Gigi is limping

Gigi is now just past 7 months. weighs 51.5 pounds. for about 5 weeks she has been limping on and off. The vet at first thought it was so type of infection on her foot. She was on antibiotics. On the second visit another vet said it was growing pains. I thought that was strange. Breeder confirmed this is possible. But on Sunday I took her for a short walk. she was fine until we were heading home. She looked in terrible pain and limped. I was so upset for her. She continued to limp - front left leg - and today she went to the vet. now she is on anti inflammatories - non- sterroidal. upon a thorough exam, Gigi showed signs of pain on both sides in her what I would call her shoulders. Don't know what the correct term is. If Gigi is not better in five days, vet wants an xray with Gigi under anasthesia. They still think it is growing pains. Any thoughts? experiences?
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Very possible growing pains. Poor pup may be outgrowing her body's ability to keep up. What are you feeding her?

Elbow dysplasia is another thought....not common in OES fortunately.
Pano is the thing that comes to mind for me. The age and symptoms seem right.
It is commonly seen in larger breed dogs, although we see it occasionally in the young basset rescues as well.

Here is one link, you can do more searches and get more info too.
http://www.critterchat.net/pano.htm
Could be Pano, the only thing I would add is having been through a similar thing with my older dog this year, you might want ot consider an orhto vet if the xray doesn't show anything (they don't show soft tissue injuries).
Possible growing pains at that age. If no improvement she needs x-raying to see what is going on.

Osteochondrosis (Known as OCD) happens too in this breed and usually around that age group as well. So no improvement then she needs x-raying to make sure there is no loose flap of cartiledge or a loose floating piece in her joints. More common OCD in the shoulder area and is extremely painfull for them so needs an operation to remove the offending piece of cartiledge if that is the problem. So no improvement with her she needs that checked by the vet by x-rays for any signs of OCD in her.

Anti-inflams usually mask a problem if it is more then just growing pains so when off it and the pain or limping returns on and off then definately you need to explore it further with the vet. :wink:
I am afraid to put gigi under anesthesia for xray. There has to be another way.

To answer the question, what do I feed her --- canidae all life stages and nupro supplement

The vet and I discussed the possibility of the anti inflammatories masking a problem and she does not want to prolong it too long.

What time frame should I follow?

thank you all for your help
I just read the Pano info. Her paid has moved from right leg to left leg - both front. there were times I thought it was her rear legs. The pain and/or limping has come and gone also.

Interesting.
Here is some other interesting reading about pano. Some less traditional info/takes on it from a GSD kennel. GSD's are VERY prone to pano. I have emailed them about other items previously - they seem helpful.

http://leerburg.com/pano.htm
OMG I read the last postings site for Pano - and discovered that the prescription Gigi has is Rimadyl. The article says it is very dangerous for dogs! Do not give it to them! I gave her half. Now i am nervous. I am watching her closely now. She seems tired and is laying down.

anyone else know about Rimadyl
Rimadyl is a fairly strong drug and I would use it cautiously in my own dogs. I would try others 1st.

My lab had it after her tumor was removed and I stopped it as it made her very mentally weird, as well as vomiting. She actually did better without it, and I got a less strong, safer med for her bad days.

This writer obviously feels very strongly about it - I would say he/she has had bad experiences with it.
Just make sure you use the Rimadyl on a stomach full of food. Any adverse reactions then take her off it and go to the vet for some other Anti-inflam drug. Metacam is more gentle then Rimadyl, all these types of drugs should never be given on an empty stomach, just keep an eye on her and you are only using the Rimadyl short term so just monitor her after dosing her and anything unusual then back to the vets for something else for her.

I've used Rimadyl on Kelsey and it was very short term and fine but I have heard other dogs did not handle it too well. You can say the same with any of those drugs some work for some dogs some dont so it is just keeping a close eye on them and working out if it is OK and working for your dog. :wink: If not then you need to try another drug to give her comfort. :wink:
Deep Breaths!!!

