Pupster
September 6th, 2009, 11:03 AM
Hi all,
I was hoping to get your thoughts and opinions on a surgery that is being recommended for my dog. Maybe somebody out there has had a similar experience. Sorry, this post may be a bit lengthy as I’m trying to include all of the information provided by the specialist.
I have a bichon shih-tzu, Henry, who is almost 1 years old now. He has been limping on and off for the past couple of months. This happens especially after he has been playing with our dogs. Based on some x-rays, our vet originally thought that it was likely just a muscle sprain and that Henry should have some rest for several weeks. This seemed to help, however, recently we noticed that his front leg looked very bow-legged and that his paw is turned outwards.
We took him to a specialist and based on new x-rays, he has recommended that Henry get surgery to fix this issue. Following are the issues that he has explained:
- From what I understand, there are two bones in the front leg… the ulna and the radius. Apparently, there was premature closure of the growth plate in the ulna bone (possibly due to some trauma) which has now caused the bone to stop growing. The radius, however, is still growing but can’t grow straight and has now grown outwards. This has caused bone deformity, which is causing him to appear bow-legged.
- The different lengths of the ulna and radial have caused incongruity in the elbow joint, which I guess can become quite painful and is probably causing Henry to occasionally limp.
- All of the pressure has now caused his paw to turn outwards. Normally, the paw and the elbow are supposed to be aligned with one another but it’s clear from the x-ray that it’s completely off.
The specialist has recommended surgery as it will prevent Henry from getting arthritis early and it will correct the lameness in his leg. The elbow joint incongruity can’t be corrected perfectly but the surgery will supposedly really help the problem. Following is a recap of what the specialist has recommended for the surgery:
- we would cut the ulna near the elbow to allow congruity (fit) to improve between the radius and ulna inside the elbow joint.
- the ulna would be cut down by the carpus (wrist) also, to allow manipulation of the radius.
- a wedge of bone would be removed from the radius to allow correction of foot angulation and rotation, and a bone plate and screws would be used to stabilise it.
So, I’m contemplating on whether I should get the surgery. I understand that it may prevent future potential related health problems and perhaps improve his quality of life in the long run. The specialist has told us that it’s better for him to get the surgery now, while he is young so that the recovery will be easier and quicker. He has recommended that we get it done within the next 6 weeks. I’m having some doubts, however, as it seems like such a major surgery for such a young dog. The recovery period is approx 2 months. The cost is quite high (approx $4K), however, that is not the major issue as Henry’s well being is much more of a concern.
If anyone could offer their thoughts or experiences, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks!
I was hoping to get your thoughts and opinions on a surgery that is being recommended for my dog. Maybe somebody out there has had a similar experience. Sorry, this post may be a bit lengthy as I’m trying to include all of the information provided by the specialist.
I have a bichon shih-tzu, Henry, who is almost 1 years old now. He has been limping on and off for the past couple of months. This happens especially after he has been playing with our dogs. Based on some x-rays, our vet originally thought that it was likely just a muscle sprain and that Henry should have some rest for several weeks. This seemed to help, however, recently we noticed that his front leg looked very bow-legged and that his paw is turned outwards.
We took him to a specialist and based on new x-rays, he has recommended that Henry get surgery to fix this issue. Following are the issues that he has explained:
- From what I understand, there are two bones in the front leg… the ulna and the radius. Apparently, there was premature closure of the growth plate in the ulna bone (possibly due to some trauma) which has now caused the bone to stop growing. The radius, however, is still growing but can’t grow straight and has now grown outwards. This has caused bone deformity, which is causing him to appear bow-legged.
- The different lengths of the ulna and radial have caused incongruity in the elbow joint, which I guess can become quite painful and is probably causing Henry to occasionally limp.
- All of the pressure has now caused his paw to turn outwards. Normally, the paw and the elbow are supposed to be aligned with one another but it’s clear from the x-ray that it’s completely off.
The specialist has recommended surgery as it will prevent Henry from getting arthritis early and it will correct the lameness in his leg. The elbow joint incongruity can’t be corrected perfectly but the surgery will supposedly really help the problem. Following is a recap of what the specialist has recommended for the surgery:
- we would cut the ulna near the elbow to allow congruity (fit) to improve between the radius and ulna inside the elbow joint.
- the ulna would be cut down by the carpus (wrist) also, to allow manipulation of the radius.
- a wedge of bone would be removed from the radius to allow correction of foot angulation and rotation, and a bone plate and screws would be used to stabilise it.
So, I’m contemplating on whether I should get the surgery. I understand that it may prevent future potential related health problems and perhaps improve his quality of life in the long run. The specialist has told us that it’s better for him to get the surgery now, while he is young so that the recovery will be easier and quicker. He has recommended that we get it done within the next 6 weeks. I’m having some doubts, however, as it seems like such a major surgery for such a young dog. The recovery period is approx 2 months. The cost is quite high (approx $4K), however, that is not the major issue as Henry’s well being is much more of a concern.
If anyone could offer their thoughts or experiences, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks!