Is anyone dealing with Arthritis? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

nydia · 05-23-2008, 05:31 AM

My 17 month old baby Charlie had to see the vet yesterday because I noticed he was limping a little and would not jump like he usually does when he see's me come home from work. Charlie and Blaine are my little acrobats they are great with agility courses and I was planning on entering Charlie in his first agility competition but now it may look like those plans will have to be made for Blaine instead. My vet did an xray on Charlies back legs and hips and he told me it looked like Charlie had a hip injury that healed on it's own and that it looks arthritic. I asked him how this was possible as this was the very first time ever Charlie did not jump for me at the door and I saw him limping, I cannot recall him being injured or seeing him limping, he has tons of energy except for yesterday and I'm a paranoid mom, my babies go to the vet the minute I think something is wrong, trust me had I seen Charlie limping earlier he would of been at the vet, the vet told me that it could be possible his injury wasn't an injury where I would notice something was wrong right away, he said it's like having a bad back and eventually after years of lifting and doing things you shouldn't it gives out on you. He said that may be the case here, where he's been had the injury but it didn't cause him pain until the arthritis set it, he said it can be fixed with Surgery or Charlie will live with pain. The thing is Charlie does not wine or cry or show any signs of pain except for yesterday with his favoring his left leg. Even when the vet started moving his legs around and checking him he didn't make not one sound. Now my thing is my baby still plays, the doctor gave him a pain medication can't think of the name right now and the minute I got him home he was off running he didn't jump but he did play with my other babies. I don't want to do any unnecessary surgeries if this arthritis thing can be controlled with meds as far as if he does feel pain. I'm confused and don't know what to do, I want him to be at his best but I'm scared to put him through something like that. The doctor explained to me that what they do is removed the hips ball joint or whatever that was and allow scar tissue to grow in it's place giving the hip more movement. If anybody has any type of experience with hip surgery please let me know.

Ellie May · 05-27-2008, 09:14 AM

I'm sorry nobody answeared this.

I would probably want a second opinion (maybe take the xray to another vet) because I think an old hip injury would've shown sooner. It could be that but I'd want to be sure. If both vets recommended surgery that is probably what I'd do. My concern here would be that your has luxating patella and the vet didn't catch it. I think that is the number one reason why Yorkies stop jumping or are in pain while doing so.

TLC · 05-27-2008, 09:22 AM

I have to agree with Ellie May. I don't want to say that your Vet doesn't have the correct answers for you, but it sounds more like an LP case

Either way, I would consult with a Board Cert. Ortho Specialist. I think that is the 'only' way to get a more solid and experienced answers.

General Vets are great, but they can't possibly know everything and that's ok, that's when you need to seek the advice of someone that specializes in certain fields.

Keep us posted!

P.S. Sorry I missed this thread when you first posted

nydia · 05-27-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLC

I have to agree with Ellie May. I don't want to say that your Vet doesn't have the correct answers for you, but it sounds more like an LP case

Either way, I would consult with a Board Cert. Ortho Specialist. I think that is the 'only' way to get a more solid and experienced answers.

General Vets are great, but they can't possibly know everything and that's ok, that's when you need to seek the advice of someone that specializes in certain fields.

Keep us posted!

P.S. Sorry I missed this thread when you first posted

Thank you I will keep you posted.

bjh · 05-27-2008, 01:15 PM

I would not recommend surgery unless it was a last resort. I would recommend looking into some dietary supplements that could help. Since I started giving glucosamine to my 12 years old girl I see a big improvement in her mobility. Here is a website with a little information:
Dog Arthitis Medication - Arthritis Medicine for Dogs

Proper diet, antioxidants and other supplements may really help him a lot.

If you google these words 'dog arthritis natural remedy' you will find more information.

Mybabe4me · 05-27-2008, 04:22 PM

I for one would get a second opinion.. I think some vets jump the gun sometimes. And if there was something on the film it could have shown up that there was arthritis but he is so young to have this. You said he is only 17 months old. Boy that seems mighty young to have arthritis.. Please keep us posted on how he is doing..

nydia · 05-28-2008, 07:21 AM

Charlie will be seeing the orthopedic specialist on Tuesday at 10:30 as soon as we get back I will post an let everybody know what she said.

Mom to Hot Rod · 05-28-2008, 08:12 AM

I had a cat that had arthritis in her hinds. I was giving her glucosamine. It seemed to help her a lot. There were a couple of times that I ran out and by the tiime I got more I could tell she did not have it. She was able to jump like a cat although she didn't couldn't jump overly high.

nydia · 06-10-2008, 08:53 AM

So it turns out Charlie does not have arthritis at all but instead has legg perthes in both legs

he is going to need to have surgery they say they want to do both at the same time but wouldn't that make it harder for him to recover especially because it will be harder for him to walk around because both of his legs were operated on? He is scheduled to go in for surgery on both legs on the 20th of June.

bjh · 06-10-2008, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nydia

So it turns out Charlie does not have arthritis at all but instead has legg perthes in both legs

he is going to need to have surgery they say they want to do both at the same time but wouldn't that make it harder for him to recover especially because it will be harder for him to walk around because both of his legs were operated on? He is scheduled to go in for surgery on both legs on the 20th of June.

