I think there are a lot of variables, but the SBD has done ok I think. I discussed exercise with the vet a while back and decided she should have an active life rather than a restricted one even if that meant she would get problems a little earlier. We tried to avoid jumping (always difficult in a fit and active Lab) and no jumping out of the boot of the car. Otherwise she's had an active life including working on a shoot in the winter which she has really enjoyed - after all that's what she was bred for and lives for! I'll retire her this year but she can still come out with me and pick up the occasional bird as long as she wants to. I think she'll make it clear to me when she doesn't want to do it anymore.Hunter is 11 months now and has had 2 operations for both his elbows. Reading your thread gives us hope that Hunter can hopefully have a few arthritis free years. His elbows will always be weak so he will be closely monitored all the time.
...….On the human side... I hope your are feeling better.
Merlin is the bigger one, on the right of the photo. He is nearly 18 months old, a really really lovely boy. I'll do an update on his thread.Yes it's one of those decisions we seem to have to make for our dogs. Which is Merlin in your avatar. They are lovely dogs!
That's some good news with Hunter. Fingers crossed that you now have a good spell trouble and pain freeWe are staying positive as he now walks without a limp and is not scared to put weight on his front legs when he sits.
That's such good news!!!Benson and Casper were at our rehab vets yesterday, both with completely different conditions. Casper has horrible hips, and AS of the back, but you really, really wouldn't know it. The difference in having a dog undergo treatment, prescribed exercises, medication is amazing. Casper is nearly 10. He loves retrieving, has more interest in playing games now than at 5 years old when we adopted him. He has a strong back and abdominal muscles, lean and sleek. His hips are better now than they have ever been in terms of flexibility. He can still run like the wind, albeit not for long anymore as he gets tired more easily.
There is just so much modern medicine can do now, and when the best of complementary medicine and science combine...then the outcome can be surprisingly optimistic.
We were at hydrotherapy this morning only to discover that Juno is showing a little reluctance to flex her left elbowBenson and Casper were at our rehab vets yesterday, both with completely different conditions. Casper has horrible hips, and AS of the back, but you really, really wouldn't know it. The difference in having a dog undergo treatment, prescribed exercises, medication is amazing. Casper is nearly 10. He loves retrieving, has more interest in playing games now than at 5 years old when we adopted him. He has a strong back and abdominal muscles, lean and sleek. His hips are better now than they have ever been in terms of flexibility. He can still run like the wind, albeit not for long anymore as he gets tired more easily.
There is just so much modern medicine can do now, and when the best of complementary medicine and science combine...then the outcome can be surprisingly optimistic.
Benson and Casper were at our rehab vets yesterday, both with completely different conditions. Casper has horrible hips, and AS of the back, but you really, really wouldn't know it. The difference in having a dog undergo treatment, prescribed exercises, medication is amazing. Casper is nearly 10. He loves retrieving, has more interest in playing games now than at 5 years old when we adopted him. He has a strong back and abdominal muscles, lean and sleek. His hips are better now than they have ever been in terms of flexibility. He can still run like the wind, albeit not for long anymore as he gets tired more easily.
There is just so much modern medicine can do now, and when the best of complementary medicine and science combine...then the outcome can be surprisingly optimistic.
Good that you spotted it though.We were at hydrotherapy this morning only to discover that Juno is showing a little reluctance to flex her left elbowwhich we hadn't picked up on - it's that subtle. The leg extension is fine on both but really could do with out the left causing a problem just as we've got her right as good as it is ever likely to be.