It's elbow dysplasia

Experience w/hip dysplasia....

I don't have any specific advice for elbow dysplasia, but we did manage my lab's hip dysplasia for 10 years w/o surgery so maybe the management may similar enough....

-We kept Sonny's (lab) weight on the lower end and fed him diet dog food
-glucosamine chondroitin tablets (from Foster & Smith) twice a day in his food according to directions (he was 4 tablets a day)
-exercise while keeping an eye on his stiffness and comfort level. LOTS less exercise as he got older and stiffer
-Always worse in the winters (he would sleep with his butt on the heating vents :rolleyes2: )
-Occasional Buffered Aspirin for pain management
-Sonny needed assistance getting onto beds, into cars, and up/down stairs when he got older (last 1-2 years). He'd pop his front end on the bed/car seat and wait for us to pick up his rear for him. He also completely stopped going up and down stairs.
-Hardwood floors were an issue as he got older- we had a bunch of rugs and mats in strategic locations in the kitchen and dining room since he would lay down and then have trouble getting up on the wood/tiled surfaces (only the last couple of years) and he would occasionally loose his footing/hind legs the last year.

Sonny was very happy and playful and really did not have too many issues until he got older. Oh, and he loved getting the ouchy (swollen) parts of his hips gently massaged on colder/rainy days when they bothered him more.

I hope some of this may help! Kisses for your boy
 
Unfortunately no hydrotherapy pool here that lets dogs in, and the beach is a 3hr drive, although we are going there next weekend so I will try to get him in for a swim.

He had Metacam last night and ran outside to bark at the birds so I guess that means he is feeling better. Wish I knew if ED could go into a remission of sorts, it would make me feel a lot better if I wasnt thinking of a painful future. I might give the physio a call and see if she can give me advice to hold me over until next pay day.
 
DPSheltie has some good advice,which can I'm sure be useful,even though it's Deskas elbow.

I am really so sorry to hear this news.As you know we had got dysplasia diagnosis for Earnhardt back a bit ago.Hopefully you have better outlets for possibly getting Deska in a pool & possibly massage theapy.

What I can add,maybe order some Joint & Muscle formula from Vibrant Pets.I know it won't make it go away,but maybe will help some.I know we have found a world of differance following dr's orders with Earnies diet,and his pain meds,plus VP.

Give him a big hug from everyone here.Will keep you in our prayers.
 
I'm sorry to hear about Deska's diagnosis, Caro. I hope it's not serious and he can continue being active and competing.

I'd like to second Chris and Michele's suggestion about Vibrant Pets. Those of us who use it have seen remarkable results, and with Deska being so young and healthy, a supplement like this one might be a better long-term solution for you than a chemical drug -- which, of course, you will need to use when you have to, but if something like VP can help maintain him, it's worth a try.

Barkley had a problem with pain in one of his hind legs at six months old and it recurs occasionally. It started when he had Lyme disease. He's now three and since he's been on VP not a trace of discomfort.

Give Deska a pat for us and hang in there. Sending you virtual hugs!
 
I am sorry as well, but knowledge is power. Now that you know, you can take these steps to manage it. Other than what has already been said, perhaps a heating pad or blanket under a pillow or doggie bed when he's really feeling it? After a nap on the blanket, he would probably loosen up a ton with a good rub down.
 
I will check about the ice packs after running for the inflammation and the heat pad at home. I have also emailed Vibrant Pets, although will have to wait to order anything - the xrays this week cost me over $1k:eek2:.

Went for a walk this morning and he got the crazy zoomies, racing around in circles and jumping over everything. Totally amazing, I think the Metacam has worked really, really well (although it did give him the smellies)! It made me realise Deska has probably been showing subtle signs for the last 6mths.

I was thinking of trimming back his feathers so they dont drag on the damp ground and take less time to dry - what do you think? Maybe make some little elbow warmers?
 
Caro, very sorry to hear about Deska's ED. What a shame in a young dog. Many labs of my friends' labs have had this but I didn't think Shelties had that potential problem.

Fingers crossed you will be able to manage it without going bankrupt! Sending you good wishes.

Sharon
 
Caro, I am so sorry to hear that Deska has dysplasia but I'm sure you feel a sense of relief in finally getting a diagnosis and knowing what you are dealing with. I looked up metacam and it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. While everyone has given great advice I would ask the vet about supplements and natural remedies just to make sure they don't interfere with each other or cause problems.

When I looked up elbow dysplacia I found that there are three types. Maybe you could call the specialist and find out which one he has. In the states they do arthroscopic surgery which might be something you could look into down the road.

Take heart in the fact that Deska is cleared for flyball. I don't think the vet would let him compete if his dysplacia was really bad.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top