Really sorry to hear the diagnosis of dysplasia, I know how hard that is . Did the vet say what form the dysplasia takes as there are numerous variations on elbow dysplasia; really good though that the vet says it can be managed. I know my ortho vet gave me a printed sheet with the Do's and Dont's together with recommendations for diet and weight management, which was just as well as by the time I got home from the consultation I couldn't remember half of what he said apart from waiting to make a full diagnosis with the benefit of a scan I know what you mean about the house being empty without our four legged friends, I can never wait to get Juno home.
I am so sorry what horrible news. There are lots of people on the forum that have or are facing this diagnosis so you will receive lots of support. xx
Oh no . Hopefully her outlook doesn't involve surgery and can be managed. Lots of tummy rubs from me when she gets home
Thank you for all your kind comments, we have a follow up appointment in 4 weeks. I'm going to compile a list of questions for the vet. I did have a chat with her yesterday but now I'm struggling to remember what she said apart from the fact she will be susceptible to arthritis but any flair ups are treatable. It was very positive. All the staff were great yesterday I feel there is a great deal of support if I need it. The anti inflammatory drugs have completely stopped the random limp, I had also noticed how slow her recall was but this is now pretty quick I'm pretty sure it's a combination of continuous trading and medication. I'm just about to update my training log as this mornings walk was horrendous.
Very sorry to hear about Mabel's dysplasia, but good news that the anti-inflammatories are working. Hope you can find ways to manage her condition.
There's lots of info available on the internet to help with understanding elbow dysplasia - I think I read nearly every article to begin with when Juno was diagnosed, but I found it reassuring, plus the support here on the forum, that we could get through the initial stages and for Juno to have a full and active life still.
I've read loads of things today, I'd read articles before we collected her so I had some idea it just means so much more now it's real. I've read one of your post and Juno sounds gorgeous. Not that I would wish dysplacia on anyone it's comforting others are in the same boat. The vet said I was to continue with Mabel's normal exercise regime, pleased with that at least I hadn't damaged her. As it's rained so much today the brook is full of water. Great excitement we had great fun retrieving from the water. Funny she will not retrieve a ball under any circumstances but one of her floating toys and she's in heaven.
I'm really sorry to hear your news - I do hope that you can work out a programme that suits her and gives her a great quality of life. Lots of people with dogs with elbow problems manage just fine. Maybe something that Charlie's surgeon said to me this week will help. We were discussing the outlook for Charlie's recovery and he said "of course, arthritis will progress in the joint". I sighed, and said I knew that and I would do everything to minimise it. He said that I needed to appreciate that vets use "labels". Arthritis is a label (like elbow dysplasia is a label) that technically describes a condition. He went on to say that most likely, arthritis for Charlie would be largely irrelevant. It would be there but because he has had treatment, and will have an ongoing sensible programme, Charlie might not suffer any effects for years and years. So, the main thing I think is to work out your programme and precautions to keep your dog as fit and comfortable as possible, and then focus on what you can, rather than can't, do with your dog - and look forward to happy years together. Best of luck with it.
Pilatelover - Juno's only been on restricted exercise when she was limping and following her surgery and we are gradually getting her exercise regime back to the old level - a work in progress still. So please that everything sounds more positive for Mabel and restrictions. I'm trying to give Juno as normal a life as possible which includes having a run, playing find in the garden and retrieving - just not chasing after moving balls or toys , but keeping the amount of running down etc. You're always welcome to message me if you have a bad day Julie T - agree with every word on your post above,
MaccieD and Julie T thank you both so much, I will certainly remember the words of wisdom you have shared. Mabel has been such a handful today although this afternoon she was a lot better. She has spent quite along time in her paddling pool in the rain! I just love labs, so very funny.
