My 6 month old puppy has recently been to vets for x rays which haven't been conclusive in diagnosing ED however specialists who also looked at xrays think there is a possibility that she had elbow dysplasia in both front legs. We are unable to get appointment with the specialists in Fife until 30th May due to waiting lists when they will do mor in depth tests including scans. I am really worried about how much exercise to give her. Vet advised no exercise at all initially and at last visit she said 10 mins on lead walking. I am also concerned that she is not getting socialised with other dogs and her training has gone backwards due to this also. Can anyone who has been through this give any advice? Thanks Lesley
Hi, sorry I can't offer advice apart from searching on the forum as quite a few posts on ED. I'm sure other members will soon be along to help you out. There is a post by @JulieT with lots of training tips/fun things to do to keep help your puppy and you entertained. @MaccieD has very good advice to as do many others who have gone through/going through the same thing. I hope you get all the help you need from the specialist and vets. What's your puppy's name?
http://thelabradorforum.com/threads/limping-on-front-leg.14248/ This is one thread that might be useful. Edited to add this too http://thelabradorforum.com/threads/things-to-do-for-dogs-on-restricted-exercise.10654/
Hi Lesley, so sorry to hear about your pup and the possibility of a diagnosis of ED and I can probably guess how your feeling at the moment, I know how I felt when I got the initial diagnosis from the specialist. The regime I had agreed with my vet was that Juno was allowed 2 x 15 minute walks on lead per day with no running, jumping, stairs etc. Juno first limped at 5 months and then 8 months when she was diagnosed. Inter action with other dogs are difficult because you can't allow the usual exuberance but you can still get out and about with your pup to other places for walks and to see life in general. There's no reason why you can't carry on training as long as you aren't practicing retrieves or anything which requires running but you can certainly be practicing loose lead walking. Now is quite a good time to practice calmness around other dogs - perhaps you have a park you could sit and watch the world go by in together, or perhaps a coffee somewhere. You can also follow up with some of the ideas provided on the link by @Newbie Lab Owner . It's a shame you're having to wait so long before the specialist appointment but scans can be so helpful for the diagnosis. We all thought that it was Juno's left elbow based upon the xrays and her symptoms, when in fact it was the right when she had her scan. I think my main advice at the moment is to try not to worry, yes I know that's impossible, and take each day as it comes. It's now some 13 months since my girl had her surgery and she leads a pretty normal life although her exercise is managed and there's a few things she's not allowed to do, but there is life after an ED diagnosis. If you would like a private chat please feel free to message me, I'm happy to try and answer any questions or share my experience
Thanks for the reassurance. I am just really worried I make it worse. I will go out for 10 mins this morning just around and about and see how she is. She gets so excited when she sees her lead. If only they understood that it's for their own good . I may contact you after I know more as I am sure I will have many questions. Thanks again. Lesley
@Lesley McArthur you're more than welcome to contact at anytime, even if it's only to have a rant . I don't know if it will help with Macy but when going for our walk I used to allow Juno to have a good sniff around, perhaps something we don't always encourage, so although the walk may only have been 10 or 15 minutes we had been out longer than that. I found it helps to tire out a young dog that bit more as it engages the brain rather than the body. I had to do some training later to reduce the stop and sniff but for me it was worth it. If she gets excited when she sees her lead, now is a good time to work on sitting quiet while you put the lead on and no rushing through doors etc as it will help to reduce the risk of "bounciness" or jumping if she needs surgery.
I feel for you, Buster was 7 months when he was diagnosed with ED, he was on strict 2 X 5 minute walks for a couple of months, then it was built up very slowly, It is extremely hard for you as an owner to deal with, I found it really hard Spring last year when I was seeing all these dogs have a ball thrown for them knowing that I can never do that with Buster. He is now just over 2 he hasn't had surgery he was managed with strict exercise, anti inflammatory tablets and glucosamine tablets, the is only taking the glucosamine tablets now, and touch wood he is doing really well, that's not to say he won't have surgery in the future but at the moment he is good. I really wish you all the best of luck.
