We've just found out our 1.5 year old chocolate has elbow dysplasia w/ a fragmented coronoid process on his left side, and a potential fracture/fissure on his right (even though his parents and grandparents were tested as clear/normal for this). I think we are going to opt for arthroscopic surgery on both sides. We feel pretty confident with our surgeon and about going ahead, but I am very nervous about the possibility of making things worse. I know the surgery is partly preventative, and right now he just walks a bit funny and doesn't seem to be in too much pain - I'd feel horrible if he came back from the surgery in worse shape. Does anyone who's been through this have any words of encouragement? The surgery could be as soon as next Thursday.
Oh goodness I am so sorry to hear this!!! There are plenty of people on here who have either gone through this or are in the process right now, so I'm sure you'll find encouragement and support. Best of luck...
No, they are recommending doing both at once, as the right side will be less invasive, and they anticipate him being able to bounce back quite quickly. Plus better to only go through the full-anesthesia process once (according to this surgeon!).
That makes sense! I don't know if you would be referred to Guelph (I'm sure there are lots of surgeons in Toronto), but here is a positive outcome article from the OVC re arthroscopic surgery: https://ovc.uoguelph.ca/pettrust/news/tucker’s-road-recovery
Sorry for this horrible diagnosis. I have no experience, just wanted to send best wishes to you and your lovely fella.
Thank you! They've given him a pretty good prognosis, we just hope the process isn't too taxing on him
I have a dog that was diagnosed and operated on at 8/9months with a fragmented coronoid process. Surgery is essential to remove the bone chip/s .oyrs was finally dugnised in full by having a scan but we also gave an underlying malformation in the elbow joint. Most important is the recovery/rehabilitation plan to try to ensure a good recovery and ongoing success. When's surgery planned for?
Sorry to hear that your young dog needs this. I don’t have any experience of that type of surgery, only a cruciate ligament op but, as @Jojo83 says, the recovery time, with crate rest, is crucial. It’s going to be a challenge to keep him calm for several weeks, but well worth it for a good outcome. I hope all goes well. Keep us updated.
Glad to hear (as our vet also said) that it's necessary! I'm very worried about making things worse, but it does seem even to a non-professional like myself that having a chunk of bone floating around inside a joint is not a good thing! We have the procedure booked for next Thursday. Thanks for your support! How is your pup doing now??
Yes it is going to be a challenge keeping him calm -- he's such a happy/floppy boy who loves his ball and outings to the park. Thanks for your well-wishes.
Just an update because you were all so nice to share your concern for George: he had the procedure done this past Thursday and everything went very smoothly! The vet removed bone fragments from both elbows (so we are so glad we opted to do both). He is recovering so quickly (although we are making him take it slow, as per vet's instructions). He's acting as if nothing happened - I think the worst part for him was having to skip breakfast the day-of! Will let you know how he's getting on a few weeks from now - we hope to see an improvement in his wobbly gait and in the length of time he can exercise (he used to get tired and limpy after 20 minutes or so) - but the vet did warn us that things might stay relatively the same. Anyway thanks again for your support!
That's good news! The waiting and diagnosis must be horrible. Lovely that George has bounced back after the procedure.
That's good to hear! Stay firm with the slow-but-steady exercising routine, stick exactly to what the vet says!!!
Hi @akc pleased to hear that surgery went well for yoyr boy. Has your vet discussed and planned recovery with you? Have you plans for hydrotherapy? After my girls surgery we were only allowed 3 x 3 minute walks (non as toilet breaks ) per day. We started hydrotherapy 3 weeks after the op and our therapist was brilliant with advice etc to help our rehab and gradual increase to walks. Our walks increased at around 100m a time but the gradual increase was worth it when the x-rays at 8 weeks post op were clear. The rehab is so important and that the elbows are given time to heal slowly and muscles rebuilt slowly. The restrictions may seem hard with young active dogs but it is worth it for the best result possible. Life over the last 6-7 months haven't been so good for my girl, who also has an underlying malformation in the elbow . We've had to resort to Cartrophen injection courses but she has been showing discomfort long before the next Cartrophen course is due. After a long chat with my vet last week we are trying a 28 day course of Previcox and monitoring daily and keeping a diary to refer to. I've found a new hydrotherapy centre which looks better than the one we have been using so we will see where we are in a few weeks and look at new x-rays and/or a CT scan to get a real idea of where we are and best treatment plan for her.