I am so sorry to hear your baby has legg perthes. Some people choose to do both legs at one time so the dog does not have to undergo surgery twice and there by taking twice and long to be healed. He will require a lot of extra love and care but hopefully it will be best in the long run. I will be praying that he has a speedy recovery.

nydia · 06-10-2008, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjh

I am so sorry to hear your baby has legg perthes. Some people choose to do both legs at one time so the dog does not have to undergo surgery twice and there by taking twice and long to be healed. He will require a lot of extra love and care but hopefully it will be best in the long run. I will be praying that he has a speedy recovery.

Thank you, we need all the prayers we can get, I'm so extra scared for him especially after what happened to Joey.

bjh · 06-10-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nydia

Thank you, we need all the prayers we can get, I'm so extra scared for him especially after what happened to Joey.

I can certainly understand you being scared. I would recommend you start a new thread under sick and injured (call it Charlie Has Legge Perthes) so others will be aware of what is wrong with Charlie and you could ask for advice and tips from others that have undergone this type of surgery. Your story just goes to show why second opinions are so important.

TLC · 06-11-2008, 12:54 PM

You both are in my prayers

yoyo27 · 06-11-2008, 01:06 PM

I know we like our vets. But they are just like us seeing doctors and when you don't think things add up right, well go to another one. You see the dog more than the vet and you know what you feel is right and wrong. I'm so glad you found out what it is. I just hope it fixes everything and a fast recovery. Keep us posted. We will be thinking of you both.

nydia · 06-11-2008, 01:19 PM

I just want to say thank you to everybody who has been showing us love and support, god knows we need it. I will keep everyone posted no matter what happens, hopefully everything will be fine as a matter of fact I have an update now, thanks to Joey's mom Charlie will not have both legs done at the same time, the surgeon is going to do the worste leg first, we will let that heal and when he is all better from the first surgery we will go ahead and do the other leg, I was told by Joey's mom it isn't good to keep them under anesthesia for too long, the day Joey had his surgery they were suppose to do his teeth but they opted not to because of the length of time they had him under anesthesia I told my surgeon my concerns and she agreed with me, she said she would rather do both at the same time so he wouldn't have to go through two eight week periods of recovery time, but I would rather have him recovering for four months than dead, plus I have a vet tech who is willing to stay in my home with me and watch Charlie during his recovery it will be costly but it's worth it, I know my baby will be safe, the vet tech is from my vets office and they love Charlie, well the nurses and vet techs love him, they can't get enough of him when he is there so I know he will be in good hands while I'm working, I would love to take time off but with the cost of gas and utilities going up and mortgage payments I have no choice it's either work or we will all be homeless.

05-23-2008, 05:31 AM	#1
nydia Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 272	Is anyone dealing with Arthritis? My 17 month old baby Charlie had to see the vet yesterday because I noticed he was limping a little and would not jump like he usually does when he see's me come home from work. Charlie and Blaine are my little acrobats they are great with agility courses and I was planning on entering Charlie in his first agility competition but now it may look like those plans will have to be made for Blaine instead. My vet did an xray on Charlies back legs and hips and he told me it looked like Charlie had a hip injury that healed on it's own and that it looks arthritic. I asked him how this was possible as this was the very first time ever Charlie did not jump for me at the door and I saw him limping, I cannot recall him being injured or seeing him limping, he has tons of energy except for yesterday and I'm a paranoid mom, my babies go to the vet the minute I think something is wrong, trust me had I seen Charlie limping earlier he would of been at the vet, the vet told me that it could be possible his injury wasn't an injury where I would notice something was wrong right away, he said it's like having a bad back and eventually after years of lifting and doing things you shouldn't it gives out on you. He said that may be the case here, where he's been had the injury but it didn't cause him pain until the arthritis set it, he said it can be fixed with Surgery or Charlie will live with pain. The thing is Charlie does not wine or cry or show any signs of pain except for yesterday with his favoring his left leg. Even when the vet started moving his legs around and checking him he didn't make not one sound. Now my thing is my baby still plays, the doctor gave him a pain medication can't think of the name right now and the minute I got him home he was off running he didn't jump but he did play with my other babies. I don't want to do any unnecessary surgeries if this arthritis thing can be controlled with meds as far as if he does feel pain. I'm confused and don't know what to do, I want him to be at his best but I'm scared to put him through something like that. The doctor explained to me that what they do is removed the hips ball joint or whatever that was and allow scar tissue to grow in it's place giving the hip more movement. If anybody has any type of experience with hip surgery please let me know.