Hi Lesley, Im really sorry to read your post,you must be feeling worried and upset.You've found a great place to seek advice and reassurance, unfortunately we have quite a few members that have had this diagnosis but because we have there is a wealth of information and support for getting through it. I hope the specialist appointment doesn't discover ED but if that is the case,please stay around and we can help you through it x
Thanks everyone for your kind wishes. Took Macy out for 10 mins yesterday and took some homemade liver treats to distract her when other dogs were about and there was a huge improvement. Obviously a much tastier treat for her works well. . I will let you know how her referral goes. Got appointment and brochure through In post yesterday. Vet is Portuguese and has specialised in canine orthopedics so fingers crossed. Xx
Hi Heather could I ask what glucosamine tablets you used with Buster, I know it was a while a go. My dog Denzel has 1 operation on his left elbow and the vet has recommended his right but we are desperately looking for alternatives to slow down this des ion off when we need to have this done. He had his operation 11 weeks ago and we are still on restricted exercise and I have to say the hydrotherapy is a great way of dealing with excess energy. I have been looking through the he forum to find a few answers and have posted a message today, but I have just found yours and wondered if you can advise. Thank you
My Lab broke his elbow at 16 weeks and had it screwed and pinned. The vet at the referral hospital advised Synoquin which is Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulphate and also has Ascorbic Acid and Zinc Sulphate. We had restricted exercise until he was 8 months old and on his last x-ray at that age he had arthritis in that elbow. He is now 10 years old and the arthritis has not given him any problem and I am sure the Synoquin has helped.
Hi @Denzeldog I give Juno Yumove Young and Active together with 10ml of salmon oil. My orthopaedic surgeon suggested giving her a supplement when he first diagnosed her ED with me. Originally I changed her diet to Hill's J/D Calorie Controlled on the recommendation of my vet and with the specialists approval. Over a period of months I started to add the supplement as well as the Hills kibble really doesn't have much glucosamine and chondroitin. I have since changed her diet to a better quality/higher protein kibble so she just has the supplements added daily. Touching wood, and every thing else you can think off, we have been limp free for 10 months but we put Juno on reduced exercise at the first hint of any discomfort - so a routine of normal exercise for many months which also involves some retrieving of balls etc. I would suggest either a chat with your vet or your consultant and get their view on the use of supplements for Denzel as some would argue that there is no scientific evidence that they have any beneficial effect. I honestly don't know if they make a difference or not but as someone who has personally been taking a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement for around 12 years I have seen no deterioration in my condition which would normally be expected.
When we took creaky old Scooby to the vet we were advised to give him glucosamine & chondroitin supplements - she advised to buy "human" tablets as they'd be cheaper - they certainly are a heck of a lot cheaper. We used Nature's Best. I can't say whether they helped or not. I know they stopped prescribing glucosamine on the NHS for people a few years ago as it wasn't though to be effective, and was wasting money.
Hi, Buster is on Synoquin, it's just 1 tablet a day, direct from the vets, it costs 95. But lasts for 3 months. I hope Denzel continues to improve, hope this helps
Hi Lesley Sorry not sure how I missed this first time around. How are you and Macy today? My girl Mabel was diagnosed with ED when she was about 5 months. She is now 20 months and had a second lot of surgery almost 5 weeks ago. I've written a couple of threads on the forum to help myself get my thoughts in order and help other people who may find themselves in the same situation. As @MaccieD has said allow loads of sniffing time I have found it helps greatly and if you can find a little cafe even better. I've also become a lot more assertive as I found so many dog owners just don't get the fact my dog is on a lead for a reason. I'm possibly a bit rude at times, that's just how it is . I learnt so much after she had the arthroscopy that the way I manage her walks now are on distance rather than actual time. The surgery she had this time is called PAUL, @Denzeldog also has a thread about Denzel having the same surgery. Mabel is bi laterally lame and unfortunately very severe, I have now come to terms with it although it's not easy, my way of coping is to be super practical. Many of us on the forum will totally understand how you are feeling. I've cried buckets, in fact I didn't think I could cry so much. If you prefer to message me privately please feel free or any specific questions ask away as many times as you like. Rosemary (@MaccieD) and myself have a mantra, one day at a time. It really helps. If you can live in the moment that also helps, and remember there is so much you can do. It may not seem like it at the moment but you will be able to move forward. Wishing you the very best and sorry for what has turned out to be a long post . Claire xx
