Disabled dog- wwyd

poiuytrewq

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This is going to be a toughy because without actually seeing this little chap its hard for me to explain the actual problem but harder for people to appreciate what a happy puppy he is.

I was given a puppy just over a week ago. He is a 5 month Lab, Bred by responsible breeders from good quality dogs (I had my 13 yr old lab off them as a puppy and have known them since)
Puppy was born and all seemed ok until 4 weeks when apparently he started falling behind the rest of the litter size wise, it then also became apparent he had some kind of deformity of his front legs. They kept him to see what happened- If he out grew it I guess and then because he is really bouncy and full of beans putting down seemed unfair and un-needed.
So I had him!
He walked with his bum in the air but his front legs almost flat- like a puppy "play with me" position.
TBH at first I was a bit shocked and really thought he would be pts BUT then we got to know him, spent time with him and his little personality came out.
Ive had him checked by a canine physio who says he's in no pain- The front legs can be moved into different positions and the tail continues to wag madly. She recommended a good vet (who was on holiday but I have made an appointment with next week) She also kindly offered him free intensive then follow up physio.
In the week ive had him he's come all over the place with me and his walking position/speed energy has all become better- Most markedly he walks on his front paws.
Still in a strange way and there is still obviously a problem but a big and definite improvement.
Now obviously it all depends on what the vet says next week but I wonder what level of disability PAIN FREE is it acceptable to keep a dog?
He bounces around with other dogs and is very playful, tending to play more with a toy than running round or tail chasing but he has dragged all the washing off the radiators, stolen gloves, socks and various other things- Including a cheese grater!?
His tail literally never stops and everyone who's met him in person has left with the opinion that he shouldn't be pts just allowed a quiet less active than a normal dog life. This involves coming to work with me every morning so im not going to leave him alone for hours he will have an interesting varied life with lots of company and attention.
Thoughts please?
 
any pics?if he matches the image I have in my head I would be concerned that over time sores will develop his legs as the pressure points for walking will not be on the pads...What did the breeders vet say? im surprised nothing has been done with splints etc to correct before this age
 
Is it correctable at all with physio, an op etc? If so and you're prepared/able to go down that route, go for it!

If it's not, you'd need to think about sores/quality of life etc. Is he missing out by being unable to play with other dogs and so on? If in no pain now, I'd probably think about seeing how it goes. As long as you can be honest with yourself about whether you're doing what you're doing for your sake or his, I think it's good of you to give him a chance.
 
I'd wait and see what the specialist vet has to say, they may surprise you with the possibility of improving things. For me if the animal is happy (which you will know it's your animal) and pain free then I would not consider PTS.
 
Their was a puppy like what your describing on the TV a few months ago, the pup had physio on his paws daily, like stretching and splints and in the end the legs became straight and normal. I think it was in America, but I wouldn't pts until I talked to a vet. Could you not get hold of Fitzpatrick the vet from bionic vets that was on TV, i'm sure he could help?
 
As he's now started to walk on his paws I don't think pressure sores should be a problem. I'm just so bad at posting pictures- absolutely no idea and tbh it's hard to get a good standing photo as he's rarely still!
I'd not say he misses out on playing with other dogs by any means no, he plays differently but other dogs seem to accept it and play with him! (That sounds odd but instead of chasing madly they tug of war type play)
When he gets tired he lies and rests. This is getting less as the days go on.
Im hopeful and it's nice that general opinion appears to be let him have a chance.
 
Is it like that little pup they name "wonky" that was at the Dogs Trust Leeds? From what you're describing it sounds similar. That was to do with constricted tendons I believe in the front legs and, with daily physio she came right and the legs became straight and she is now a completely 'normal' dog, Maybe google Wonky the rescue pup and you can read and see her story and see if it looks similar. If tendons and in a young pup then they can be recovered with the right care.
 
But what a shame they have left him til now or was that deliberate to allow him to grow?

Noel Fitzpatrick is a friend of a forum friend if you need info about him, I can put you in touch with her. He replaced her mal's hips.
 
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