I have a 1 yr old boston terrier. Long story short, I took her to the vet 3 times because of a limp, vet kept telling me it's a sprain, even after x-raying it. I had her spayed earlier then I wanted just because the vet said he "could get a better x-ray when she's under". After the surgery, the vet diagnosed her with elbow dysplaia. That didn't sit well with me so I took her to an orthopedic surgeon. He looked at the SAME x-ray as the vet and saw 2 seperate fractures in her elbow!!! Because it wasn't treated when the break happened the bone has now healed incorrectly and her leg is now skinny, deformed and lame. Our orthopedic surgeon told us that although he could perform surgery, he's not sure it would do any good, but he's sure he could make it a whole lot worse. I am considering having the joint fused but I know this is considered drastic surgery and I have yet to talk with anyone who has ever had this done on their dog. I want to make an informed decision and see how others who've been through this type of surgery have faired out. She's been limping a whole lot more lately, I hate to see her in pain. Any opinions would be appreciated, thanks. ***************************************************************** 07-25-06, 02:58 AM Wildflower63 What I am reading is a probable poor outcome, from a specialist. I am sure the limp is upsetting to you. You want to do the right thing for your dog.
I have to ask, does your dog seem to be in any pain, like yipe? I am guessing that a little Boston Bull can get hurt very easily. It may have occurred without the knowledge of the breeder. I have owned a toy size dog and know what it is to make sure they are not injured, even playing.
Given this bone fracture has already healed, with a problem. I definitely would not elect for painful surgery, if the dog does not show strong discomfort. The specialist cannot even say this matter can be corrected.
I would make the decision on how much pain your Boston is displaying. Can he get around ok without showing visible signs of continual pain? Does he yipe, with pain, with type of play or handling him?
I don't like what the specialist had to say. I would not go for painful surgery unless I deeply believed the dog is in continual pain. The limp may not be painful to him at all. It might just be a symptom of poor bone healing from an old fracture.
07-25-06, 08:23 PM piggins The orthopedic surgeon may have been speaking of Osteochondritis Dissecans which is seen predominately in horses and dogs. There are various circumstances in which growing bones develop fractures in the cartilage of the weight bearing surface, occasionally extending deep into the bone beneath eventually resulting in a separation from the underlying structure causing inflammation.
The problem occurs without warning so it is not always easy to diagnose in the early stages. This would explain why your general practicing vet first diagnosed it as a sprain and then later as elbow dysplasia.. This condition is predominately seen in individuals under 1 year of age but can also occur later when the pet is around 5. There is not a real set theory on the exact causes and it is not known why some dogs develop the condition and others do not. Symptoms usually begin with intermittent limping then progressing as time goes on. The repeated jumping from high places and or strenuous excerise may predispose the problem in some individuals.
The pain your pet experiences make her reluctant to use that leg equally as the one on the other side and as a result it is atrophying. Not only the joint is affected but also the shoulder and muscles that support the pets weight.
The cartilage may have already formed calcium deposits within the joint itself and or with the probability of the bones already fusing hampering further efforts of correcting the problem surgically which would explain his reluctance to operate. If you have the means, you might discuss with the surgeon about having an exploratory surgery done which would give him a better prognosis on whether the elbow could be repaired. He may feel more comfortable getting and MRI image which gives a much better view of the joint than x-rays. It also wouldn’t hurt to get another surgeon’s opinion.
Moderate or limited exercise and medication may help alleviate her discomfort as well as a careful diet plan. Your regular vet and orthopedic surgeon can help you make a decision that will benefit your pet the most.
Please keep us informed on your pets situation. We hope your pets situation improves, good luck to you.
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07-27-06, 03:20 AM Wildflower63 You may disagree with my opinion. My friend, who is a medical doctor, and I, a RN, took my Toy Fox Terrier to the vet. He was very ill and died because they used IV drip for his weight, being obese, not blood volume.
This is not the only problem I have had with vet opinion, which doesn't often make logical sense. You definitely don't want me on my soapbox about how incompetent vets really are. It is not the same as human medical treatment. I will tell you my outrage over my elderly parents beloved cats, as I will tell you of complete incompetence of my dead dog.
Dogs are not treated as humans are. Surgery is simple and crude, even with specialist. They really cannot be sued, so there is a vastly differing standard, but cost effective for the owner.
From your post, I would definitely not opt for surgery. If you dog isn't able to use one leg, he may not be pain at all, just a disability caused by scar tissue of the bone. This is not easily corrected for a human. It is a big decision for people to correct, after calcification of bone healing.
