[jaleely]

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. : (

 

[jaleely]

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!

 

[jaleely]

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? ; )

 

[jaleely]

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.

 

[jaleely]

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.

 

[jaleely]

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