Coffee Spent The Day At The Vet..Advice PLEASE
 

Sorry this is so long...

My kids are generally very healthy, but Coffee does have a few problems, and now I'm really worried. I noticed that he had "pitted" teeth when he was about 8 months old and was referred to a dental specialist who said it is a condition caused by a very high temperature, probably when he was a few weeks old, when the enamel forms on the adult teeth. As I got him at three months, we presume he must have had the temp when he was still with the breeder. Any how he has to go for cleaning once a year. Well he went today and I asked the vet to xray his hips while he was under anesthetic ( I hate it when they are under) as he has had problems in the past with his left hip. They had diagnosed it as mild arthritis, NOW the vet tells me that his bone is almost out of the socket!!:( It hasn't caused him any pain for many months now, although he does walk with a waddle.

The vet says we must just keep an eye on it, get him to swim a lot as this will strengthen the ligaments and tendons, but now I'm very worried, he said he may need surgery:eek: When we went to fetch Coffee this evening we had all 4 cats and Coco with us for their shots and it was a little chaotic so I didn't really discuss Coffee in detail. I will be seeing the vet on the weekend and will chat to him then but in the meantime I thought one of you may have advice or something to put my mind at ease. He is only 3 years old!

I feel so sorry for him right now, lying next to me all woosie, I just want to hold him in my arms forever!

Any information will be appreciated.
Thanks,

I'm sorry your little one has something wrong with hes hip. Letting him swim a lot will strengthen the muscles, and try not to let him jump, i know it's hard with these little ones, because they fast, and are all over the place.

Best wishes, and hugs to Coffee.

Sorry I can't be of much help. No experience with hip sockets.

I will say that, in general, modern veterinary medicine is a miracle. My 4-pound, 10-year-old (at the time) had surgery on his leg because his knee joing was out of the socket all the time. He went from being a cripple to a fully mobile dog within a month of surgery. January will be two years, and he hasn't had a problem with it.

Good luck with your pup.

I have no advice but just want you to know that you and Coffee will be in my prayers. Poor baby.

My pom had an Xray years ago for I think her stomach and the vet camen and said her tummy was ok but look at this. Her right hip had come out of its socket at some point and we never knew and it fused outside of the socket. She limps a bit but it has been years and it doesn't really bother her. Hopefully your baby will be fine or if surgery is needed he will recover fine.

the surgery he's talking about is probably an FHO. During this surgery the ball of the femoral head is removed. This is the ball that fits in the hip socket. I've see this done many many times and the patients have a great recovery rate. Right now, i'd get him on a joint supplement and do daily exercises with him to strengthen the hip muscles. Swimming is great! if he's small enough you can fill the tub up and put a harness on him. Then suspend him in the tub by his harness and let him paddle away. Only for a minute or two at first and then you can build up the time.

Thanks guys. Thank goodness Coffee LOVES swimming! The weather here hasn't been that great this summer, he has only swum a few times, but I will let him swim as much as posible. No ways can we do it in the tub, my boy is a Coffeepot - 12 1/2 lbs!!:D

He had a bad night and is very miserable today, crying and talking in a very moany voice. ( he always talks to me) Im surprised as he is usually perky the day after anesthetic. I am going to spend my day giving him lots of love.
Coco's tummy is a little upset, I'm presuming that is from the shots. She is acting her normal self though, but I will keep an eye on her too.

Sorry to hear about your little one, Coffee is in our prayers

Has Coffee been diagnosed with Legg Perthes disease?

http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/mu...lveperthes.htm

Praying that everything comes out ok.

I was just checking back in to see how Coffee is doing today. Sorry to hear he is still sore. Hope he gets better soon.

You know, when I first took him to the vet to check his hips, he did an xray and said it looked like Legg Perthes. I then got all paranoid and did lots of research, phoned the breeder and generally got into a state! Then 2 months later he had another xray and the vet said no it wasn't it looked like a bit of arthritis.
Yesterday after he said the bone was almost out of the socket, I said so is it Legg Perthes? He said no - he also said there was no sign of arthritis.

Well, Hubby and I have just been discussing this and have decided to get a second opinion. Our vet is normally very good, but I don't want to take chances. He is also a VERY good friend of ours, so this is going to be difficult.

My cousins wife's brother is a renowned small animal surgeon, so I am going to get an appointment with him. After all, this is my son we are talking about.:)

Thanks for the link, I am going to read it now.

Thanks for your thoughts Kimberly Patty and Yorkiekids, he has been a bit mis today, but cheered up when Daddy came home and took them for a swim. He didn't swim as much as he usually does, and I didn't push him. Blowdried him and cuddled on the bed. He hasn't eaten much I think his mouth is sore from the cleaning.
Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Coco seems to be fine - no more tummy problems.

I am going to bed early tonight to cuddle with Coffee, he does so love to cuddle.

