad news ....I'm glad you've come onto the Forum for some support while you process the diagnosis ......I can see a few of the members with experience and knowledge of dysplasia have stopped by and I hope that's helped ....with the right treatment plan you can manage Toffle's condition and symptoms. Very Best Wishes Angela x
@EmilyKatheryn really sad to read your thread. Mabel was diagnosed with ED earlier this year, she is bi laterally lame. She is now 10 months and she has had surgery and a few set backs. Your head will be in a whirl, mine was and still is. It's very early days for Mabel she is off lead again now but I manage her diet, exercise and exposure to other dogs like a military operation. It's not all doom and gloom there are plenty of things you and your dog can do. Like @MaccieD's Juno our vet recommended she doesn't partake in Flyball or Agillity. She doesn't retrieve and is actively discouraged. Here is my thread in case it helps you a little http://thelabradorforum.com/forum/n...rador-health/245870-elbow-dysplasia-and-mabel Mabel has weekly hydrotherapy, something we plan to do for her life. Please use the forum, I would have been lost without the kind words and wonderful support. Sending you virtual hugs. Remember take one day at a time and don't be frightened to have a good rant on the forum if needed. Best wishes Claire xx
So sorry to hear the news. I hope you manage to find a regime that keeps your dog comfy and let's her have as much fun as possible. Greyfriars rehabilitation is within reasonable striking distance of you, just down the A3, and they are great. It's a proper hydro place, and all the staff are very well qualified. http://www.greyfriarsrehab.co.uk/
