Just found out my 19 mo old lab has elbow dysplasia/arthritis...?

Question

The vet is suggesting surgery, rimadyl, and glucosamine chondroitin. He told us he's surprised our lab is even still standing because it's so bad. The dysplasia and arthritis is in both front legs. I'm just curious what kind of prognosis the surgery and treatment has.. We've already spent $400 just in this first vet visit, the rimadyl is $29 for 10 days worth, and the glucosamine chondroitin is $65 for a 4 mo supply. I don't know how much the surgery is. We are really considering these treatments, but if his quality of life won't be any good we'd rather put him down. I'm so torn over this.. What will his quality of life be and is the surgery worth it? Money will not come into consideration if his life will still be meaningful.

Answer 1

firstly keep him thin, and I mean thin. Not to the point of neglect but he needs to be slim to relieve the pressure on his joints.

Feed him a premium adult large/giant breed dry food, something like Eagle Pack or Royal Canin. Rimadyl is not a long term option because it can cause organ damage. Also Rimadyl creates more damage since it decreases the pain and the dog grinds those joints without realising it is causing more damage - when the medication stops your dog will be screaming OR like mine, he will need more and more every day to block the pain.

Go to the health food store and get Glucosamine/Chondroitin in a tablet form, I use a Glucosamine 1500 tablets for my Rottweiler. Also he should be getting an Omega oil supplement so use fish oil tablets, one a day of each tablet. Human and animal supplements are the same product but unfortunately the vets charge a lot more.

Your dog needs some physical therapy, call up the Veterinary Association and find someone who does natural therapies - acupuncture, chiropractic and physio AND that specialise in joint problems. If you have a lake/beach or river near by swim your dog every second day! Your dog needs to build muscle to hold itself up and keep mobile and swimming is recommended by all vets as a low pressure alternative. You can get life vests for dogs now too to help him stay afloat.

I have a Rotty with 2 displaysic elbows, 2 displaysic hips, a crooked hock and arthritis. He is only 11 months old and the acupunture, chiropractic and physio has meant he is completely off Rimadyl and using all 4 legs. He still has a little trouble and looks a little wonky but it works. Many people, including me, consider surgery a last resort and there is no guarentee it will fix the problem. Also you are looking at $3000-$6000 at least and a lot of pain for your dog. I am going to keep up with the natural therapies, supplements and exercises until the day he can not get up or he is in a lot of pain, then let him be in peace.

Answer 2

I had a much older (10) german shepherd with severe arthritis in both of her rear legs and she was on all kind of medication for several years, but it got to the point where she could not longer stand without her feet knuckling over and she would fall down.  It was heartbreaking to watch and I finally had to have her put down.  If the vet seems to think the surgery is going to give her a longer life, then do it.  However, be prepared for the cost of the supplements you will have to give her as they are very expensive.  I was spending approximately $175 a month for her glucosamine and rimadyl alone, not including vet visits. Ask your vet how much extra time the surgery will give your dog, and how fast he feels the arthritis will progress.  19 months is awfully young to be developing arthritis and if it progresses rapidly, the operation may not give him any extra time.

Answer 3

I have seen many dogs do well after surgical intervention. You need to commit to the rehabiltation of you pet. Post operative care is critical to its success.Glucosamine,chrondrotin,msm and omega fatty acids will help ease the pain and aid in the formation of healthy cartilage. These supplements do have positive results when used as directed. Adding in a non steroidal anti inflammatory like rimadyl,metacam or dermaxx in conjunction with these supplements yeilds great results. If pain is severe tramadol can be used as well. Sometimes post op fentanyl patches can be used. Diminishing the pain in your dog post operatively will speed up recovery.I  recommend seeing a board certified surgeon for any orthopedic procedure.Many areas have specialty hospitals that do such procedures.