My 2 1/2 year old black lab. was seen by a orthopedic surgeon last week and has been diagnosed with bicipital tenosynovitis and inflammation of the right shoulder , cartilage imperfection secondary to elbow dysplasia and mild arthritis of the right elbow. Dennis has had steroid paste inserted into the shoulder and anti inflammatory injection in his elbow. This was done when keyhole surgery was performed to insert a camera to find out what the problems were as x-rays were inconclusive. We are on restricted exercise. We return to the osteopath in 3weeks for check up. If the elbow is still causing problems he said he would preform the above surgery. This involves putting a small metal plate in Dennis' leg which would alter his walking position slightly and stop the cartilage catching on the elbow join. If this surgery needs to be performed Dennis would be lame for at least 6 months. I can't seem to find anyone on the internet who's dog has had this surgery. I would be really grateful for any more information about this surgery and recovery time. Sorry for such a long post but don't know what to do. Many thanks.chrissiejean
I can't offer any advice, I just wanted to say I'm so sorry that Dennis has had to go through so much at such a young age, you too I really hope he doesn't have to undergo any further surgery. I hope someone on the forum can help you. Even if nobody has experience of this please tell us how Dennis gets on as we can support you xx
Hi @Chrissiejean so sorry to hear about Dennis, Mabel had the procedure you are talking about 16 months ago, funnily enough today is exactly a year since she went to see the orthopaedic specialist and was allowed off lead after many many months of recovery. Here is the link to my post, I hope it helps in some small way. https://thelabradorforum.com/threads/poor-mabel-more-surgery-required.15063/page-10#post-256753 Just to let you know where we are 12 months later. She still has weekly hydrotherapy sessions on the treadmill. We have tried to reduce them but she is in a lot of discomfort without them. She is on permanent anti inflammatory medication with twice yearly medication check ups. I also have her on Yumove and high potency Omega 3. Physically she has an odd gait which is more pronounced at times particularly when the weather is warm, she can be nervous at times if she feels she is going to get hurt, and definitely self regulates playing with other dogs. On the whole she is amazing and definitely is turning into the dog of my dreams, although don’t get me wrong she has many challenges. I shan’t pretend recovery is easy because it really isn’t, unfortunately it slow and painful. Mabel’s specialist told me he only performs such surgery on the most extreme cases which is possibly why you have struggled to find much info. I wish you and Dennis all the luck in the world, and I am really sorry if I paint a bleak picture I just don’t think it would be fair to say it’s easy. Just keep positive and use the forum, take one day at a time and I’m sure you and Dennis will come through this just fine. Xx
Thank you for your kind words. Dennis goes back to see the orthopedic surgeon on the 20th November and we will find out if he has to have additional surgery. If so it will be performed on the same day. Will post when l know what's happening.
Thank you so much for letting me share in yous and Mabel's experience. At the moment Dennis is doing the 10-15 mins 2/3 times a day increasing by 5 mins ever 2weeks. No running, jumping or climbing. We also have a GSD who is finding it difficult too as she doesn't understand that Dennis can't play rough and tumble. Dennis has to see the orthopedic surgeon again on the 20th November. If he decides to operate the decision has to be made there and then because he will operate the same day. I just wanted to be able to find out from someone who had been through the experience with there dog what had the recovery been like and how their dog was now. You couldn't have been a better find, l wanted the truth warts and all. Lastly can Mabel now run, play and walk distances without pain. Out of 10 how would you score her quality of life now .Oh, my surgeon has Dennis on Hills prescription diet for joint care. Need to take out a mortgage for that food but he's worth it . Thanks again. Chris xx
Sorry to hear this. It is going to be tough for you. Have you seen the threads on here about ways to keep your dog occupied after surgery? You might find this helpful too.
@Chrissiejean firstly good luck for 20th, how difficult for you having another dog. It’s hopeless when they are used to playing rough. I remember when I was advised Mabel needed surgery and I asked quite plainly if I didn’t agree would she have to be PTS. Yes he said she had roughly 18 months left, she could barely walk. Her quality of life is a 10, but that is only because I manage her so very carefully. I have learnt so much and can now tell when she is out of sorts. She can definitely run and play and walk distances. She absolutely loves a bum tucking zombie. She doesn’t like dogs that are super bouncy and play rough and she is really not fond of puppies at all. I have noticed that she has developed tactics whereby she will lie on the floor and play bitey face I’m in no doubt it’s a leg saving tactic. I will also take her on really quiet walks if she has had some busy days. Regarding distances we do not let her walk for more than an hour and a half at a time, I tend to plan days out. For example we go to Stratford upon Avon most Saturday’s. We park the car by the river, walk for 30 mins go for coffee and rest her, (take a Kong or chew for her) walk further along the river for 40 mins then sit by the water and repeat on the way back. She has developed a surface phobia and gets very scared of things like cracks in the pavement and different types of footpaths so at least once a week I will incorporate some kind of urban walk going in and out of shops. I’m very lucky we live on the very edge of the city and are surrounded by lovely tourist areas that are incredibly dog friendly so it makes for a pleasant day out. Mabel is on Arden Grange Light, luckily she has thrived on it otherwise it was suggested by the specialist she was to move onto Hills prescription. Here are a few very recent photos of Mabel, taken in The Lake District. You can judge for yourself how she is enjoying life. Lastly please feel free to private message me I’m more than happy to be of any help. Best wishes Claire x