We are talking unavoidable bone calcification as scar tissue and re-break of the injury to set it again, with more scar tissue. Why do you think any broken bone, when correctly set, shows up on a person? I feel this problem may just be a limitation for your Boston, not a painful issue that needs attention.
Vets often don't know when to quit charging you money for a problem not easily solved. You already got a specialist opinion. It is painful to your dog and surgery is not likely to help. So what if he has a bit of a disability.
Boston Bulls are a bit fiery, but so content to hang out in the living room with you. Play is their preference, not need of continual exercise that many breeds require. Your Boston will do just fine having fun in the living room, seriously! This really is a fun and flexible breed of dog. I adore them!!
Pain isn't a definite reason for a limp, but poor bone healing may disable you adorable Boston to use his leg normally. Surgery isn't crude, for people, but this is difficult to correct with the most modern technique, which will not be used on you dog.
08-15-06, 07:04 PM Emme Wow, thank you all for your responses. I do agree that surgery should be avoided if at all possible but I do have an unfortunate update. Lastnight we took our Boston to the orthopedic surgeon because she is basically hopping at times to get from point A to point B. They x-rayed her joint again and have found the problem to be a lot worse. At the elbow joint the lower bone is supposed to support the upper bone, because hers is broken, the lower bone is actually moving up along side the upper bone and also it is twisting the leg sideways. When she is just standing still the leg just curves to the outside. It's sickening to look at. The doctor gave us 2 options, one is fusing the bone in place with pins, screws, plates and donor bone, the other (and I hate to even say this) is amputation. He gave us an 80% shot at the fusion working. I just can't consider amputation as my first option, I only would consider that if the fusion isn't successful. I mean once that leg is gone, there is no turning back. I have to give this dog a chance, she just isn't going to get any better unless something is done. We're sick about this, I do have to say that I also feel a sense of relief because there is a chance this may work and she could be in less pain and lead more of a "normal" life. This surgery is going to cost me $2,500. Yes, that is a lot of money but there isn't anything I could buy that would make me feel any better then seeing my dog in a less pain free state. I don't care what she looks like, she'll never be able to bend that joint again. Right now she has to be put in a stroller to go on a walk because she just can't go very far without being so exausted from the leg situation. I am considering a legal case to re-coop the $2,500 surgery, (this cost is not including the meds for after the surgery or the $200 visit from lastnight.) I do feel kind of bad doing this to a vet, I'm not out for a personal vendetta, I know he is human and he made a mistake but this is going to cost me over $3,000 until this is all said and done with. Does anyone mind giving me their opinion on this matter? My mind is kind of still spinning from dealing with this. Thank you.
08-18-06, 12:03 AM piggins In my humble opinion, amputation will give her 100 percent relief. Pain medications will help manage her pain if the fusion does not give her total relief but in the long run, it actually may be more beneficial to have the leg amputated than to have her go thru more painful surgery should the fusion and or medication not work as expected or needed.
I feel that you are very concerned about your pet’s future mobility however, pets do not feel about amputation the way we do because we humans have only two legs and we depend and need both legs to move. An animal is not hampered by the loss of one leg out of four and can still run and play as before and adjust more readily to the change than people do. Many pets are more relieved to be rid of the painful leg and actually feel better than they did before surgery and live a very productive life with only three legs. In all probability, your pet has already learned to walk on 3 legs so this most likely won’t be an issue for her.
Even though pets adapt amazingly well to an amputation, sometimes situations can be difficult due to owner expectations.
If necessary there are “doggie” wheelchairs available to meet your pet’s need. I have provided some links for you to look at. Below is a link to a web site that specializes in pet wheel chairs. You can have one specifically made to fit your pet’s need.
08-18-06, 10:07 PM Tree Those are awesome links, Piggins!
08-19-06, 07:30 AM Emme Thanks Piggins, I appreciate your opinion. I do agree that animals can and do adjust to an amputaion much more easily then we humans do. I do feel guilt about putting her through this surgery, I know this won't be easy on her. But this surgery is an attempt at making her better, I cannot opt for amputation at my first choice. I don't knock other people who've make this decision for their pets, it's just that I feel like getting her the surgery is at least giving her a chance at keeping a leg without having joint pain. By eliminating the joint, the pain will also be minimized. If the decision is made to amputate, there is no turning back, once it's gone, - it's gone. I have to make the best decision for this dog that I can, and from what I see in this dog, and based on the information I have learned, I feel this is the right decision for her. I'm a wreck over this. We're in this for the long haul, she's got a ton of spirit, and she is a real keeper. Please keep us in your thoughts. Thanks again for your help.
