Elbow Dysplasia

8141 Views 13 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Sophie.12, Feb 15, 2011

jaleely

Discussion Starter · Feb 13, 2011

Well that's the basic diagnosis from our vet. He's a good vet, and wanted to set us up with an orthopedic surgeon to get a consult. THAT is $150 dollars. He guessed the surgery would be about $3,000.
I'm looking up the dysplasia and just looking things over right now. For now we've been monitoring his diet, as usual, trying to limit his activity, which is hard, giving glucosamine suppliments, and now adequan injections (to help build/keep up cartilage).

I can't help but think this is our fault. He did stairs when he was younger, and lots of activity. He was already limping when I started to read up and ask on the boards about his legs.
No one told us, warned us, and when we were reading about the breed we read nothing that stated anything like this could happen. : (

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Soundtrack

· #2 · Feb 13, 2011

Get a second opinion from a vet that is familiar with Bassets. Far too many vets take a look at the x-rays of an immature Basset and immediately screech "OMG! IT NEEDS SURGERY!" When in fact it is a normal immature Basset.
Not to say that Bassets never get ED, but misdiagnosis of bone and joint issues are common with this breed because their joints tend to be looser than other breeds, especially while they're growing.
Maybe contact your local Basset club and see if they can recommend a vet that's had a lot of experience with the breed.

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sadeyes2

· #3 · Feb 13, 2011

Hi Soundtrack, Do you think it is possible that my guy was wrongly diagnosed with arthritis a few years back ? Vet just manipulated his legs, never had a scan or seen an orthapiedic surgeon. He said his back legs 'crunched' when he bent them. He was about 7 then.

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jaleely

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 13, 2011

Bowser's elbows do stick out more than the normal basset, in my opinion, but the main problem is his left leg is almost an inch smaller in circumference than his right, and he's standing more on his toes on that side because the actual bone in his leg is bowed out akimbo. It's not dramatic, but it is very noticeable, especially when he's running towards you. And he limps when he's had activity, or in the mornings. : (
But, it's excellent advice to get a second opinion. I plan to see what this surgeon says, and go from there for sure!

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Lightning&Stomps

· #5 · Feb 13, 2011

Surgeons like to operate. For your second opinion I'd try to find a veterinarian who has lots of basset experience. Every time anything was wrong with my dogs, the vets always said dysplasia right off. Dysplasia was never the problem with my dogs.

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jaleely

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 14, 2011

lol i know, i know...but down in Southern California, i've yet to find any vet who has a lot of experience with bassets. It's all toy dogs, poodles and cats down here. I've tried doing a google search, but yeah..other than taking a drive to the central southern states I've had trouble finding someone. blah....Well, anyone know of someone good in SoCal? ; )

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Annie714

· #7 · Feb 14, 2011

Try contacting some folks in the Basset Hound Club of Southern CA. By doing a search I found the following link:

Vet Recommendations - Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California

Hope this helps

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Mikey T

· #8 · Feb 14, 2011

For one thing elbow displasia is not a single problem there are a number of problems FAP UAP and elbow incongruity and even sometine ocd of the elbow are labled as elbow displasia. In most cases it is the incongruity in basset that is on of the two bones ulna or radius is longer or shorter than the other. It is very rare that in a basset there is not some inconcruity the trick is determining if the inconguity is enough to be cusing pain and second if the growth plates are not closed if it will correct itself. I would recommend waiting until the growth plates close before going the surgical route it a second opinion never hurts.

I can't help but think this is our fault. He did stairs when he was younger, and lots of activity.

At this date it would be unlike to be able to determine if the cause of the problem is related to truama. A rule of thumb is if both limbs are affected it is more likely genetic if only a single limb trauma but that certainly is not 100% true in every case not even close.

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jaleely

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 14, 2011

That's the thing, I asked about using a brace or something and they claim it's too late, he's too old (10 months)...which I assume means they think the plates are closed. It's hard to say. It does seem like there could be some dysplasia, but the main problem is the leg itself is bowed out...he stands more on his toes, and hardly puts any weight on the leg at all. He runs and walks fine, but after a while limps, and finally won't walk on it...so yes i do think it is causing him pain. That and the bone itself is smaller in circumference on that side.
I guess i'm repeating myself because even though I don't like the idea of surgery, i really don't know what other options there are. Waiting all this time to see if it will get better has just seen it get worse.

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Soundtrack

· #10 · Feb 14, 2011

I know it is hard, but I can't stress enough the importance of crate rest. In your posts you keep mentioning running around, so I can't help but think that you have not been doing this for a long enough period to have any effect. It may be past the point where that would be effective to fix the problem, but it might help prevent further damage until the problem can be properly assesed and treated.

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jaleely

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 15, 2011

you're probably right. it IS hard to make him rest. if i actually crate him, he wants out, and is VERY vocal about it. Most of the time i keep him from running around, and he does sleep a lot on big soft cushy pillows...but he gets so pent up we have to take him for a walk every other day. I make it flat and gentle, but the real problem is he tries to go upstairs every chance he gets (he's learned to get around two gates so far) and then he just runs around the chairs with daisy, barking.
excuses. I'm kind of at my wits on on this though. My husband, i love him, but he hasn't been a help at all. It's been so frustrating to see he's LEFT the gate open, and bowser is upstairs, or just something else like that. He's also rough with him when he plays, and i have to constantly tell him to go easy on him.

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jaleely

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 15, 2011

Here's a video of Bowser...you can see his legs in it.

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Annie714

· #13 · Feb 15, 2011

Awww poor little guy! You can see that he favors the left leg, holds it up when he can. I hope he/you find relief soon!

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Sophie.12

· #14 · Feb 15, 2011

Don't blame yourself - you can only make better informed decisions from now with the information you now have received

Ditch the stairs - NO more stairs!

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