Chris
Premium Member
Long post, but perhaps useful for anyone dealing with degenerative arthritis in their Sheltie. Or for Bitsy Boodle fans. 
Bitsy Boodle has fought degenerative arthritis since she was two (she turns 11 in January). Several weeks ago, Bits fell and hurt her elbow so much that our vet feared she'd broken the joint. If that were the case, we'd need to let her go. The radiologist would have to decide.
We came home and decided to go ahead and say farewell -- made all the arrangements) -- because she was in so much pain, and we hated to see her suffer. Then DH said, "No! We need to give her the same chance we gave Layla." I am so glad we did!!! Her elbow was NOT broken, and slowly, Bits began to use the leg again. I still feel guilty.
We had such a good result with Layla's elbow surgery that we decided to take Bits to see Dr. Canapp at Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. We weren't very optimistic that anything could be done -- she's bone on bone in her front elbows and back hips (but her shoulders are absolutely perfect!). She also has slow growing liver mass -- most probably cancer -- and very wonky liver enzymes.
But Dr. Canapp did a preliminary test to see if Bitsy tested positive for rheumatoid arthritis (she didn't). So next week, she'll have the joint fluid tested to definitively rule out autoimmune disease. At the same time, she'll have platelet-rich plasma injected into all joints. He said she may need a booster if we don't see as much improvement as we hope within six weeks. But he feels this will give her a lot of relief and help her move much more comfortably.
He's reluctant to clean out the elbows like he did Layla because of the risks of general anesthesia. But he said if we have to, he can do it within 15 minutes, so the risk would be reduced (what a miracle-worker!).
Please keep Bitsy in your thoughts and prayers on 28 December -- we really hope this treatment helps.
Bitsy Boodle has fought degenerative arthritis since she was two (she turns 11 in January). Several weeks ago, Bits fell and hurt her elbow so much that our vet feared she'd broken the joint. If that were the case, we'd need to let her go. The radiologist would have to decide.
We came home and decided to go ahead and say farewell -- made all the arrangements) -- because she was in so much pain, and we hated to see her suffer. Then DH said, "No! We need to give her the same chance we gave Layla." I am so glad we did!!! Her elbow was NOT broken, and slowly, Bits began to use the leg again. I still feel guilty.
We had such a good result with Layla's elbow surgery that we decided to take Bits to see Dr. Canapp at Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. We weren't very optimistic that anything could be done -- she's bone on bone in her front elbows and back hips (but her shoulders are absolutely perfect!). She also has slow growing liver mass -- most probably cancer -- and very wonky liver enzymes.
But Dr. Canapp did a preliminary test to see if Bitsy tested positive for rheumatoid arthritis (she didn't). So next week, she'll have the joint fluid tested to definitively rule out autoimmune disease. At the same time, she'll have platelet-rich plasma injected into all joints. He said she may need a booster if we don't see as much improvement as we hope within six weeks. But he feels this will give her a lot of relief and help her move much more comfortably.
He's reluctant to clean out the elbows like he did Layla because of the risks of general anesthesia. But he said if we have to, he can do it within 15 minutes, so the risk would be reduced (what a miracle-worker!).
Please keep Bitsy in your thoughts and prayers on 28 December -- we really hope this treatment helps.
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