Lame Puppy

[ILuvAmstaffs]

Thanx woody2shoes. Looking at him & seeing how well he gets around now that he has healed, has given us a lot better outlook for his future. It was such a huge comfort having people on this forum that could offer support.

Will be watching for updates on your girl. It sounds like you got may have got it early & hopefully she will make a speedy recovery!

[puggy_puggy]

Also, I would recommend a supplement called Flexicose as well as Ester C Tabs. This combination has made a world of difference to Diesel.

Think I might start a thread on what supplements people give their dogs for their joints. There are so many of us out there that have dogs, or in my case have cared for rescue dogs, that have joint problems. It would be great to know the best suppliments to give.

W2S please don't think I was having a go at you. I just wanted to clarify for others that might be reading this thread what total rest is. There are so many people that have injured dogs that would recover with total rest but they think that total rest is just keeping them a bit quiet.

Just wondering if ultrasound would have picked up the fragments? Or is a CT scan the only way?

[woody2shoes]

Also, I would recommend a supplement called Flexicose as well as Ester C Tabs. This combination has made a world of difference to Diesel.

Think I might start a thread on what supplements people give their dogs for their joints. There are so many of us out there that have dogs, or in my case have cared for rescue dogs, that have joint problems. It would be great to know the best suppliments to give.

W2S please don't think I was having a go at you. I just wanted to clarify for others that might be reading this thread what total rest is. There are so many people that have injured dogs that would recover with total rest but they think that total rest is just keeping them a bit quiet.

Just wondering if ultrasound would have picked up the fragments? Or is a CT scan the only way?

Hi again puggy_puggy,

My turn to apologies if I sounded defensive. I guess it's all been a pretty stressful experience - and I just wanted you to understand that I had just about turned myself inside out trying to help my pup! And I agree with you, the term total rest is often misunderstood. I know what it means and I still found it incredibly hard to just lock her away all the time. Quite heart wrenching at times.

I'm happy to say that my girl had her bandages removed this morning and is looking a million dollars. In a week's time, I start her on slow 10 minute lead walks once a day and as much swimming as I can manage. I am to build the walks up by 5 minutes a week (yes, a week!!!!) and by week 7 she is allowed normal activity so till then, she will still be restricted to House Rest. I can't wait...in the meantime, it's baby steps.

Not sure about the ultrasound question. I believe that MRI's and CT scans are the best imaging for this kind of thing (from what I've read) since even digital x-rays won't show cartilage fragments. Trouble is that not everyone has the equipment to do this.

I think a discussion on joint supplements would be great.

w2s

[woody2shoes]

Hi W2S

I was searching through the forum for information on orthopedic surgeons and lame dogs. I am in a similar situation, my dog landed awkwardly from a fall, and his back leg had been hippity-hop ever since. 3 months now. We have also tried a course of Pentosan and rimydal, and even anti-biotics for a another condition. Nothing, and a complete personality change. I am seeing Dr Wing Tip Wong tomorrow, and hope that his injury can be resolved without major surgery. It's really great to hear your story, and experiences. Hope your dog recovers fast.

Opyimus

Hi Optimus, I sure hope you get the answer/s you're looking for. It sounds like your dog is either in some pain or unwell if he is not being his usual self. I think you'll find Wing Tip very approachable. Don't be afraid to ask ANYTHING as he is more than happy to answer all questions (and believe me, I asked lots of them! )

Please keep us up to date...and thanks for your good wishes.

w2s

[lucknow]

Good news to at least know what you were facing and able to take assertive action.

Who was specialist who operated?

Hi,

She was operated on by Wing Tip Wong at Werribee and I couldn't be happier. I understand that he has, amongst other things, a long history in treating Guide Dogs so his knowledge of and experience with ED is obviously extensive. In any case, he came highly recommended and I am very happy with how things panned out.

He was extremely thorough in his assessment and I really liked the way in which he talked everything through along the way. I had done a lot of research into both ED and Pano and he spoke to me with that in mind. And, most importantly, he didn't try to convince me of anything, just gave me the facts and let me decide.

I must admit I had hoped all along to have the keyhole surgery done on my pup but in the end, it became more important to resolve her lameness issues quickly and, most importantly, to find someone who I believed would be 100% approachable during my pup's rehab since we live 4 hours from Melbourne. I suspect there may be a few phone calls along the way! :rolleyes: Thankfully, Wing Tip fit the bill.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone.

Cheers,

w2s

I have worked with Wing Tip, he has an amazing following among his nurses - means a lot quite frankly, he is an excellent surgeon with very high standards, excellent ethics and a really nice man to boot. I would never hesitate to have him treat any of my pets.

[laker]

I have also had a bit to do with Wing Tip. He is an absolute gentleman in every sense of the word. He is kind and compassionate and extremely easy to talk to, never talking down to his patient's owners. He will explain everything thoroughly, several times if necessary, in every day language for all to understand. His surgical skills are well-known. He is indeed a remarkable man.

I hope your dog recovers well w2s, keep her restricted as much as you can, because this will make the difference in her long-term recovery. I have known dogs with bilateral FCP (in both legs)...restricting now will help long term....

Good Luck to both you and Optimus.

[woody2shoes]

Hey Optimus, any news on your boy???? I'd love an update if you feel so inclined.

I'm pleased to report that my girl is recovering well. Her incisions have well and truly knitted and we are now into week three (actually, nearly week 4!) so have begun 10 minute slow lead walks each day. Next Monday, we get to step it up a notch and she can have 15 minutes a day!!!! Gotta laugh or I'd cry!!!!

On a more serious note though, she is going stark raving bonkers through sheer boredom - so far she has managed to 1) kill several DVD's (thought they were safe - clearly I was wrong!!!!), 2) shred the foam stuffing out of one of her mats 3) consume half a thong and 4) pull the filling out of one of her doona blankets. I actually don't care what she destroys but am a bit concerned about what she ingests!!!

And still over 3 weeks to go...

I have her on House Rest as per the surgeon's instructions so she is confined to our lounge area courtesy of two puppy pens clipped together. I know it's for her own good but boy, it's heart wrenching. I took her to a nearby lake today which has a lovely sandy beach and walked her in on lead for a bit of easy swimming as advised by my vet. She seems much more relaxed tonight...thank God! :D

She has lots of toys, kongs, chew things and bones to keep her occupied but at the end of the day, there's no substitute for just getting to run around and expend some of that energy. Roll on week 7!!! when she gets to 'resume normal activities'. By that time I hope to at least be able to give her some free running exercise.

w2s