Poppy limping on front left leg

[Naya]

I am glad you have managed to get to the bottom of her limping and have a plan. I too would be annoyed at your vet for the misdiagnosis.
I hope you managed to walk some of the coastal path when you are over.

 

[Lab_adore]

It must be a relief to know exactly what is causing poor Poppy her pain and to have a plan. Have a wonderful holiday with your gorgeous girl

 

[Beanwood]

Poor Poppy, and how frustrating the last few months have been. At least you have a clear diagnosis, and a plan, albeit with a long recovery

 

[MellowYellow]

As I mentioned on another thread, OH and I decided yesterday not to go ahead with the operation on Poppy's elbow.

She has been doing so well on increased anti-inflammatories (on the vet's ok she was on double dosage for a couple of weeks), so much so that you would hardly know there is anything wrong. We've been very careful with her exercise, making sure that she gets enough movement, but no long walks, no jumping or sudden stops (well, as far as this is possible), and no stairs as far as possible. She seems completely happy, and does one walk of around 30-45 minutes with us in the morning, then just down the garden at lunch when Merlin goes out for his long walk, and another 15 minute stroll in the evening.We are reducing the rimadyl and watching carefully to see what the dose is that allows her to be happy and mobile; right now she is back on the normal dosage for her weight. I just couldn't put her through the operation without being certain that there really is no way of managing her condition otherwise, especially since she is running around perfectly happily at present. There's also the added worry with Poppy around her epilepsy, and stress can be a trigger for seizures with her. OH and I went back and forwards for a couple of days, weighing up the pros and cons of an operation at her age (11 1/2), and eventually, on the morning of the operation, as she skipped happily up the garden without a limp, we both agreed to postpone.

I know that her condition may deteriorate again now that we have reduced the level of the anti-inflammatories, but we have decided to take this 'watch and see' position for now.

Thoughts??

 

[kateincornwall]

You are doing exactly what I would do given the same circumstances . We all know our dogs far better than anyone else , she seems to be doing well right now so why rock the boat ? xxxxx

 

[MellowYellow]

Thank you Kate, I am still feeling very conflicted about it... I hope we are doing the right thing, or at least the best thing possible under the circumstances...

 

[Cath]

You know her the best Karen and I would do what you are doing x

 

[Jacqui-S]

I think that is very sensible too.
I am a bit wary of anything too invasive for Lilly who is now 13. Prefer to manage her medically rather than putting her through the stress of surgery. She's showing her age a bit.
(Most of the time )

 

[HAH]

Thank you Kate, I am still feeling very conflicted about it... I hope we are doing the right thing, or at least the best thing possible under the circumstances...

For what it’s worth, I’d support your conservative approach. Surgery can be an option down the line if needed, but I personally would want to rule out non-invasive approaches before going further. It’s an imperfect decision and you’re doing your best for Poppy x

 

[Anne123]

I would do the same!
In the past we decided that Euan needed a major operation due to a herniated disk. He was 8 years old and that made us decide to go along as the vet proposed. After the operation he never fully recovered and a year and a half later he was in such an agony that we had to let him go….And he was always a healthy dog before it happened

 

[MellowYellow]

I would do the same!
In the past we decided that Euan needed a major operation due to a herniated disk. He was 8 years old and that made us decide to go along as the vet proposed. After the operation he never fully recovered and a year and a half later he was in such an agony that we had to let him go….And he was always a healthy dog before it happened

I'm so sorry to hear that Anne

 

[Stacia]

Rourke is horribly lame and despite stem cell replacement, weekly laser, fortnightly hydrotherapy he is getting worse. He is the same age as Poppy and I would do exactly what you are doing and not put her through an op.

 

[Selina27]

You are doing exactly what I would do given the same circumstances . We all know our dogs far better than anyone else , she seems to be doing well right now so why rock the boat ? xxxxx

!00% this.

I'd do the same as you Karen.

 

[UncleBob]

Hi Karen. I agree with your choice (as does everybody else, it seems ) - I would always avoid surgery unless it is the last resort (fortunately, our vet takes this approach too!).

 

[Loraseal]

I think your approach is sensible and informed. I would take the same route you have both chosen.
I understand your conflict. Hunter's limping has got worse and we are now combining novacam with Gabapentine which has seemed to help. We knew from a very early age that we have a dog who can't do long walks. We have learnt that a long walk is not the only key for a happy and content dog.
You are doing the very best for Poppy. X

 

[MellowYellow]

Thank you so much everyone, it means a lot to read your positive and supportive comments.

 

[Selina27]

We have learnt that a long walk is not the only key for a happy and content dog.

I love this Lorraine.

It's so very true. I have learnt this too, with a dog that is lucky enough to be fit and able.

 

[Candy]

I agree too, I certainly wouldn't put a dog of Poppy's age through surgery if there were less invasive ways of managing the pain. It sounds as if she's happy and enjoying life, which is the most important thing.

 

[edzbird]

You decsion is a very sensible one. I would do the same.

 

[kateincornwall]

I couldnt agree more re shorter walks . I cannot walk as far as I used to do , bad hips and back have restricted me and so often our walks are only maybe 30/40 minutes long but are off lead and full of sniffing and exploring whilst staying close by , quality over quantity every time xxx