OH my goodness Sheilagh, I just did a search after reading your post on Mango's thread and found this!! Poor Coffee! I would definitely get that second opinion. I want to ask you about the swimming. My Mom says that you have had a lousy summer there, that the weather is unusually cold. What is the temperature of the swimming pool? Do you heat it? I ask, because perhaps warmer water would be more soothing. Do you have a jacuzzi attached to the pool, because if you do, it's possible that it can be heated separately.
I wish I knew more about this condition so that I could help you. But I think it is encouraging about the surgical prognosis, as Mike (AlaskaYorkie) and Kalina82 mentioned.
Please keep us updated. I can only imagine how worried you must be.
Big hugs for Coffee and Mama,
Lauren:ghug:

Sheilagh,
I found out some interesting information today from my Vet. I had called him with questions on Mango, and I told him about your Coffee. He told me to warn you about a very important factor regarding surgery. He said that in young dogs with hip Dysplasia, that are operated on BEFORE the onset of Arthritis, the prognosis is really excellent and the dog will be able to lead a totally normal life. However, as with any joint problems, a dog can develop Arthritis at a very young age, so a surgical procedure must be done as soon as possible after diagnosis. Once the onset of Arthritis has occurred, the surgery becomes more invasive and potentially less successful.
Hope this info helps and I do hope the poor baby is having a better night (and his Mommy too.)
Hugs,
Lauren

Thanks Lauren, you are too sweet! I am going to phone for an appointment tomorrow. He seems to be back to normal, playing with Coco etc. and nagging to swim... if ever we are bare feet or in shorts he thinks it's swim time! When I carry towels to the laundry he thinks I'm on my way to the pool, then the talking doesn't stop. Our weather seems to be improving, much higher temps , so we will swim with him more often. They both know they are not allowed to swim without us.

I think his mouth is better after the cleaning, so now we can concentrate on his hip.

I will update after our appointment.

Hugs,
Sheilagh

Seilagh,
I know it's monday morning your time now. I just wanted to post before going to bed. Please let us know tomorrow what the Vet says about Coffee.
Lauren

Sending prayers to your way:hands: :hands: :hands:

I phoned the vet this morning ( not my vet, cousins brother in law) and spoke to receptionist, explaining situation, she said she would get him to phone me back to discuss whether or not to make app. just to examine or one to have anesthetic to do xrays, which would mean no food etc before. Guess what ? He didn't phone back - I know I should have phoned again - damn:( - I will phone first thing in the morning - This vet is in Pretoria - about an hour away, so I would rather not do two trips.

I am in the delicate situation of not being able to ask usual vet for the xray done on Thursday as he is one of our closest friends, and I would hate for him to think I don't trust him. I really don't want to hurt his feelings but Coffee is my main concern so I will be doing this in secret :secret:
I have heard that the vet in Pretoria is fantastic and specializes in small animal surgery.

Coffee has been swimming and seems to be fine except for that butt waddle.
Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. I will keep you posted.

Sheilagh,
I agree with you Hon, you can't worry about "hurt feelings" because Coffee's prognosis is what is so important right now, and you want him in the best possible hands. I am sure the Pretoria Vet will phone you in the next day or so. Being so well known, he is probably extremely busy.
:exclaim::exclaim::exclaim:Be careful when you take the drive to Pretoria. Please have Kevin or your Son with you. I know that road is not safe, and for goodness sake, do NOT drive it alone after dark!!!!:exclaim::exclaim::exclaim:
I am going out with Jack and will check back late tonight, when it is morning in Africa:D.
Hugs,
Lauren

Hope you get good news about Coffee! Glad he's swimming and doing so well.

I phoned the vet again this morning, left message again, he eventually called back. Had a very long chat with him. He is very understanding and recommends that Coffee has the op soon. As things stand now, - I have also phoned the other vet (friend) had a chat to him as well and I am taking Coffee to him at 2pm tomorrow. We will take things from there, but it looks as if my baby boy will have surgery soon:cry: The PTA vet says he will do it for me, but thinks I should go back to original vet, as he says "what if he visits and sees Coffee has had surgery" Very good point:thumbup: I will let you know when,'cause he and I are going to need LOTS of prayers on the day!

Lauren, no fear of me going to Pretoria on my own - I am one of those poep bang people that doesn't drive on highways anymore. Have developed a fear of driving with cars speeding around me!
Hope Mango girl is better today!

Hugs to all,
Sheilagh.

Sheilagh, I think the PTA vet gave you great advice and he certainly had a good point about you friend visiting and being able to see that Coffee had the surgery elsewhere. If they are both equally qualified, then let your friend in JHB do it; also think how much more convenient follow up visits will be in the same town. I am also pleased he wants to operate so soon, because there is then less chance of arthritis setting in.

I was rolling on the floor laughing when I saw the words "poep bang"...... I had to call my Mom over to show her. For my yankee friends and others - that is a favorite South African expression for "Sh*t scared" - and is pronounced "poop bung".