Just because you read it on the Internet does not make it real - seen Elvis or Michael Jackson lately?


I have put my dogs under anesthesia a number of times for xrays or other procedures. I have also had them done withou anesthesia, but I have a good relationship with my vet (meaning I spend a lot of money there :wink: )

You have to weigh the risks vs the prolonged pain or damage done by not treating the condition. If you are feel your vet is clutching at straws you cna ask if you should see a specialist. From my experience vet's aren't as likely to refer you to a specialist on their rown as regular doctor's are.
As you can see, I am a nervous mom. I don't want to make mistakes. So you guys are so much help. Love the Elvis and Michael sighting....
Anesthesia just scares me so. But yes if that is the only way to get the xray. I will do it. But will be a wreck until she comes to. I will look for a specialist here.
The site that states not to use Rimadyl suggests using low dose aspirin instead and of course rest.
Gigi seems fine now, barking at her brother for a toy.
If Gigi is a fit, healthy dog, then the light anaesthetic used for taking Xrays isnt a big risk to her health and as she is so young you may be better off knowing exactly what's wrong so that you can treat it appropriately.
Your vet should be able to help you weigh up the pros and cons of an Xray study.
Good luck, I hope Gigi is feeling better.
Mim wrote:
If Gigi is a fit, healthy dog, then the light anaesthetic used for taking Xrays isnt a big risk to her health and as she is so young you may be better off knowing exactly what's wrong so that you can treat it appropriately.
Your vet should be able to help you weigh up the pros and cons of an Xray study.
Good luck, I hope Gigi is feeling better.


I was going to say almost the same thing. I don't think anyone loves to put their dog under but it is mostly very safe. I've calmed down a lot more about it myself as I've had more positive experiences.

It'll be worth it to know it there's anything else going on and being able to treat it.
Here is some indepth info for you on OCD.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm ... 69&aid=464
Don't worry about the x rays and the anesthesia. What they use - in my experience anyway - to sedate them is a valium type medication. My 10 month old OES just had x rays of the hips and knees. I was worried also about the anesthesia but was surprised when I picked her up how alert and bouncy she was. I did have to leave her there all day however.

As far as the aspirin, you have to be careful with aspirin. And be sure to tell the Vet you are giving it. It is an anti-inflamatory but it also is a blood thinner and will cause bleeding that is difficult to clot so its important not to give before any surgeries and let doctor know.

We gave my 65 pound, 1 aspirin ( 325 mg) once a day with her food at night. Then the vet gave me Dermanex ( spelling) as the anti-inflamtory. All should be given with food or will cause some stomach upset.
Oh I feel better about the xrays. i don't want to prolong this. gigi is fine this morning - not limping. I managed to get her to rest yesterday. However, this morning she did play with Bogey. But will get rest today.
I am not going to give her aspirin until I speak with the vet. Also looking for an ortho in the area. may not need one, but will check.

thanks to all!
remember derby with his front shoulder it started about the same age call me if you want
Gigi did well with anesthesia when she was fixed.
Yes i remember Derby. Will ask for #.

Gigi had lots of rest today. YEAH
Deep breaths.........

Anasthesia is well monitored, the vets are right there and can pull them out quite quickly if they see a problem.

As far as Rimady........Simone (MO) has been on it daily for 3 or 4 years, maybe longer due to arthritis in front right carpel (wrist) I give her half the recommended dose because it is enough..most of the time. That lets me up it for a day or two if she's really limping.

Glacier is now on Rimadyl........2 years now.

Harry was on it for about 18 months but I pulled him off to see if he can go without.

Sam, Paige, Fox, Splash all took Rimadyl without a problem.
Thanks for the rimadyl info. I have not given it to her today. but will give her half of the half she was to take.