08-19-06, 04:48 PM Wildflower63 Is there an option of pain control for your Boston? Further expensive surgery does create more scar tissue, which is a problem.
I agree that a dog definitely adapts to amputation and it sounds like the least painfull choice for your dog. The surgery you are talking about is extensive, causing bone scar tissue in addition to existing problems.
I didn't read the links, but I am sure they are good and worthy of reading, for this problem. I am not sure that amputation is the answer.
You didn't answer my question of degree of pain your dog is displaying. Not using a limb may not be painfull at all, just inability because of poor bone healing. If you feel your dog may be in pain, why not opt for pain control before amputation?
You know your dog. I know every emotion my dog displays. She hurts, I know it. My adored indoor cat is limping. I have not taken her to the vet. I know what they are going to say, nothing to help her. She is comfortable or would act mean. Mean is my cat if she doesn't feel good or in pain. She isn't mean at all, just limping a bit. No painful surgery or amputation for her!
Cats are much more difficult to figure than a dog. Don't use logic. Use your gut feeling. You know your dog. Do what you feel is right. I wish you the best with this. I know how difficult this type of decision is. Give yourself some time. This isn't a new problem or an emergency. You will know what is the right thing for your adorable Boston.
08-19-06, 07:25 PM Emme No pain managment is not an option, this is not something that is going to get any better, the lower leg bone is actually moving up along side the upper bone and twisting. She at times walks on the inside part of her paw. Degree of pain she's in? The more she walks, the more pain she's in, she limps more severly by the end of the day. That's just from normal walking around the house. She's hurting. Yes, the surgery will cause some scar tissue. Scar tissue shouldn't be an issue,the fusing around the joint that we're hoping, will be successful. Wildflower, you are right, "use your gut feeling". My gut is telling me we have to try this for her. I know when I figure out things on a "process of elimination" basis, I know that pain management isn't the answer since the problem is so severe and long term, I know that amputation isn't the answer as long as there is another option out there for her, that leaves me with going through with this surgery. I know taking time to think about it isn't going to matter, I actually made the appointment because she has visibly gotten worse, limp more severe and the leg noticibly more twisted. Actually what we have been doing is waiting to see what happens, we've been holding off on doing anything, because the doctor told us back in November that he would like to avoid surgery if possible, but things have taken an unfortunate turn. The x-rays show the problem has gotten much worse. We have made the appointment for the surgery on August 31st. Please keep us in your thoughts. Also, Wildflower, I hope things work out for your cat, I know these things can worry us "parent" like crazy. Will hope the best for her. Thanks for your thoughts..... worried "dog Mom"
09-04-06, 03:46 PM Emme Update: My dog had her surgery on Thursday, she is home and doing remarkably well. They used 2 screws, one pin and a lot of donor bone material. She is in a cast for at least 2 weeks. I cannot tell you how amazed we are that she is so chipper and full of spirit. We really have to keep an eye on her that she doesn't get too crazy running around the house. I very much stressed that she was going to be in unbearable pain. She gets around like nobodys business. Of course she doesn't put any weight at all on the leg yet, time will tell how successful the surgery was. I cannot tell you how hard it was to drop her off for surgery. When the call came that she was through the surgery and was awake, I was greatful. I am so glad this part is over. We remain optomistic that this is going to work for her. I am considering taking the vet who misdiagnosed her to court at the magistrate level. It is common to represent yourself at that level. I could hire an attorney but that would defeat the purpose, I would like to get compensated for this HUGE payout for the surgery. I asked my orthopedic surgeon if he would write up a statement that I could use in court if we decided to peruse it, he told me he would be happy to help me out. Anyway, thanks to all those who responded. I am glad we are through the surgery, so far so good. She is a real keeper!
09-05-06, 02:01 AM Wildflower63 Emme, I am so happy to hear your good news!!
From surgery, I have to guess your beautiful Boston will decide, but you definitely have to curb the enthusiasm!
Slow your baby down a bit, if that is possible. There may be no chew toy or human ability of spoiling rotten to keep you Boston down.
I am so happy to hear how successful surgery went! Personally, I would have been afraid to go there. I understand why you did. A Boston is a bit difficult to turn anything in life. These are such fantastic dogs. Your baby is definitely busy showing how strong this breed really is.
I know it is difficult, but you have to slow a Boston down, at times. They don't like it, but you are Mom!
I am so happy to hear how well you both are doing!! Keep us posted, please....
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