05-27-2008, 09:14 AM	#2
Ellie May YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 5,917	I'm sorry nobody answeared this. I would probably want a second opinion (maybe take the xray to another vet) because I think an old hip injury would've shown sooner. It could be that but I'd want to be sure. If both vets recommended surgery that is probably what I'd do. My concern here would be that your has luxating patella and the vet didn't catch it. I think that is the number one reason why Yorkies stop jumping or are in pain while doing so. __________________ Crystal and Ellie May

05-27-2008, 09:22 AM	#3
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 4,026	I have to agree with Ellie May. I don't want to say that your Vet doesn't have the correct answers for you, but it sounds more like an LP case Either way, I would consult with a Board Cert. Ortho Specialist. I think that is the 'only' way to get a more solid and experienced answers. General Vets are great, but they can't possibly know everything and that's ok, that's when you need to seek the advice of someone that specializes in certain fields. Keep us posted! P.S. Sorry I missed this thread when you first posted __________________ Nicole *"You Won't Change the World by Saving One Animal..BUT...You Will Change the World for that One"*

05-27-2008, 01:15 PM	#5
bjh Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Warren, Texas Posts: 2,608	I would not recommend surgery unless it was a last resort. I would recommend looking into some dietary supplements that could help. Since I started giving glucosamine to my 12 years old girl I see a big improvement in her mobility. Here is a website with a little information: Dog Arthitis Medication - Arthritis Medicine for Dogs Proper diet, antioxidants and other supplements may really help him a lot. If you google these words 'dog arthritis natural remedy' you will find more information. Last edited by bjh; 05-27-2008 at 01:18 PM.

05-27-2008, 04:22 PM	#6
Mybabe4me YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 596	I for one would get a second opinion.. I think some vets jump the gun sometimes. And if there was something on the film it could have shown up that there was arthritis but he is so young to have this. You said he is only 17 months old. Boy that seems mighty young to have arthritis.. Please keep us posted on how he is doing.. __________________ Val and Babybear http://www.dogster.com/dogs/136060[/url]

05-28-2008, 07:21 AM	#7
nydia Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 272	Just an update Charlie will be seeing the orthopedic specialist on Tuesday at 10:30 as soon as we get back I will post an let everybody know what she said.

05-28-2008, 08:12 AM	#8
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 2,970	I had a cat that had arthritis in her hinds. I was giving her glucosamine. It seemed to help her a lot. There were a couple of times that I ran out and by the tiime I got more I could tell she did not have it. She was able to jump like a cat although she didn't couldn't jump overly high. __________________ Hot Rod Maggie May Always in my Zoe Proud member of the CrAzYcLuB ......"The Little Gentlemen's Club"

06-10-2008, 08:53 AM	#9
nydia Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 272	Just Updating Everyone So it turns out Charlie does not have arthritis at all but instead has legg perthes in both legs he is going to need to have surgery they say they want to do both at the same time but wouldn't that make it harder for him to recover especially because it will be harder for him to walk around because both of his legs were operated on? He is scheduled to go in for surgery on both legs on the 20th of June.

06-11-2008, 12:54 PM	#13
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 4,026	You both are in my prayers __________________ Nicole *"You Won't Change the World by Saving One Animal..BUT...You Will Change the World for that One"*

06-11-2008, 01:06 PM	#14
yoyo27 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,636	I know we like our vets. But they are just like us seeing doctors and when you don't think things add up right, well go to another one. You see the dog more than the vet and you know what you feel is right and wrong. I'm so glad you found out what it is. I just hope it fixes everything and a fast recovery. Keep us posted. We will be thinking of you both. __________________ Zoie, Calie & Cinnamon :I love: my little ones http://www.dogster.com/dogs/657546

06-11-2008, 01:19 PM	#15
nydia Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 272	Thank you for supporting us I just want to say thank you to everybody who has been showing us love and support, god knows we need it. I will keep everyone posted no matter what happens, hopefully everything will be fine as a matter of fact I have an update now, thanks to Joey's mom Charlie will not have both legs done at the same time, the surgeon is going to do the worste leg first, we will let that heal and when he is all better from the first surgery we will go ahead and do the other leg, I was told by Joey's mom it isn't good to keep them under anesthesia for too long, the day Joey had his surgery they were suppose to do his teeth but they opted not to because of the length of time they had him under anesthesia I told my surgeon my concerns and she agreed with me, she said she would rather do both at the same time so he wouldn't have to go through two eight week periods of recovery time, but I would rather have him recovering for four months than dead, plus I have a vet tech who is willing to stay in my home with me and watch Charlie during his recovery it will be costly but it's worth it, I know my baby will be safe, the vet tech is from my vets office and they love Charlie, well the nurses and vet techs love him, they can't get enough of him when he is there so I know he will be in good hands while I'm working, I would love to take time off but with the cost of gas and utilities going up and mortgage payments I have no choice it's either work or we will all be homeless.