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  1. #1
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    Marlin's xray update - need advice

    Here is the background info:

    I first took Marlin to my vet because he did not want to go up our steps anymore. I also noticed from time to time that his front paw would sometimes drag along the pavement and i would hear the sound of his nails scratch the pavement. So my vet suggested xrays which we did last week. We have since decided that his not wanting to go up steps is not physical as he will go up outdoor steps without a problem but not our indoor steps.

    When the vet called with the results i unfortunately was in the hospital with my aging dad but the conversation as i remember it was that he mentioned a small area that may or may not be anything but suggested a visit to an ortho vet to be on safe side. I thought the area was in his hip and he didnt say anything was significant and i dont think he was speaking of his elbow.

    So thursday i went with marlin and a copy of xrays to the ortho vet and he tells me marlins hips are fine but he has elbow dysplasia in both legs and osteoarthritis which is more significant in his left leg. He suggested arthroscopic surgery. At this point i am in shock mostly because my vet never mentioned his front legs unless i did not hear him correctly. But how does a young dog - Marlin is just 11 months have significant arthritis already?

    so here is my plan: i am calling my vet and asking for a review again of those xrays and then i will be looking for a second opinion. I need to find another ortho vet to take a look. I also called my breeder who was stunned and said she has never had any of her pups have elbow dysplasia. We talked and came up with that plan. Also, my husband will call ortho vet for more details since i was alone at the visit.

    unless i completely misunderstood my vet at the time when i was in hospital, im almost feeling like there was a mixup because how could my vet (who is certified to do penn hip xray as well) not see "significant" arthritis? Something sounds off to me.

    hoping to get to the bottom of this during the week. Also hoping marlin doesnt need surgery- i am so nervous right now!

  2. #2
    Senior Dog smartrock's Avatar
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    There have been a fair number of young dogs on here who have had arthroscopic surgery for elbow dysplasia and it's usually first seen in pups under the age of one. Even pups whose parents and grandparents have had elbows xrayed and were clear of ED I think have as much as a 12% chance of developing ED. General vets may not be as skilled at reading the xrays for subtle changes as a veterinary radiologist or orthopedic vet. Get second opinions, and have him examined by an ortho vet who can assess him for pain and assess his gait but it's certainly a possibility in an 11 month old.

    https://www.vetsportsmedicine.com/upl...-Dysplasia.pdf
    Sue

    Chase 9/29/2006- 6/30/2017 Always in our hearts
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    “Because of the dog's joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”

    Mary Oliver, Hidden Content

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    Marlin&Me (07-27-2014)

  4. #3
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    You sure have had your plate full. So sorry to hear about your Dad. Sending him prayers.

    I think you have the right plan in place. Does your breeder have a suggestion for an ortho vet she knows and recommends for the second opinion?

    Sending mojo and good thoughts. Please keep up updated.

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    Marlin&Me (07-27-2014)

  6. #4
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    I hope you can give us good news about your Dad soon. Your plan sounds good to me. I think you are right that there is a good chance your mind was too occupied to fully hear, understand and remember what you were told about one family member's health while you were dealing with another. Good thoughts for Marlin and your Dad.

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    Marlin&Me (07-27-2014)

  8. #5
    Chief Pooper Scooper JenC's Avatar
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    ED happens a lot. I know you said the breeder said they have never had pups with it, but just curious, WERE the parents OFA'd for elbows? Elbows are tricky. A good portion of problems are environmental too, meaning too rough of play or even just an innocent accident can do it. Maddy had ED and had surgery at 14 months. She lived the rest of her life on supplements but with no problems.

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    Marlin&Me (07-27-2014)

  10. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by smartrock View Post
    Get second opinions, and have him examined by an ortho vet who can assess him for pain and assess his gait but it's certainly a possibility in an 11 month old.
    Thanks for the article! I have been reading alot about ED this week. So far, Marlin has been seen by my regular vet and one ortho specialist. I will get another opinion.

  11. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by JenC View Post
    ED happens a lot. I know you said the breeder said they have never had pups with it, but just curious, WERE the parents OFA'd for elbows? Elbows are tricky. A good portion of problems are environmental too, meaning too rough of play or even just an innocent accident can do it. Maddy had ED and had surgery at 14 months. She lived the rest of her life on supplements but with no problems.
    Yes Jen, both parents were OFA'd for elbows--normal. I am calling my vet tomorrow to talk about xray results again and then get one more ortho opinion.

 



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