I think I am not going to wait to get the xrays. Will try to get them done early next week

Gigi is the sweetest (I know we all say that) She and I are very attached. She has completed puppy kindergarten and obedience. We are planning to return to obedience again because we want to become a therapy dog. She is amazing with people who are challenged mentally and people in wheelchairs. It is wonderful to watch her. There is an instinct there. Probably in most dogs, but it is so profound with her. My others are not as attentive to those people.
I found an ortho right in Melbourne - Florida. Gigi will see him Tuesday next week.
Good Luck with Gigi...
We have had many dogs on Rimadyl without side effects.

I think it is more acute cases that effect the liver.
JMHO

Let us know how things go!
Good news. In mean time you can exercise her brain with little games...where's the treat?...the doggie shell game, maybe you can teach her to follow a scent, hmmm, my mind is blank for more.
Poor girl could not eat or drink anything from midnight on - for xrays. Well we met the specialists - orth and neuro. They examined her - she yelled when they manipulated the elbows and shoulders. This could be she is protecting one or the other.
I agreed to xrays but then I got the estimate of $2200 plus.... I was shocked and said no. They came back with another estimate of $1200. I did not get them done. I did get more meds for her. newer meds that are particularly good for what she may have or any joing problems. they also want her on glugosamine +. will do. they do feel there is a problem. i spoke to my old vet this afternoon - she will see Gigi Thursday. however we did review gigi's problems and she said gigi will probably go back to the specialist. do these prices for xrays of both elbows, both shoulders and hips sound high?
That sounds VERY high - but I know Florida prices for most anything are way higher than here (MN). :(
Does that include the consultation and reading fee? I would hope so.....

I do know from others and from what I have read, that the xrays need to be looked at by someone either a specialist (ortho) or someone very experienced in reading them.
the xrays and surgery for both elbows for derby was 2200.00 for everything from the vhs i heard they were high in melbourne go to my old pics of derby . also my vet just charge 75 exrays first before she sent me to the ortho hospital
Poor Gigi. :(

Regarding the Rimadyl, we also had our previous dog on it for about four years. She had no side effects. I think that if a dog is going to have an adverse effect from it (liver) then it shows up right away. But one of the more "medical" people on this forum could better address that concept.

Good luck with everything.
That sounds super high for x rays. I am in New York, not far from the City and usually we pay more for everything. I just had my 1 year old sheepie x rayed - hips and knees. Cost $450 but done at my regular Vet's office.

Is there another Vet you can consult or perhaps a Bide-A Wee, just for the x rays? Once you get them, you can always take them to who ever you want for a reading.
Just talked with the vet who has been Gigi's vet. Xrays will cost about $500. so Gigi is going tomorrow.

Gigi did not have problems with Rimadyl but now she will be on Previcox and glugosamine/controitan... '

we will know more tomorrow.
:crossed:
:crossed: Thinking about you and Gigi tomorrow. Good luck!
Gigi is in for xrays. they are doing the front shoulders, elbows and hips. I am praying and staying busy. Will update when I know results.

It is interesting that the prices of the xrays from the specialist started at $2200 then he wento $1200. my regular vet is charging around $500. I probably could have had them for less, but I trust this vet and the techs.

How can they (specialist) do that to people?!
Good luck with the x-rays. They say the dog may be a little groggy after but mine was not. However, I did feed her lighter than usual - sometimes the sedation can cause nausea.

My dog takes these chews called Synovi chews. They ahve that glutosomine ( spelling ) in them and we used two, twice a day. I crumpled them up in the food. Now that she is healed, we use only one in each meal. They also state to give with food as can cause stomach upset - although we did not have that problem.

Hope news is good.
Good luck with the xrays and getting some diagnosis. :D
Best wishes hoping for you both you find what is going on.

Thinking of you both :crossed:
thinking of u how is she???
Not good news. Gigi was diagnosed by two vets, one specialist and a radiologist as having OCD both shoulders and mild right hip dyspasia. They want to do another test on the hips - Penn hip.

The news upsets us so much. Poor Gigi. We are going to another specialist about 1 1/2 hours away from our home. He does the arthroscopy surgery. We are doing anything necessary for her.

