I have decided to keep a log regarding Mabel's diagnosis with Elbow Dysplasia for two reasons firstly to get everything clear in my mind and to help anyone else who may be either interested or going through the same thing. Without a doubt The Labrador Forum is an immense form of comfort and a massive thank you to Julie T who has offered the best advice when she wrote think of what they can do rather than what they can't. Mabel was 7 months old last Saturday up until she was 5 months everything was perfect, then one day out of the blue she got up from her nap and limped. It was a short intermittent limp, sometimes it happened sometimes it didn't. It would also happen after playing with other dogs. She then began to walk really really slow, almost like she was paddling or a pony trotting. Friends and family thought I was mad and there was nothing wrong apart from one friend who voiced my fears. Off I went to the Orthopaedic vet who felt yes there was something going on so she was put on an anti- inflammatory drugs and given X-Rays. Unfortunately they confirmed elbow Dysplasia. Last Thursday was Mabel's check up. We have a new orthopaedic vet (the last one was covering long term illness and actually worked in Chester and I live in Coventry), he showed me in great detail Mabel's X-Rays. They are badly effected there's an awful lot of shading in areas that should be clear and well defined. He asked loads of questions and went through a lot of old ground that I had previously explained but was pleased he wanted to form his own picture and not rely on Mabel's notes. He explained that she has Osteochondrosis which is caused by genetics. Below is a link which describes it better than I ever can. http://www.willows.uk.net/en-GB/spe...alth-information/orthopaedics/osteochondrosis He has referred her to an Orthopaedic specialist for a CT scan at the veterinary hospital in Solihull. He was also talking about them removing the fragments of cartilage. By this time I was in information overload but he did go on to talk about a controversial operation that removes some bone in one of the two bones that make up the front leg. This then alters the way the elbow joint is used causing less pain. This can only be done within the next 8 weeks as it needs to be performed before they have stopped growing. I have looked on the Internet and can't find anything at all. I could have misunderstood him completely as by this time we had been discussing Mabel for 50 minutes I will certainly be asking the specialist this week. All in all Mabel is amazing, I have a plan of action, every morning we go to the park so she can interact with other dogs. This morning she was running and playing crazy puppy play with 5 Labradors. Heaven. In an afternoon we are going to have quiet gentle walks where there are few dogs. Regular little training sessions. She's learning paw to target I'm not going to try and teach her fetch as she's never been keen. She loves tug and find it games. I'm also finding Kongs invaluable. She has 6 all together in 3 different varieties I'll put either put her breakfast or tea in them the day before and freeze them. It takes Mabel an hour and a half to eat her tea, she is kept stimulated and relaxed at the same time. I've also bought a three brain games which I can put her food in. I'm lucky in one respect she is so calm most of the time which goes against everything so many people have told me about chocolate labs. I'm so glad I wrapped her in cotton wool, no jumping,no stairs, no plod walking just natural movement fingers crossed it may have helped her. To anyone buying a Labrador I can't stress enough the value of good health scores. Mabel's parents have low scores they are both pictures of health. I've meet her mum a few times and she's a gorgeous Bouncy vibrant girl. I didn't meet Mabel's dad although he is mountain rescue. The last litter were a huge success and at the moment it is possible Mabel is the only one with elbow Dysplasia her sisters and 2 brothers are fine. (I'm lucky enough to keep in contact through FB and have actually made good friends with the owners of her 2 sisters )Unfortunately for my girl it's sheer bad luck. I always knew that low scores in parents didn't mean a puppy would have low scores, it's still painful when it happens though. I've contacted the breeder who is as upset as I am, there is no doubt in my mind her puppies have been breed with the utmost love and care.
What rotten bad luck for your dear Mabel , and an awful worry for you too . I will be watching your thread for news after your visit , thank you for posting this and I wish you much luck
That is bad luck indeed..... I hope that the eventual outlook for Mabel's elbows is good though, with the right kind of intervention. You've got onto it quickly, which is half the battle.
I'm so sorry for your diagnosis, when Myles had a limp and my mind was thinking possible ED, I really felt for everyone who has had to go down this path. I do like Julie's advice to focus ok what she CAN do. Wow Mabel is doing well with the Kongs. An hour and a half is valuable! Myles is somewhat lazy with them and I have to use an easier Kong. So sorry for your news and keep us posted on your plan and progress.
I am so sorry to hear about Mabels diagnosis. It does look though like there are options to consider which is good. Thanks to your care with her you have given her the best possible outlook and recovery going forward.
So sorry to hear about poor Mabel. Glad you have got things in hand quickly because the earlier the better. My dog Lady has ED but it took a while to identify - fortunately while it could still be treated. Here are a couple of links that might give you a bit more info about OCD and ED if it's present as well. http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/orthopaedic/elbow-osteochondritis-dissecans-ocd/ http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/orthopaedic/canine-elbow-dysplasia/
So sorry .... poor Mabel! But sure looks like you've got a plan and she is getting the best care possible! Please keep us informed and give her lots of hugs from Maui and Me!!
Really sorry to hear about your diagnosis - but at least you know what is wrong and you can decide on the right course of action.
Sorry to hear your diagnosis, Buster is now 16 months old and was diagnosed with ED at 8 months he was heavily restricted to 2 x 5 minute walks for what felt like forever, we have been building his walking up slowly and now we are at 50 min walks which is great, as before we couldn't get of the estate but now he loves seeing other dogs and people and is really happy. I took him to the vets for a check up last Friday and he is really happy with him, although he has the occasional limp thrown in on the whole he is good. At the moment he is lying in the shade wagging his tail at me, life is good.
Sounds like Mabel is a happy well-adjusted wee soul. I am sure whatever you decide with the ortho vets that she will cope well, probably better than her humans Fingers crossed. It is a worry what to do for the best. Thinking of you all x
I'm really sorry about your situation.I can tell Mabel is very loved and you will do your absolute best to get her the right care and attention.It is so valuable of you to start this thread,so many owners come to the Forum seeking help,support and reassurance when they've had an upsetting diagnosis ,reading stories from Members in similar situations can be very comforting ,thank you x
So sorry you've had this news. Well done for spotting it, and getting your girl to a good vet. At least now all options are still open to you. You sound to be keeping positive and focused on finding the best options for Mabel, which is the best and most productive thing to do. Writing about things helps me too, it helps to set out your thoughts so they are clear instead of all racing round. Best wishes to you going forwards, let us know how it goes, and chin up - you'll find a way for your girl to be happy, even if it's a bit different from what you had planned. Just got to play the hand you are dealt and make the best of it, and it sounds like you are set to do just that.
So sorry to hear of this diagnosis, I'm sure it was a terrible shock and disappointment to you. But you have options for treatment, which is good. Keep us posted, we will be eagerly following as to how things are going. And don't be afraid to come on the forum and wail if you need to as well. Many of us can attest it's a great place for that, too.....
So very sorry about your dear girl Mabel. I hope all works out well for you both, I am sure it will. Give her a big cuddle from me and Fred x
I see a beautiful athletic looking male labrador down the park. He had ED and was treated at Fitzpatricks. There was a period of treatment and recovery and he has check-ups but is a bouncy, fun loving dog with no sign of ED anymore. I hope you can look ahead and 'see' this for your pup. And I really wish you good luck. I think it's a good idea to write a log here; it can be so uplifting to get responses of support.
Thank you, that is so lovely to here. I rang The Willows as I wanted to Google the Orthopaedic Specialist. Mabel is going to see Toby Gemmill. What a guy I've tried to read some of his articles. Amazing. So happy I can't do anymore for her. Looking forward to tomorrow
