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Originally Posted by ASTPhi877  Well, we went to the vet yesterday, and he said he really didn't think x-rays were necessary unless I planned on having the surgery to correct. I'm not sure whether I plan on that, as I sincerely hope it never comes to it, but I went ahead and pressed for the x-rays anyway, because I'd rather not leave anything to chance with this. Lila actually had other ideas, tho, lol, and refused to hold still, the squirmy little booger! So, back again we went this morning so he could sedate her and try again. (Note: I actually had both of my girls spayed/teeth removed several months ago, at the earliest opportunity, so combining procedures wasn't an option... which was unfortunate, because I was a nervous wreck both then and today  But she did fine, as I knew she would. I just picked her up, and her vet said that, yes, he did see some premature bone closure, but that he wasn't OVERLY worried about it... however, his tone seemed to imply that he was a BIT more worried than he'd been the day before... and he decided to have an orthopedic specialist in a town nearby take a look "just to be sure that no further action (aka surgery) is required.
Now, I'm not entirely sure what (if anything) the fact that he felt a specialist is necessary means, but I've decided not to worry or stress about what MIGHT happen until we know a little more. That won't do anyone any good. So the waiting game has begun... I have a week.
However, in the meantime, though he didn't mention anything in the way of exercises to train the legs, I would love to work with her on that. You have been extremely helpful, and I am up for any more suggestions/advice you can give me! The time/dedication is not a problem at all (I have a lot of free time with her, and we both love to train!), and if this will help her in the long run, then I'm ready and willing to learn! |
So the good news is an orthopaedic surgeon is going to evaluate the xrays. Maybe the vet thinks it's too premature yet to suggest exercises until such time as the Xray is evaluated. Or as in my experience, vets don't have a huge rehabilitation experience, and/or maybe interest in that field. Historically speaking most rehab has been after surgery, and this has probably only matured/developed over the past 10 years or so. Truly there is a paucity of expertise at the general vet level.
Now in terms of the ortho; if the vet doesn't offer a written evaluation from the ortho, ask for one. Ask for one, even if the ortho wants to see you and your dog. Have them fax you over his professional opinion on this Xray.
This will give you time to do some research on his findings, prior to meeting him/her if he does want to see your dog.
IMO surgery is a very last option for almost anything muscular and a lot that is structural. So let's cross that bridge if a recommendation comes through, well actually a surgeon won't recommend to the vet surgery off the bat, they will probably want to see the pup first.
Premature bone closure, might be premature bone closure, or might be structural anomalies, or even very very early arthritic changes on the articulating surfaces of the joint(s). that is why you have an expert evaluate the Xray.
What I would like to know vs a vs the ankle joint, is there boney fusion in either the medial or lateral aspect of the ankle? Imagine if you would for a moment, a very very small space present between the articulating surfaces of in this instance the bones of the lower leg and the bones of the foot. The space is there to enable the joint to bend forward and back, to bend to the inside and the outside. This is important to know because it will help to delineate the limit of how far physical reconditioning can correct the "problem". Which is not the same as saying physical conditioning shouldn't be done!
The exercise descriptions are long and rather involved, so I will post some starting points tonight in another message, and more to come tomorrow, as I have more time.