Hi All, you may remember some time ago I posted about Molly's stiff legs, well we finally got to see the vet & they suggested full x-rays.  These were done ystdy & whilst her hips & shoulders look fine she has quite a serious problem with her elbows.  Basically (pls bear with me as I wasn't at they vets, the information has come from my partner who took as much as he could in) there is a small bone in her front elbows which should bind together as she was growing from a pup into an adult but they haven't formed, there's a gap in between & there's excess fluid on her elbows. 

The vets have taken a sample of the fluid to be sent away for testing & we have an appt for a specialist in Castle Donnington on Weds to see what can be done, she has also been perscribed Rimadly (even more concerned now reading Goat's post) for the next 3 weeks.  The vet has said there is an operation which would basically remove the bone but I think the top & bottom of it is that she will always have problems with her front legs.  The vet said it was an hereditary problem & couldn't have been detected by the breeder..is this true?  Also should we inform the breeder, this was the only litter her bitch was having but I am concerned for the other dogs.

The sad thing is Molly is fine in herself, she was so hyper ystdy after being cooped up at the vets & is loving all the sympathy she's getting from fellow dog walkers.  I guess the reason I am posting is for some guidance of what to expect over the coming months, reading goat's posts have really helped, also if any of you know the medical term for Molly's condition I'd love to google it & find some more info???

Thanks in advance

Would have thought Goat's thread more reassuring than anything :)  Rimadyl is not just a pain killer but an antiinflammatory so if you are considering not giving it you really should discuss it with the vet first to determine exactly if there is a specific need for it in that respect. I would be inclined to phone the vet anyway then you can ask him the name of the condition rather than rely on the unqualified opinions here ;) and I'm sure he will be happy to reiterate all the things your partner may have forgotten.
I would definately tell the breeder although of course the investigation is still ongoing if it was me I would want to know sooner rather than later.

I am not considering not giving her the medication, having re-read the thread it is reassuring I only read the original post!

Vet has advised me to wait until we see the specialist before we take any further action so they can identify the full extent of the problem.

I can only say if I was the breeder I would want to know sooner because of any possibility that that dog or bitch was used meantime.  I'm sure she will understand that the investigation is ongoing but personally I would want to put any plans on hold until more was known.

Tell the breeder Gemma, Im sure she/he would want to know, even if she/he only ever bred the one litter. As time passes thoughts can change, and she/he may change their mind, and breed again. Have a chat with your vet, get the name of the condition, so you can google it and talk to those on here that may have experiences with the same condition. The consultant you see will be very experienced with whatever it is, and can answer any questions you may have, having talked about it on here. Take a list with you, whoever it is wont mind questions! :) You will get an accurate diagnosis of the condition, which you can pass onto the breeder, and of course, everyone here! All experiences count. good luck :)

Update - Molly went to see a specialist ystdy who is carrying out a arthroscopy on Monday to try & remove/repair the damage, he has said he is surprised she is mobile with the severity of the elbow dysplasia so I'm hoping this is a positive sign & she might fully recover (fingers crossed!!) although I am resigned to the fact she will get arthritis as she gets older.  Have been giving her Rimadyl for over a week now with no side effects other than mild constipation, have heard carrot is good for this....any suggestions?

Am in the process of drafting a letter to the breeder, I have been doing tons of research on the internet which I am going to send along to her which might help if the other owners have any concerns.  I am slightly worried she may not have kept a lost of all the new owners...is there anything we can do about this?

Thanks

I would see the main issue is that she is aware of anything that will affect future puppies that she might breed.  Any puppies that went to breeding homes I would expect her to have continuing contact with and those that have been sold as pets, well it will come out in due course if they have a problem but nothing will be changed at this point.
I hope Molly is soon returned to a comfortable existance but glad that the painkillers are helping her through without problems.

Thanks Isabel :) me too!

Molly had her operation ystdy, after the arthroscopy they had to cut her ulna (break her leg basically ) in the hope that it heals correctly, if this procedure works they will do the same operation on her other front leg in 6-8 weeks time. Apparently it is quite an effective procedure but the vet is concerned about the damage that has already been done, he mentioned hydrotherpahy when she's recovered.  She is feeling very sorry for herself right now, has a green cast on her front leg & is kinda hopping when she walks, quite funny to watch, bless!

Went to see the breeder over the wknd, gave her all the details but to be honest she didn't seem all that interested , although she did say the bitch wouldn't be having any further puppies & she is in contact with some of the other owners who haven't mentioned any problems, not much more I can do!

On a lighter note, made a claim on Molly's insurance with MoreThan last week & had the cheque minus the excess this morning , hope they are as forthcoming when they get the claim for her op!

She's due to go back to the vets for a post-op check up & have her dressing removed & then it's gentle lead walks for the next few weeks until she's recovered.  It's so upsetting knowing she's in pain (breaks my heart to hear her cry) but at least we are doing something about it, just wish it could have been picked up earlier, guess you live & you learn.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has gone through this so pls get in touch.

Pleased to hear that things are proceeding gemma, and wishing you both the best of luck for a good recovery. :)