Digby may have elbow dysplasia

[MichelleN]

Well, after the visit to the dam yesterday, Digby is limping worse than ever. His brother Romulus has hip dysplasia in both hips and it's time to find out what exactly is making Digby so sore. So he's to be kept inside tonight and off to the vet tomorrow.

My two boys are rescues and sometimes I wonder if they were abandoned because of this?

Anyway, wish him luck!

[Albea]

Poor Digby and Romulus:( I hope the vet will find a way to make them comfortable. The pain of hip dysplasia can be quite severe. Is Romulus going to have surgery?
They will be both in our thoughts; we wish them a quick recovery and send them many hugs.

[Logan]

Gosh, Michelle, you never know what is up with these pups!! My Lilly haS "mild" hip dysplasia, but right now, you would never know it. Her siginifant weight loss has helped dramatically.

Wishing you best of luck with Digby.

Logan

[AdoreMyDogs]

Oh how terribly scary :( I am so sorry to hear that. Are there good surgeons there where you live, who are knowledgable on such surgeries? I sure do hope so. Let us know how the vet appointment goes and what the outcome is. I hope it's nothing too bad :(

Prayers are being sent your way.

[MichelleN]

Romulus already has had an op on his left hip but weight loss and keeping him from excercising too much means he's not on medication yet. Digby is usually fine but he's really sore after all the trips to the dam (I think running through mud has hurt him)

Well, we find out later...

[Sudilar]

I hope Digby is ok and doesn't have ed. I will keep you in my thoughts. Let us know, ok?

[Gio]

Prayers are on their way from me too.

[Dixieland Dancer]

Prayers from Dixie, Dusty, and me that it is not Elbow Displaysia.

[kobieeli]

Paws are crossed here that the vet appointment today gives you good news....:D

[MichelleN]

Well, he has elbow dysplasia in both elbows. The severity is about 2 (scale of 0 to 3). I guess in my heart I knew. His brother's hip dysplasia is worse, he's had the one op already and he's only 3. The vet said we're doing all the right stuff already, helping them lose weight, swimming, etc. Digby doesn't need an op now but we are going to put both of them on Pet Flex (they can't take Rimadyl, makes them sick) Expensive but it'll stop the degeneration.

My fiance keeps reminding me that one day he's going to have to make the decision that their pain is too bad. He knows I won't have the guts to say when enough is enough. But hopefully that day is still far off and we can give them the best life possible now. At least I understand why they've been abandoned twice.

[kobieeli]

My heart just sank when I read your post. I'm so sorry about his dysplasia. Still, you do all you can and hope he'll be comfortable into old age--I know that lots of dog owners are able to keep the pain managed in various ways. Don't despair...it may not end up as bad as you're imagining it might.

Give Digby-boy a big ol' hug tonight :D

[MichelleN]

I was holding back the tears last night but I know that we are already doing almost everything we can to keep them as happy and healthy as possible. I'm a bit worried about the cost of keeping them on medication but we have to try.

Thanks everyone for your support, I just have to think of them as seniors and it makes it a bit easier. I know that God gave these dogs to me because he knew we would do the right thing and give them the best lives possible.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Oh Michelle, I am so sorry. You have a big heart to do all you can for those dogs. I am sorry that you have to go through this :( It's alot to ask of one person, but you have a kind heart, I know it. You will do what is right and those dogs will live out their days knowing that you love them and want what is best for them :(

Who knows, maybe Digby will surprise you and live to a ripe old age before the pain gets too bad?

I know it hurts but you hang in there and please give Digby a big hug for me.

Again, I am sorry that you have to go through this :(

[MichelleN]

Thanks guys! I'll make sure to dish out lots of hugs tonight. Despite everything that's wrong, all it takes is one of those looks from their soft brown eyes and it's all worth it.