Anyone who has had experience with this, please let me know what to expect. Can she walk after the surgery? Can they do both shoulders at once? will she be normal? will the hip get worse? arhtritic?

She is on dusaquin and prevocox now. Should fish oil be added to her diet? should her food be a joint helping food? does she need to be totally still now? she has good days and bad days. and some are mixed.

i have done a lot of research on this but need more info and from people with experience. thanks
been though all of this with my derby so i am here my heart goes out to u and ron but remember they can have a good life after the surgery can i ask are they sending you to maitland. if so they are the best
6 weeks no running no jumping Image
Didnt Derby have Elbow Dysplasia and surgery to correct that? If so very different to OCD and a more intense operation for fixing the dysplasia and recovery from the surgery.

Best wishes with Gigi she'll do well and yes she should walk OK after surgery you just have to keep her quiet after till all heals up well and for a while no bouncing, running and turning sharp or charging up and down stairs etc, recovery rate is quite fast, best to crate her after to keep her quiet till all heals up, your specialist should after fill you in, in details of what to do after as far as how much she is allowed to do till all is back to normal. She will be back to her normal bouncy self in no time & feeling great once she is operated on :wink: .
Yes Maitland. Learned a lot about them.
make sure it is the head dr. there he was the best
We have an appointment with a specialist - surgeon on Thursday. She will probably have more xrays done and possibly the Penn hip.

Talked with one of the vets today. She stated the hip dysplasia can only get worse.

With the both shoulders having OCD and the right hip dysplasia, will she run and play again? She is so young. 8 months old yesterday.
I know its a lot to take in, but hip diplaysia has varying degrees and I have seen improvement in my dog with vigorous appropriate exercise.

good luck.
Didn't someone here do water therapy, Val maybe? I don't remember if the problem is the same one but I recall it helped. Also, if you're worried about liver problems you can use milk thistle as a support aid, it's avaliable at any drugstore.
My friend's dog, albeit a smaller shitz u, was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at about the same age. She jumped up and whelped and was limping and they took x rays and found the his dysplasia.

Her dog is fine now a few years later. Just needed to watch her jumping up on the couch ( for a small dog a couch is a long way!). And my friend says she is active and fine.

Hope your baby feels better... :crossed:
Ellie was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia at 7 months. She had surgery and is doing great. She is a very active girl and we are really working hard on building up her muscle mass so in her back end with hopes that her left hip doesn't need surgery. My girl loves to swim. run around the cul-de-sac chasing Lulu and fetching a tennis ball. She is definitely the clown and goof ball in my home.

If you want more info on Ellie's story, send me a PM.

We're keeping Gigi and in your family in our prayers.
Thanks for all the info.
The hips concern me of course. The vet told it will get worse. Will she need surgery on the hip also? hope not. water therapy will be done
But how will she do after the OCD surgery? will she be back to herself?
WE are dealing with the OCD first.
Will see what the specialist has to say this Thursday.
liver problems mentioned in prior post. does that relate to the hip?
should i keep gigi from playing and running when she wants to. at times she is capable. Will the playing and running do more damage to the OCD? the hip
oesmom2 wrote:
We have an appointment with a specialist - surgeon on Thursday. She will probably have more xrays done and possibly the Penn hip.

Talked with one of the vets today. She stated the hip dysplasia can only get worse.

With the both shoulders having OCD and the right hip dysplasia, will she run and play again? She is so young. 8 months old yesterday.


It's my understanding that OCD of the shoulder is easier to correct than when it happens in the elbow. I know of a Border Collie who had this surgery done as a pup who recovered and went on to become a top notch agility dog. OK, agility is not your concern :wink: But it does bode well for a return to being able to play and do all the inexhaustibly naughty things sheepdog puppies do.

It's good you caught it early from what I gather, before arthritis has set in hopefully, when the prognosis is much better for surgery. A pity she has to go through this, of course. And you as well. But there are actually much worse things.

