Elbow surgery

[Caro]

Does anyone have experience with surgery for elbow dysplasia?

Deska saw the ortho specialist today and she suggested surgery to stabilise his dysplasia. She said in the past they didn't do the surgery for dogs over 2 yrs but in the recent years she has found good results in older dogs for the type of problem Deska has, esp in combination the new adjunct therapies available. I was planning on getting stem cell therapy for him but she thinks he will get more benefit out of the newer treatments if he had the surgery first. It would basically involve removing the boney growths that are impeding his joints, several days in hospital and then 6wks of rest.

It's a big decision and a little scary, and it's going to be very stressful for him. But I think it's something I will have to do - he is only 5 years old and I really want to give him a chance at a long, healthy life. Just wondering if any one knows what to expect with recovery. I know there would have to be some major shaving...

 

[Meldor]

I do not have any experience with this type of surgery but I wanted to send my thoughts to you for this tough decision. Hopefully however you chose to do it, Deska will have a good recovery and it will help him. Best of luck in this process!

 

[danisgoat]

Hey Caro!

I am so sorry to hear about your predicament with Deska.

I can't believe I am just seeing this post. I have been so busy the last week.

I have no experience to share with you, but please know that I will be thinking about you.

Keep us posted, please!
Dani

 

[dmeyer123]

I too missed this thread. Lexi had surgery for elbow displacia at 16 months. It was extremely successful! The surgeon was going to do an orthroscopic procedure but, because her legs were so small, he had to go with the traditional method. They showed me all the little pieces he removed from her joints.

Before the surgery, she would limp whenever we went for a walk. After, no limping at all. It was a fairly long recovery process. I was religious about the PT that they gave me to do with her. Now.....she loves agility!!

She was limping a little at agility a few weeks ago. I thought we might have to quit, but I contacted her surgeon and he said...No way! give her a baby aspirin before classes and go for it! He is very happy with the results of the surgery and delighted to know she has gone on to have a great quality of life.

Lexi is now 4 years old. She'll probably have arthritis in her elbows as she ages, but in my opinion the surgery was well worth it!!

 

[Caro]

That is really good news Dawn. Deska is having any bone fragments removed and then having the coronoid thingy shaved down. So it sounds very similar to Lexi's. The specialist said it won't completely heal because he already has the arthritis but if the joints are better aligned and he hasn't got the crunching going on between the joints it may slow it. I don't think he will ever go back to agility but it would be great if he could return to flyball.

 

[Ann]

It sounds like you've done lots of research and can make a good decision for Deska, Caro. I hope it goes well and recuperation isn't too bad. I always find keeping them quiet afterward is the worst part. Good luck and please keep us posted...sending pats to Deska!!