Elbow problems in young border collie

[meandmygirl1]

Have a 4year old border collie who started limping about 3 months ago on front left leg. Had her at vet who prescribed rest and build up walks. As soon as I let her off the lead she was back limping again so today she had X-rays and they said her elbows in both front legs are like old dog elbows and she has been referred to a specialist. Gutted. Any practical advice? Also got to limit her exercise until referral. Feeling guilty as didn't realise she was in pain

That's so sad for such a young dog :(
I'm presuming they are saying it's arthritis - or is there another problem?

Supplements can help massively, though not a magic cure obviously. One of my dogs has bad hips and another has had cruciate surgery, so they all take Yumove and turmeric.

I also started one of them on CBD oil which has completely transformed her in a few days. She is 11, has virtually no hip joint on one side but has got a new lease of life!

I am a huge believer in hydrotherapy if that is an option for you - it's great exercise if you're restricting walks, and helps maintain muscle tone which is so important.

Have you tried physio or chiropractic? can be extremely effective for treatment of biomechanics problems in dogs and as with in humans it should be the first pro of call before surgery is considered.

Check the ramp register for approved registered providers, they should ask the vet for the records.

Walking on lead isn’t as bad as running and chasing, stairs and jumping down are really bad for elbows.

Things like scentwork indoors are good for entertainment and trick training as long as you avoid anything that puts stress on the front legs.

If she could lose any weight then you want to get that off as well.

Thanks everyone. Been feeling terrible as if it's a death sentence but I suppose it's more about managing it all. I will know more after meet the specialist

Another thing - if you have hard floors put down some rugs or non slip vet bed. This makes a massive difference to dogs with joint problems and slipping accidentally can cause more problems.

Hi, I have a 9 year old chocolate labrador who has problems with his front left elbow. I don't know where you are but I am in the Chorley, Lancashire area and I have a fantastic vet called Chris Manning who works at Hillcrest Veterinary Surgery. He specialises in joint problems in dogs. I felt sick when I saw my dog limping and had visions of surgery costing thousands and possibly a visit to Noel Fitzpatrick the Supervet when I probably would have had to re-mortgage my house!! However, Christ put my mind at rest, he initially put my dog on Loxicom and he was fine with that for a few years - every time I saw him limp I put him on a dose for a few days and the limping stopped. However, a few weeks ago he was limping so badly that he could not put his paw down - it was heartbreaking and I was terrified he would need surgery as the Loxicom did not seem to be working this time. I took him back to Chris, who put him on some other medication, another NSAID drug (I can't remember the name but can find out tomorrow) which worked absolute miracles - within a couple of days he had stopped limping and has now finished the medication and is on a daily low dose of Loxicom. Chris also told me there were many other options he could try without performing major surgery if all medications stopped working in the future. He mentioned a procedure where he takes stem cells out of the neck and injects them into the elbow which I believe Noel Fitzpatrick also does. I am sure your Specialist will have plenty of suggestions and I know its hard but try not to worry - I thought my dog would never stop limping but he is fine now. Please message me if you want anymore information.

“Been feeling terrible as if it's a death sentence”

Oh no, mine went lame at 16 weeks, he’s 5 now

Thanks everyone. We are booked into specialist 14 June and I have asked to be contacted if there are any cancellations.

I feel guilty as didn't realise she was in pain as she runs about mad like border collies do; but she does sleep a lot which I wonder is her way of dealing with the pain.

She is on metacam and I have started giving her joint supplements.

I have put pillows under her duvet in her basket so she is completely padded.

The main issue is have been told to limit her exercise and she is getting a bit bored and still got over a month to go!!! She is only to be walked for up to 45 minutes a day.

I live in Glasgow and we have been referred to Broadleys in Stirling