I'm not sure why the urgency over unilaterally mild hip dysplasia (is that correct?) The fact that it's evident at this age is a concern, yes. But we've placed two rescue dogs as pups who were rated moderate to severe at five-six months old who nonetheless are doing fine with conservative management, and a friend has a rescue dog she adopted at 10 mos old who is moderately dysplastic who's doing rally, obedience and even some agility. I can see in her movement that she's not 100% sound, but it doesn't slow her down one bit!

I guess what I'm saying is that if it was me I would deal with the OCD and ask the vets to cool their jets a little on the hip dysplasia issue (unless they can give you a convincing argument for their urgency on that count) till you've dealt with the truly crucial issue here :her shoulders. And then you can all more calmly evaluate what if anything to do about her hip. Honestly, exercise and keeping her lean and well-muscled without letting other dogs pound on her (in play) are probably going to be your best friends there.

That's a lot to deal with at once. 8O I'm so sorry you're going through this. But chances are it will be OK. And so will she.

Good luck at your apppointment.

Kristine
oesmom2 wrote:
liver problems mentioned in prior post. does that relate to the hip?
should i keep gigi from playing and running when she wants to. at times she is capable. Will the playing and running do more damage to the OCD? the hip


My personal inclination would be to keep her fairly quiet until she's recovered from surgery, yes. Leash walking mainly. Soft surfaces. I mean, running a little on her own is probably not a terrible thing. But no chasing balls (you want to avoid quick stops and starts and sharp turns) or playing with other dogs (given that special OES talent for ramming into each other :roll: Something she doesn't need right now). What do your vets say?

Liver concerns probably relate to NSAIDs which can sometimes tax the liver. You want to keep an eye on that if you're giving her anything for the pain with some bloodwork to check for liver values and things like that. Though my vet regularly gives our rescue dogs metacam, for instance, following spay/neuter surgies to aid in pain management. It's rare for short terms use of something like this to have adverse affects in a young, healthy dog.

Mind you, if you ARE giving her pain meds that may mask pain, and so you definitely don't want her running around because she may be feeling better than she actually is and you risk doing more damage. Again, great questions to ask at your appointment on Thursday.

Kristine
Some of the meds can be hard on the liver. If that's a concern the milk thistle can be used for liver support. I used it with good results for Beau, who had synovi sarcoma and was on a high dose of Dermaxx.
Yes i am not doing anything about the hip yet. The vets do want to do the Penn hip test then go from there.

The surgeon we are visiting on Thursday wants Gigi fasted. This is in case he wants more xrays. Poor girl has been under anesthesia for her spaying and then the xrays last week. I prefer the dr use the xrays we have. How many times can she be under safely? this seem a lot to me. Does the surgeon just want the money for xrays? How do I question him on that?

Wow you guys are full of information. So glad you are here for Gigi
It is not unusual for the surgeon to want another set of xrays - for humans or animals (and I was a human ortho nurse for 20 yrs).
Usually they are looking for a certain view that will aid them in the surgery.

What I would do, is have the 1st xray at the next appt, and ask him/her what specifically he is looking for in a different xray - what aren't they seeing in the one you have? I am doubtful you will get away without doing a 2nd one, but you can at least question it and get a good rationale for why a 2nd one is needed.

Also, the radiologists that work with each Dr know what each one likes in xrays, and probably give each one the shots that help them best in their client's surgeries; whereas the one you initially had taken is more generic - just used for diagnostic purposes.

(I also have a niece who is a radiology tech at the same large hospital I worked at) good luck! :D
Great advice. Thanks i will use your questions. I have experienced an ortho wanting other xrays. however I was not under anesthesia. although for mamo would not be a bad idea.
how many timess can gigi be put under anesthesia safely? i am a worried mom i know. I want to do what is right for her and with your help I am learning so much.
Poor Gigi! I am so sorry for what she and you are going through. I think it is great that you caught it early. I would focus more on treating the OCD and not worrying about the anesthesia as much (as if it were possible not to worry). Presumably, they will space things out to be safe for her.