Ag, it's just so lekker having you here on YT:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:,
Lauren:D

Ok, so I take Coffee back to the Vet today... whew, this is driving me crazy ... He puts up the xray for me to see, and you can see that his left back femur is almost totaly out of the hip socket, and points out where the top of the femur is diseased...:mad: his poor little leg also looks so bowed::shocked7q I guess thats the way he has learnt to walk to compensate, hence the bad waddle:cry: I am actually starting to cry right now, out of frustration and sadness for my baby boy...don't mind me , it's been one of those weeks. Then he examines Coffee, pokes and prods and Coffee is crying...and wanting to jump back into my arms,
He then says " well you know he is a small dog, and this shouldn't worry him too much, even as he gets older" :confused: He has given us a ten day supply of Rimalyl, to see how it goes, and will have a follow up appointment then.

We are having dinner with them on Friday and I have told Hubby to talk to him...
I want to know if it's really not that serious or is he just,oh I don't know, just what??? Coco and Coffee are going to the groomer in Pretoria tomorrow and I'm thinking I'll take him to the other Vet, he happens to be just around the corner from the groomer. If something needs to be done, I want to do it now, before it's too late and the arthritis sets in. Then I will really hate myself. But, I don't want to put him through surgery if it is not needed.

Kalina 82 - what should I do?

Lauren, don't worry, Kevin is taking us:p How is Mango? Have you had more tests done? It is mango season here now, and every time I see one, I think of your baby and wonder how she is.

Keeping you in my prayers, hugs.

sorry the vet isn't giving you a straight answer as to if it needs to be done or not.

do you have pictures of the x-rays that you could post? that would help.

Argh! Sheilagh,
I only just saw this now. To be honest with you, I don't like how dismissive your Vet was about Coffee's condition, that he should just "live with it". I definitely think a visit to the PTA Vet is in order. Poor you, it must have been so hard for you watching your baby cry during the examination. When you do take him to PTA, be sure to ask the Vet there about the potential for Arthritis setting in if Coffee does not have the surgery. It would be such a painful condition for the little guy to live with.
I am sending you a GROOT hug to help soothe those tears.:ghug:
I will check here tomorrow morning before I leave the house.
Lauren:)
P.S. Mango's tests are being done on Monday.Enjoy those lekker S.A. Mangoes yourself, and have one for me:thumbup:

We took Coffee to the Vet in Pretoria today. Although I had met him a few times at my cousin's house I didn't realize what a good Vet he is!

Their consulting rooms and hospital are state of the art, really patient friendly and well set up.
He examined Coffee , chatted to us and then went to do the xrays. He came back amazed - Coffee's problem is not in his hips - he does not have HD. he said it's possible that it "shifts" out of place occasionally, but this is not the root of the problem. On further examination he and another specialist ortho surgeon found the pain to be coming from the back. He has severe soft tissue damage, caused by some sort of repetitive action. We have to figure out what he is doing to cause the damage, but in the mean time he is to finish the Rimidyl, and then go on to Hills j/d. I know none of us like Hills, but he says their prescription food is good, and the j/d really works. He also mentioned Metacam suspension and cortisone as future treatments. He MUST swim a lot to strenghten the leg, as he has a lot of muscle loss. He may have to have physio too.

He says as there is a lot of damage caused over a long period, it will take a long time to heal:( but I am so thankful he does not need surgery.

At least now I know what to do, and how to help my boy. If things do not start improving in the near future, he will do a scan or an aspiration from the site.
He chatted for ages, explaining all sorts of things, and although some were alarming, most was positive and put our minds at ease. I am SO glad we went - YAY for cousin's brother in law:clapsmile

As for our original Vet, well I still think he is a good Vet, just maybe made a mistake this time. I am not going to say anything to him at this stage. I have to be tactful in this situation.

On a lighter note, the groomer cut Coco's hair shorter on one side than the other:mad: It has taken so long to get it nearly floor length again, and shaved Coffee nearly bald:eek: I was so mad. I am so fed up as I am always recommending her to people. I bought Coffee a new T shirt at the Vet to cover his funny hair and keep him warm, it is cool here today again.

I'm off to do some mending for my skinkid and the to bed and cuddle Coffee.
Hugs to everyone and angel kisses for your furbies.

Sheilagh,
I am so happy that Coffee does not need surgery. It's so strange that some type of repetitive movement he is doing at home has caused this. Does he jump off surfaces such as a sofa or chair? What about steps in the house or garden - are some higher than others? I have had one horrible thought, but I feel I have to mention it. Could this G_D forbid be caused by anyone working in your household? Or, when he is being brushed, if it is daily, is he held in a position that could be stressful to his body? Or, is he sleeping in a bed that causes him to curl his body the wrong way? There are just so many alternatives to think of.

I am still pleased for you though, that he does not have Hip Dysplasia. As for the groomers...... time for another parlor perhaps?
Big hugs,
Lauren:D