Keep busy
Kipper’s got a limp
- Thread starter HAH
- Start date
- Location
- Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
Horrible, that waiting! Just keep busy and time flies...(not). I hope you soon have answers!
Well, OH just called me with an update and it's cautiously positive news.
Apparently the vet has given my OH A bundle of paperwork detailing the results and his clinical judgment, so I'll be poring over that later
Broadly: Kipper showed significant discomfort when his left elbow was manipulated. The vet thinks it is an elbow issue, and says it is possibly a degree of elbow dysplasia. On the CT scans, there was a very slight indication of (not sure about this, but potentially?) abnormality at the back of the elbow - but everything he observed was either ambiguous or on the extremely early end of the scale for development of issues. Apparently there was no sign of cracking, fissures or clear abrasion on either elbow. He also said there was stiffness and muscle tension around his shoulder, which obviously shows there is discomfort in that area.
The vet says it would be possible to conduct arthroscopy to clean up the area, but considering how mild the observations are, he is keen to go gently. He's recommended another 5-6 weeks on anti-inflammatories, light exercise (as we're doing at the moment), and continued weight loss to see if there's any return of symptoms. We'll then see where we are.
I'm looking forward to reading a lot more detail, but I'm relieved the CT observations are slight, and if we can nail the weight loss this may be enough. He's lost 1.5 kg already (36 down from 37.5), so in another 6 weeks we should be seeing real progress. We're certainly not counting any chickens, but it's not bad news for now. Except for Kipper in the kibble department...
Apparently the vet has given my OH A bundle of paperwork detailing the results and his clinical judgment, so I'll be poring over that later
Broadly: Kipper showed significant discomfort when his left elbow was manipulated. The vet thinks it is an elbow issue, and says it is possibly a degree of elbow dysplasia. On the CT scans, there was a very slight indication of (not sure about this, but potentially?) abnormality at the back of the elbow - but everything he observed was either ambiguous or on the extremely early end of the scale for development of issues. Apparently there was no sign of cracking, fissures or clear abrasion on either elbow. He also said there was stiffness and muscle tension around his shoulder, which obviously shows there is discomfort in that area.
The vet says it would be possible to conduct arthroscopy to clean up the area, but considering how mild the observations are, he is keen to go gently. He's recommended another 5-6 weeks on anti-inflammatories, light exercise (as we're doing at the moment), and continued weight loss to see if there's any return of symptoms. We'll then see where we are.
I'm looking forward to reading a lot more detail, but I'm relieved the CT observations are slight, and if we can nail the weight loss this may be enough. He's lost 1.5 kg already (36 down from 37.5), so in another 6 weeks we should be seeing real progress. We're certainly not counting any chickens, but it's not bad news for now. Except for Kipper in the kibble department...
This is really excellent news @HAH , I'm so pleased for you. I don't want to be that annoying person that keeps relating your situation back to how it was for us, but even to my untrained eye, I could see the Monty's elbows were a mess on his CT scan, so that fact that a specialist is saying 'ambiguous' is really good. And certainly steering clear of surgery, even a keyhole arthroscopy, is a good thing for now as elbows are such tricky blighters.
Keep up the good work on the weight loss, we were told just half a kilo makes a difference. You *might* want to consider supplements - just as a 'they can't do any harm' back up - did they also mention cartrophen injections?
Are you keeping on with anti inflammatories too?
But anyway, good news! Hope he's recovered well after the GA.
Keep up the good work on the weight loss, we were told just half a kilo makes a difference. You *might* want to consider supplements - just as a 'they can't do any harm' back up - did they also mention cartrophen injections?
Are you keeping on with anti inflammatories too?
But anyway, good news! Hope he's recovered well after the GA.
- Location
- Cornwall , UK
So very pleased to read your post Harriet , this sounds much better news than it could have been . You must be much relieved that your lovely happy boy has a chance of escaping surgery xxxx
- Location
- East Sussex
That sounds like generally good news. I bet you can't wait to have Kipper back with you. x
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
Good news! So pleased for you and the gorgeous Kipper!
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Definitely positive news x
- Location
- Isle of Man
Quite a relief to get this cautiously positive news xx
- Location
- The Hague, The Netherlands
What a relief to read. Rest and reduced kibble sounds like a good solid plan.
Lots of reading tonight I guess?
How did Kipper handle his day at the vets?
Hugs to you all x
Lots of reading tonight I guess?
How did Kipper handle his day at the vets?
Hugs to you all x
Good 
- Location
- Herefordshire, UK
Thanks so much everyone, it’s lovely to have such a supportive gang
Kipper is a rather spaced out pup with a bit of grumbling and reedy whining, bless him. I keep telling him he’s lucky to have got to his age without experiencing this before!
Kipper is a rather spaced out pup with a bit of grumbling and reedy whining, bless him. I keep telling him he’s lucky to have got to his age without experiencing this before!
never annoying! It’s really valuable having your experience and I’m v interested to hear your thoughts.
Yes, good points; cartrophen was mentioned a few weeks ago and an option depending on the next few weeks; and supplements definitely worth investigating.
Yes! I’m flipping between ‘phew, not so bad’ to reminding myself that it’s still likely ED with early osteoarthritis so we’re not clear, but better than many of the other possibilities. He’s definitely improving thank you! Apparently he made a hit with the vet, and was very well behaved. Now he’s pretty spaced out but improving- was quite unsteady on his legs, but has had some kibble and a dentastick so things are looking up.
Candy
Biscuit Tin Guardian
- Location
- West Yorkshire, UK
Oh, that whining post anaesthesia! Joy doesn't do it, but her predogcessor Solstice used to cry and cry as if her poor heart was broken! I hope Kipper settles soon (no doubt the dentastick will help) and you have a peaceful end to what must have been a traumatic day for all. 
- Location
- Sydney, Australia