Chumley did water therapy and it worked wonders for her. She had arthritis in her hips. The swimming strengthened her muscles which supported her joints and generally made walking easier for her. She also did the water treadmill after her spinal surgery and again, it was a life changer. It really really helped -- much more so than the acupuncture, which we also tried.

Best wishes in getting through this so Gigi can be a happy active puppy again. And she will. (Chum was like a puppy at 10 after her spinal surgery.)
Very good posts, chock full of good information from both Kristine & Dawn (as usual :D ). I agree with dealing with the shoulders first. Even my vet has told me that a moderately dysplastic dog can deal with the jumps in obedience. Each one is a different case. I have seen dysplastic dogs that lead totally normal lives. To the untrainined eye, no one would even know there was an issue. So break down the items as suggested & you will be fine in dealing with them.
Thanks everyone. All the info helps me and Gigi! Tomorrow is our appointment with the specialist/surgeon. Will update after.

Thank you all very much!
by the way when i when to maitland i did not need more exrays the ones my vet took it showed everything he needed but still fast gigi just in case.. do you know what vet you are seeing? they are all good there . good luck .
gigi is seeing Dr de Haan. I have heard a lot of good things from many sources
yes know him well the other vet (no names here ) did derby and we had problems with the surgery also his bedside manor was horrible but that place is the best in fla you will be fine. i also took daytona there for her ear surgery. just take your list of questions i was lucky at the time and took my vet asst. with me since i was a basket case with derby. if you have steps in your house i still have all the ramps you can borrow them , i want as far as putting our bed on the floor for 8 wks,, lol take i deep breath you are doing all the right things at the right age.
thanks suzie. no steps here. but thanks a lot for the offer.
we will be leaving shortly. will update when we return.
thanks all!
Surgery for the bilateral OCD on Gigi's shoulders is set for next Friday. The doctor did take more xrays today but did not use anesthesia. She was sedated and still a little affected tonight.
I was told the healing time is 6 weeks and that she will heal to "almost" normal and will develop arthritis. I do give her Dasuquin now and will continue. Also gigi must be separated from our other dogs and only leash walked. That is difficult. Anyone have expierence with multiple dogs and one needing special care? i need tips.
Arthritis might or might not occur later in life so for the specialist to say that is strange. Quite a futuristic assumption :roll:

Multiple dogs and keeping them seperate is most important for Gigi while she is on the mend.

Crate her if you have one, if not then a small confined area where she cant be bouncing around is where you will have to rest her & seperate her from the other dogs.

Leads are essential, take her out to potty in a controlled situation on the lead so she has no chance after surgery of running, turning sharpley or doing anything silly while re-couperating.

Very short walks on the leash preferrably on soft fairly flat areas, even if you have to take her in the car to a nice grassy park to give her a bit of a walk on the lead to help re-build her after surgery. No hard surface walking like on roads or paths.

Pop her away then the other dogs gets freedom to play outside or to free roam the house but never near gigi for the 6 weeks. Even after 6 weeks has lapsed still be carefull as to what she gets up too with the other dog so she does not have any set backs.. You can pop gigi away with something to keep her occupied like a stuffed kong and even swap them over so she can have free non excited wander in the house without the other dog enticing her to play or charge around.

I had 8 weeks when Kelsey did her cruciate and with 2 other sheepies in the house, we survived, it was hard but we got through it OK. as we had too for her sake.

If you have a crate a lot easier for her containment and recouperation after the surgery.
Good Luck to you and Gigi...as said it is not easy but, doable.

Give pain meds as needed but, you don't want Gigi to feel too good either.
Fine line there!
You don't want her to reinjure feeling like she can do more than she can!

