Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 5:56 pm Post subject: New hope for severe elbow arthritis
At University of Liverpool Veterinary School we have developed a new, improved elbow replacement for dogs. Over the last 6 years, we have gained experience in elbow replacement and 90% of our patients have been Labradors. Although most cases were successful there were problems in some patients. Our new elbow replacement aims to avoid the complications with the first model. If you have a Labrador with severe elbow lameness, you might want to ask your vet for advice; they can contact us for more information if required. Of course, joint replacement surgery is not cheap because it is a major surgery and the prosthetic joint is expensive. Costs are in the region of £4500. Speak to your vet if you think your Labrador might benefit. We are just starting to use this new elbow replacement.
____________ Natalie x
LAB LINK RESCUE Co ordinator and Forum Administrator for my sins
Jack, Molly & Maia, watched over by Tara Banana from the Bridge
My vets and I have discussed this for Snowie, as she has arthritis of her left elbow, (and hips, and HD), but her subsequent problems have ruled her out of joint replacements.
Really good to know this. I was in a consultation at North West Surgeons last week with a friend and her lab who has shoulder problems. He was saying that hips and shoulders are obviously more treatable. My girl has elbow OCD which is currently being managed without surgery,but he told me elbow surgery was very unusual and no where near as successful.
I knew that eventually progress would be made
Hi, Murphy is nearly 4 and has severe elbow dysplasia, my vet said they were the worst elbows he had ever seen
Due to the level of deformity and the amount of arthritis he already has, the only surgery that my vet said would be an option is elbow replacement but he said he wouldn't necessarily recommend it as if it goes wrong we would lose him and he is being managed well with cartrophen and supplements at the moment. He also has Fish4dogs complete which has high levels of Omega.
I may look into elbow replacement further but I don't know how I'd live with myself if it went wrong as I also have three children who adore him and it would be just awful...
Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 5:27 am Post subject: Elbow replacement
Yes, I fully understand, there can be complications with elbow replacement but, as we learn more, the frequency should diminish. Medical/conservative treatment is certainly safer if it is working OK. For some dogs though, the degree of pain and lameness is severe and it is worth the perceived risk of surgery. Hope Murphy continues to do well....
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