Elbow Dysplasia - need advice

[Nera]

I have 8 months old female Rottweiler who has elbow dysplasia, started when she was about 4 ½ months old. She is not in pain now. Does she need to have surgery or not? I found different info online; some vets are for surgery, some against. Different info, some vets recommend to be active some that she needs rest as much as possible. I need advice, please.

[moondog]

I think the factors that would determine whether surgery is the appropriate treatment or not are details your vet would know more about that we would. Are the differing vets' opinions you are talking about all vets that your dog has seen, or opinions by vets that you've read on the internet?

I would find an orthopedic specialist for a second opinion and see what they say.

My dog has mild elbow dysplasia and surgery was not recommended. She has done fine with it by using a glucosamine/chondroitin oral supplement, Adequan injections when needed, and moderating her exercise to limit the stress on her elbows. She's almost 9 and is doing fine.

[fbkeays]

I agree with Moondog. My girl has grade 2 DJD. She is eight and she is doing well. She gets the glucosamine/chondroitin and acriptin (aspirin) when needed. She tells me when she had too much and I just adjust the activity for the next time. She loves carting, but she can't pull me anymore. I have a friend that weighs a lot less then me and can pull her just fine. My friend loves it as does Misty. Misty was able to get her CDX by only jumping regulation height at trial, other wise she jumped 1/2-3/4 height in training, and not often.
Only you and your vet can decide if surgery is what is needed. Always get a second opinion too. I do know people that have had surgery on their dogs and you would never know it. There is life after ED.

[Carina43]

Ditto on the glucosamine/chrondritin. It was suggested I have the arthoscopic surgery done; I had to wait almost 3 months to get an appt at MSU. In the meantime I had Cooper lose 5-7lbs (he really wasn't overweight, but the vets wanted him very lean.) I also started the G/C & he responded so well - his intermittent limp of 7 months disappeared - that they suggested I not to surgery after all. :) He was d/xed at a little under 2 years old; in December of last year. He has FCP in one elbow, mild OCD in both.

As you've found out, the surgery may or may not be effective; it's a bit of a gamble. I'd hold off for a bit unless it's real severe. I've taken Cooper on 4-5 miles walks & he does fine; though I try not letting him jump. Also in summer I try to get him swimming as much as possible.