Again...lots of luck!
All very good points from Lisa. You just need to have a schedule for her & maintain it. It can be tough when you are not used to having to do so. But it is doable. A crate is one of the best investments you can make for her recovery.
thanks. Gigi is crate trained. She sleeps in it at night and she is in it when we are out. but never for long periods. Will use it after the surgery. the kong is a great idea.

will she be needing a plastic collar?

does anyone know or have used the "bite not" collar?
Depending on where her incisions are you might or might not need the collar. It is good for an area where they can turn & reach. If we are looking at the shoulder area, she may not be able to reach it. In any case, they are not all that expensive. You can pick them up at your local pet store. Just make sure you get the largest one. Remember, it has to come out far enough that she can't get her muzzle around the end of it. I had a girl once who had to wear one for 8 weeks when she tore open the inside of her rear leg & had a million staples in it. She did just fine after she figured out how to walk with it on. What we did was we left it on when we couldn't give her 100% of our attention. If we were grooming or not occupied otherwise, she could have it off. She wore it to go out to go potty & ran all over the dog run with it on. Amazing how they learn to navigate.
Having raised two puppies together (well they are big 4 and almost 4 year old dogs now :wink: ) this is one of the reasons I always insisted they have their alone times and alone activities. When they are together they play, seperate them and they are fine on their own. We just went through three months of walk on a leash only time with one of them. Since they were older it wasn't a big deal, but she is also very happy in her crate alone - an important skill to cultivate and Gigi should have it down when you get through this.

One important thing to remember, when she is crated do not respond if she starts demanding attention (whining, barking etc) wait until she has quieted down to give her any toys or treats other wise she will have learned to be annoying :wink:

As I mentioned our rehab person had a similar surgery n one of her older dogs this year and she admitted she found it hard to keep him quiet all the time. She said she now has a new appreciation for what clients go through :wink: :lol:
i put a tee shirt on derby and it worked great
I used the doughnut bite not collar but didnt like it. It didn't really work at keeping dog from biting at incision.

I also used the Comfy Cone and LOVED it. I got the x large from Petco. Was about 30 bucks and well worth it.
Hope all goes well and GiGi heals quickly.
all great ideas! i started today separating them. gigi was in the crate and i took bogey for a walk. he loved it. gigi did fine. I think the mornings will be the most difficult. They love to play before breakfast. After the surgery I will have to let the others out back and take gigi on leash out front. They will have to eat separately. Guess gigi can eat in the master bedroom. then she is in the crate after she eats? I know Bogey will be at the door begging for her to come out and she will want to. I can see this will be a challenge. but what ever it takes to get her better, we will do. some of you have been through it and survived. so will i and gigi. i feel so bad for her. she is such a happy girl. although she has become a little nasty to bogey. maybe the pain, maybe because she is 8 months old?
Wait and see about a collar for her till after she is done, the specialist will say wether she needs one or not. They are going in by orthroscope(sp) to do the surgery so I imagine the incisions on her will be minumal.

Worse scenario if after, she is trying to get to the stiched area is what suzptcruise suggested, pop a t-shirt on her. Better then a cone/collar and more comfortable for her. :wink:

A little nasty to bogey at the moment I would put down to cranky pain at the moment not the age. What she has endured with the OCD is very painfull for them till corrected.

After eating yes, back into the crate. You can also get water bowls that clip onto the inside of the crate so she can drink when she feels like it.

At all times after the surgery gigi has to be controlled as to what she does, even if it means in the house you have to have her on a lead as well, what you are trying to prevent is her charging around, running silly or even trying to jump up and down on things, so the managed controll factor for her is very important and will be harder as she is as most are at that age an enregised full of it pupper. Also as she is after starting to feel better as each week goes by that is the time when it will be more challenging but you will get through this OK. I found a slip lead very handy and easy just to pop over them when needed rather then worrying about a collar and lead for controlling them :wink:

Also start now a good routine and seperating her from the other dogs now so by the time she is operated on and you get her back home it will be a routine she is already getting use too and will make it a bit easier, yes even pottying her on the lead starting now. :wink:

Best wishes with it all, gigi will do well she is a strong young girl :D
I was curious how Gigi is doing now?

