We took her to the specialist (Fitzpatrick Referals near Godalming) this morning and I've just had a telephone call with the results - all good. The MRI scan confirmed a small amount of bone loss in both elbows so the vet went ahead with the arthroscopy to see what was going on. Both elbows were in good nick generally but both showed micro-fractures on the coronoid process (the part of the elbow joint that has the sticky out bit) so he removed the damaged bone to relieve frictional abrasion in that area (the right elbow actually showed some early signs of cartilage damage). He also released a tendon in each leg that exerts rotational forces on the ulna and can exacerbate the problem. Releasing it has no long term adverse effect on the dog apparently. All in all he said the prognosis for Lady is very good now she's had these two procedures done. I am relieved. We pick her up tomorrow to start up to 12 weeks of rehab with an emphasis on no running, no jumping, no slipping and no sliding. : Starts off with 10 minute lead walks 4 - 6 times a day and works up 5 minutes longer each week for up to 12 weeks depending on how she recovers. I don't think it will take the full 12 weeks because that regime includes very invasive procedures that include cutting bones and re-aligning them with metal plates and screws. She has to wear the dreaded HEAD COLLAR for the first two weeks. I must say the vet was very good with his dog bedside manner. Lady is a very timid thing and knows all about vets but he got her confidence straight away and she went off with him at the end of the initial consultaion as happy as anything. If you are interested I'll scan the info sheets and put up a link where you can read all about it.
Re: Lady's Lameness Oh David, thats such good news , what a relief for you So very pleased that the prognosis is so good for Lady too, the Vet sounds wonderful , really happy for you
Re: Lady's Lameness So pleased to hear that David. Special hugs to Lady once she's back home. The lead walks are a bit of a pain but it will zip past jac
Re: Lady's Lameness Great news! ;D Hope the cone of shame isn't too embarrassing for Lady. I'm sure rehab will fly by.
Re: Lady's Lameness Oh what fantastic news for you and Lady, so pleased that's over. Now Lady you put your paws up, take it easy and do as you have been told by the lovely Vet and don't over do it!! Love and licks from Hattie & Charlie and love from me (no licks though!!). ;D Helen xx
Re: Lady's Lameness Really really happy for you and Lady both. Now just stick to what the doctor says for 12 weeks...
Re: Lady's Lameness That's good news David. Good luck with the recuperation period. Hope all continues to go well.
Re: Lady's Lameness Thanks everyone. It has really helped my worries about it all. Sounds daft but I didn't sleep a wink the night before she went in. Just as bad as children aren't they! Vet rang this morning to say she is fine and I'm picking her up at 2 o'clock today, so I'll be off in about half an hour or so. Rosemary can't come with me as she's looking after number one grandaughter unexpectedly - something to do with Norovirus hits child minder. Oooh!
Re: Lady's Lameness Hope all continues to go well. You must be really looking forward to getting her home..not long now.
Re: Lady's Lameness Welcome home Lady David have a lovely time cuddling up with your girl and sleep well tonight Helen x
Re: Lady's Lameness Just got her back. She's feeling pretty sorry for herself from the anaesthetic and up-chucking rather a lot. Walking seems fine though. I'll post a photo with the cone of shame when she's feeling better. She's asleep in her bed at the moment. Vet reckons he's fixed the problem and he thinks she should recover completely. He says she will still develop arthritis but only in old age as to be expected.
Re: Lady's Lameness Oh bless her , so pleased you have Lady home again David , she will get better and better with your care and its not daft to worry and suffer from lack of sleep , we`re all the same , we love our dogs
Re: Lady's Lameness Aww...the wee soul Is she deliberately turning away from you? *put that camera down, I look awful* Hope you won't need the cone for too long - can't be nice if she's feeling a bit green. Fingers crossed for the graded exercising. jac
Re: Lady's Lameness I hear cones are very in vogue this year ;D ;D You look fab in yours Lady Get better quickly girl. H x
