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feedback for any problems with ED

2K views 10 replies 5 participants last post by  DJGoody 
#1 ·
Hi all

Our poor choccie lab Monty has been diagnosed with ED we are off tomorrow to see the specialist and find out the next step.
I was just wondering if anybody had any hints and tips or questions they think I need to ask or need to find out about.

Thanks in advance
 
#2 ·
Welcome to LF and sorry it is as a member of the ED group :(

Write down all your queries - I did and was glad I did. When I got home and looked down my questions again I could remember the answers I got from the specialist I had forgotten.... if that makes sense!?!

The specialist will be experienced with giving you the information that s/he finds is usually wanted/asked for.

I'm not much help with suggested questions I'm afraid... it depends on what kind of severity your Monty is suffering with. Are you taking him 'nil by mouth' so that he can go in for procedure tomorrow? (The specialist would've warned you not to feed if that is a possibility) If you are going for a consultation then I'd want to ask questions about whether medical management or surgery are both options or if one is preferred. I'd want to know what sort of exercise he should have. What sort of meds he can take and the side effects they may have.

Do have a look in the Health section there are some stickied posts about ED and then some in the main section of that forum on dogs with ED as well.

I hope that the trip to the specialist goes well and you have a better idea on how to help Monty live life to the full after your visit. x
 
#3 ·
Thanks for your tips.
I have a list started already but just wanted to see if anyone came up with anything different.
He is just going for assessment tomorrow but is nil by mouth in case they run any tests etc.
just such a worrying time he is such a lively fella and will be 3 later this month.
 
#4 ·
Hello there.... sadly we joined the ED club about 3 weeks ago and Judy was diagnosed a 5 years old.

Who are you seeing? We went to Fitzpatricks after vet referral and so far VERY impressed.

Firstly, this MB was a HUGE comfort and the advice we got from Luna-Tuck and others was first class. Alongside that the messages of support a great comfort.

My missus is the level headed one and she asked all the questions and weighed up pro's and con's.
Currently we are on a non-surgical treatment plan with rest and gradual build up the order of the day for Judy. It's killing me not allowing her to run off lead but she had her first Hydro session Sunday and goes for another tomorrow evening. We return to Fitzy's next Tuesday when we'll find out the next step..... dreading it.

I would definitely ask about grade of condition and alternatives to surgery. What came over was (obviously) diet is key and Judy is luckily an ideal weight. We are now giving supplements such as YuMove and Green Lip Mussell plus have upped her Metacam for the 3 week period but really want to come off that asap.

I wish you all the very best and appreciate fully how you must be feeling right now.... the only advice I can really offer is to join up here and stop by. I did after Jude diagnosed and visit for a daily fix --- LF has seen me laugh, have the odd tear, inspired thought and given heaps of great advice.

Good luck Monty!
 
#5 ·
A similar age to Luna - she was 3 and a half - when she was finally, properly diagnosed.
Luna is still a lively, loony labbie - their character doesn't change, you will adapt and adjust as needed and find a balance that works with the help of the specialist.

My most recent post on our experiences:
http://www.labradorforums.co.uk/ftopict-122849.html

Luna went to EMR and saw Graham Oliver for both her arthroscopies. On the first visit she went ready for GA. They did xrays and I had already agreed they could do an arthroscopy if necessary so they did that straight away. The second elbow I was allowed to stay with her all the way through the surgery and WOW - privileged to be able to see an expert at work first-hand!!

Be warned you get just 5posts after joining before having to pay £10 subscription to post further. It could be worth saving your posts to update us, I'm always interested in following how ED dogs get on :wink:
 
#6 ·
Hi DJ

Thanks for your reply. Yes we are seeing Noël at fitzs.
Our vet sent off Monty's X-rays to fitzs and they got back in touch and said it was "severe". Hopefully after tomorrow we will have more answers to the whole situation just hate that poor Monts is going to go through all of this. I know it's for the best and would like to look into non surgical but I don't think it will be that simple.

Will update tomorrow
 
#7 ·
I echo again my good wishes.

Fitzpatricks is a cracking place and you will be in the best of hands.

Last weekend we met a superb lab called George who bore the signs of a recent elbow op (shaved shoulder!!). We got talking to his owners and he saw Mike at Fitz's and was running around like a goo 'un!!! That, coupled with advice on here, gave me IMMENSE hope! In fact I think George was teasing Judy coz he could run around freely whilst she was firmly on lead!!!!

Stay positive - Monty has a head start as he obviously has owners who care - that's totally key!!!

All rooting for you Monty boy!
 
#8 ·
Can't really top Luna-Tucks advice, Laura has helped us loads with great tips and advice. We just want to send good luck wishes to Monty and you for tomorrow. We are also members of the ED group and know what your going through.
 
#9 ·
Another ED dog here.

I can only echo whats been said and assure you fitzpatricks are excellent. There really is not much better a place you could go. They are pioneers in joint disorders and its more like a luxury pet hotel in there.

My max had his ED surgery a few weeks ago at my own vet as they are very experienced in the procedure. He was walking ok 6 hours after surgery and has been getting better every day.

See my thread probably just a few below yours lol

Goid luck
 
#10 ·
All went well for Monty's appointment. He is going in for the op on both elbows next Wednesday and will be staying in for a few days ( not looking forward to this bit) .
All very positive and happy with the outlook.
They won't know until then which procedure they will do as at the moment there are 2 options. Just pleased with how it all went, what an absolutely impressive place and Noël was amazing.
 
#11 ·
Hope that positive vibe grows ever bigger for you -- fingers and paws crossed for you.

Knew you'd be impressed with Fitz's. We are back there next Tuesday and hoping BIG time we get some positive news and, in the nicest possible way, dont see them again!!

Good luck again to Monts and yourselves
 
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