I have a newly adopted 7mo old male, about 50#'s or so, that has a limp also. He too seems to have it come and go. He came to us about 2 weeks ago, and I know he had been mis-treated at his previous home, so I wasn't sure if it was something from there. I expect to have him visit our vet soon, but didn't hurry since the foster mom had done this and all his shots were current. Now I'm thinking of getting there sooner rather than later.

I'm looking forward to hearing how Gigi has progressed and what steps you decided to take.

Jacqui
Syracuse, NY
Gigi is having surgery tomorrow. i am so nervous and don't want to do it. Wish there was another alternative. She has good days and not so good days. At times she can run with the others and other times she limps. The pain seems to come and go. She is a happy girl and hope she stays that way.
good luck take a deep breath she will be fine .. it will not be easy but well worht it when u she she never limps. derby just turn 4 and his surgery was at 8 months old and has not limped at day even right after surgery .
:crossed: :crossed:
:ghug: for you and Gigi
Sending positive thoughts for Gigi's sufgery tomorrow. I'm sure she will do well, she is young. Hugs to you while you go through this...it is tough.

We'll be waiting to hear how Gigi does. Good luck.
Sending hugs you both will come through this fine. :D
All good wishes for Gigi and you.
:ghug:
How is Gigi? And, how are YOU doing??

I had a young springer spaniel with hip dysplasia in both hips. He underwent surgery on both (age 6 mos and 9 mos) and came through great and had good mobility all his life. The reason your vet may be concerned about also doing the hip (after shoulders heal) is that it is much easier for dogs to recover and lead very normal lives if the hip dysplasia is dealt with when they are puppies. The bones are softer in younger dogs and actual heal and firm up better. So that may be why they are concerned. The same surgery in older dogs is OK but they do heal much better when pups.

Wishing you and Gigi all the best! Keep us posted.
Gigi had the surgery Friday and we picked her up Saturday. The surgery was arthroscopic. They found flaps on both sides and some pieces torn off. The incisions are small .Oh they gave me the pieces they took out. YUCK
Gigi is doing fine. Much better than I thought. When they brought her out to me, she jumped on me. But she is on pain meds. She walks well and goes potty on leash only. I spent the whole day yesterday with her alone in the master bedroom. She wants to be with the other dogs. I gave her a kong with peanut butter - she loved that. we layed down together most of the day. She was in the crate at night. She is eating well.
today she wants to play. I thought she would be sleepy and not alert. just the opposite. I am so worried when she moves. She will try to run. i keep the leash tight.
It is amazing how well she is doing. She returns to the vet to have the sutures removed in two weeks.
Here is good news, we think - this vet repeated the hip xray and stated there is no hip dysplaysia. They do want to check it in a year. So hopefully they are right!
Gigi is wearing a t-shirt (thanks Suzy) to cover her incisions also to cover her shaved areas. She looks like a poodle ! She is in the crate now and barking a lot. she wants out. She needs to rest.
Will keep all posted on her progress.,
Thanks all!
Sounds like a normal OES to me. They handle healing & recuperating soooooooooooomuch better than their humans! :lol:
now comes the hard part for you keeping her calm glad the surgery went well
Good news concerning Gigi...
Keeping her quiet will be the hardest part, so good luck. And remember it is temporary, no matter how guilty she tries to make you feel.
Glad Gigi is doing well!

Good luck keeping her quiet. 8O :wink:
Yay Gigi! I am really glad the surgery went well. Keep up the hard work of keeping her quiet. I hope this is the end of her limping.
Good news is great news!!! :D :D

I hope her recovery remains on track :wink:
Wonderfull news so happy it all went well and Gigi is on the mend.

:ghug:
Gigi does not seem like she has had an operation. I have kept her separate from the other dogs. when she sees me, she jumps on me. I get her off and worry about her shoulders. She is lonely in the master bedroom. I am going in there to be with her and i also need to be with my other pups. It is difficult. I do crate Gigi also. She needs rest.
All is good for her so far. I need rest. Thanks all
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