Elbow Dysplasia - Bella's Treatment plan

[LynnS]

Bella has moderate elbow dysplasia in both elbows (dysplasia is usually bi-lateral) and in addition she has FCP (fractured coronoid process) in left elbow.

She first started limping on left front at around 6 mnths of age (typical for this type of ED) - 1st Ortho thought it was Pano. 2nd Ortho suspected FCP and suggested further x-rays and possible surgery. After speaking with a number of people we opted to take a wait and see approach (mistake). Limping stopped at 12 mnths.

The next 18 mnths I saw no limping however at times I felt like her gait was off. She started limping again late last October. We had her x-rayed and consulted with 2 orthopedist with same diagnosis but very different proposed treatment plans. Ortho #1 recommended surgery even though he said there was a 50% chance this would be effective.

Ortho #2 (this time we found someone highly respected) first examined Bella in November and limping had stopped. He proposed that we try adequan injections along with Cosequin (which she was already on) - If this was not effective and we could afford it he said good results had been obtained by injecting Hyaluronic acid (HA) directly in elbow joints. HA is a natural substance produced in the body that lubricates the joint (reducing friction) and acts as an anti-inflamatory. Shots need be re-administered every 3-6 mnths. There is also some evidence that regular injections of HA prevent the arthritis from progressing.

Adequan provided Bella with minimal relief and by February this year she was noticeably limping more often than not. So 15 days ago she recieved first HA injections. The results are quite remarkable. Not only is she not limping, her movement is much better than it was when we thought she was fine. Her whole body carraige is different. More time will need to pass before I am convinced this will continue to be effective but I am allowing myself to feel a bit of optimism.

I should add that we have taken 10+ lbs off Bella and are starting swim therapy 2x a week as well (swimming in an indoor heated pool).

Just wanted to share in case there was someone facing something similar (or if you just wanted a nice boring read LOL)

[Judi W]

Excellent information to share and wonderful to discover that there is an alternative that might be successful other than surgery or watching your dog in pain. Fronts are extremely important in spite of some people's desire to ignore them.

[Miabella]

Thanks for the description Bella's treatment, Lynn. I hope this will work for her. It's an interesting read because we focus so much on hips, but I think that the front end can be even more important. Dogs with a weak hind ends can transfer much of the weigh carrying to the front, but dogs with bad fronts can't do the reverse.

[Miabella]

That's funny, Judi posted while I was typing, and of course she said what I was trying to say, but much more succinctly!

[MontanaRott]

I am so very happy to read that you have found a treatment that is working for Bella. I think this is very important information and I am sure there are many on the boards that are going to find new hope for their own dogs! Way to keep advocating for your dog, Lynn.

[alexav]

I don't have anything to add other than to give you props for being such a great dogmom. Bella is indeed a lucky girl!

[LynnS]

I agree with you Judi and Laurie...

The more I learn about this breed (structure, temperment etc..) the more I am perplexed at how people reach the decision to breed certain dogs (I don't care how many titles they have). If I feel that way with my limited exp in the breed I can only imagine how others feel.

Shirley you would and have done the same for your crew. The bigger challenge is keeping my own expectations in check (with regards to competing in any venue) and doing what we can.

[rottnkidd]

Lynn - Just a few words to thank you for the info. One never knows when they may need it! Also, wishing the best to you and Bella. I'll bet she's enjoying the swims, although oblivious to its therapeutic benefits!
kathy

[moondog]

I can personally vouch for Bella's ability to swim with glee while ignoring the therapeutic benefits of it......

Luna's elbow dysplasia was well managed with Adequan and limiting prolonged activity, but I always worried about what I would do if that ceased to work for her. The HA injections are most certainly something I would have tried for her, and I'm sure this info will be helpful to many others, so thanks!

[LynnS]

Thanks Patty, Christy and Kathy

I honestly have learned so much from everyone else I hope I can help someone else.

[Barb and Raven]

Raven was diagnosed with FCP by my vet three years ago. She had surgery on her right elbow. (She had it only in the one elbow.) When the surgery was done the vet had told me that it wasn't FCP after all. She had a spur on her elbow. She no longer limped for the next 15 months and then it started again. When she was released after the surgery the vet said she would have some elbow dysplasia as well as develop arthritis. Her activities had to be limited. She's an active dog so that's hard to do. She will not have any limp otherwise.
Anyway, it's good that there is something that can be done about this without the surgery. I will have to check with my vet to see about the HA shots.
Thanks so much for sharing the info and good luck with further treatment.