Mitch update

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Mitch has been at the RVC today. They spent a long time looking him over (apparently everyone thought he was really sweet and everyone wanted to pet him). He was very lame on the backend then became lame on the right fore too, possibly compensatory. Because of his very odd gait and extreme flexibility, I wondered if there was something wrong neurologically. X rays at the usual vet showed nothing wrong. Painkillers made no difference (loxicom then gabapentin) He has however improved rapidly over the past 48 hours.

Today, he has seen a neurological specialist and an orthopaedic one, both of whom pronounced that there is nothing wrong with him. I cannot express how relieved I am!

Here he is waiting for a treat.

And one of Goose because I adore this little one.

 

[Clodagh]

That’s great news. It’s always such a worry when a young un is lame.

 

[View]

All three are just gorgeous. Glad they found nothing with Mitch.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

That’s great news. It’s always such a worry when a young un is lame.

You’re telling me!

He’s considerably taller than Goose, who is a compact square teddy bear. I did wonder if he just needed to grow into his back legs. There was no obvious heat/incident. The vet mentioned lack of fusion of joints which is normal at this age. She mentioned fissures in the bones, but said he’d be indicating pain (she said screaming!) He’s currently lying on top of his brother and seems happy. Little git trotted off with the student without a backward glance!

 

[Clodagh]

Brandy had fissures in her growth plates when young, she didn’t scream but was just a bit lame. It’s good that’s ruled out now.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Thank goodness for that! It is so worrying when you have to leave them at the vets', especially when they are so young. You can relax a bit now (until the next time)

 

[Moobli]

Could it be panosteitis?

 

[AmyMay]

Well, a huge relief! Did they know what could be causing the lameness?

 

[MurphysMinder]

Could it be panosteitis?

I wondered about pano too. I've recently learned about a condition in spaniels called HIF affecting elbows, but I'm sure RVC would have checked for that.

 

[Clodagh]

Could it be panosteitis?

Is that what I call growing pains? Tawny had that, was very worrying but vet was not bothered as it was a different leg every week (it seems. (Wasn’t good for my nerves though! )

 

[MurphysMinder]

Is that what I call growing pains? Tawny had that, was very worrying but vet was not bothered as it was a different leg every week (it seems. (Wasn’t good for my nerves though! )

Yes. Treatment is usually just pain relief and strict rest.

 

[Moobli]

Is that what I call growing pains? Tawny had that, was very worrying but vet was not bothered as it was a different leg every week (it seems. (Wasn’t good for my nerves though! )

Yes. It can occur in more than one bone at a time or may move around, causing lameness that goes from one bone or leg to another. My friend’s young Mali x GSD has been cursed with it for the past couple of months. It does usually resolve itself over time but rest and pain relief/anti inflammatory meds are administered.
I believe changing to a lower protein diet can also help (but would heed to research that).

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Well, a huge relief! Did they know what could be causing the lameness?

Nope, both specialists found nothing.

Is that what I call growing pains? Tawny had that, was very worrying but vet was not bothered as it was a different leg every week (it seems. (Wasn’t good for my nerves though! )

Bugger, meant to quote Moobli too! The growing pains was something we had in mind. Basically, lack of fusion, joints loose etc. The different leg thing was noted, he was lame behind then on a fore, the vet mentioned a form of arthritis which moves from limb to limb, possibly panosteitis, possibly compensatory.

For now, we've been told 10 minutes on the lead, going up 5 minutes a week within puppy walking limits.

 

[Books'n'dogs]

I was wondering if it was pano too. Willow had it when she was about 6-7 months, it went away when I switched her food. I was thoroughly alarmed when it first presented though it did clear up almost as quickly as it came on.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

I wondered about pano too. I've recently learned about a condition in spaniels called HIF affecting elbows, but I'm sure RVC would have checked for that.

Elbows were mentioned, she said these are often an issue with spaniels although she didn't mention HIF, but the fissures rang a bell with a post on here this week.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Ré food, I wondered if raw might be causing an issue due to the protein levels. I might stick more with a complete puppy kibble for a while, we have plenty, Pets at Home do massive discounts for puppies, we have lots of dry food.

Goose is a very different build, I'll keep him on the same thing for now.

 

[CorvusCorax]

When I checked, raw minced chicken with bone in had less protein % than the kibble I was feeding at the time, believe it or not.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

When I checked, raw minced chicken with bone in had less protein % than the kibble I was feeding at the time, believe it or not.

That's interesting. I'll have a look at both before teatime.

The kibble is 28% (yikes) and the raw I’m using is 15%. Gonna stick with the raw! Thanks for the reminder, CC!

 

[misst]

What a relief! Great news
And a lovely picture too. Bless him I hope he stays well for you x

 

[Escapade]

That's interesting. I'll have a look at both before teatime.

The kibble is 28% (yikes) and the raw I’m using is 15%. Gonna stick with the raw! Thanks for the reminder, CC!

What’s the % moisture? You’ll need to convert both to %dry matter to compare.
Glad all’s okay!

 

[ycbm]

I opened this thread with trepidation. I'm so relieved for you all CT, great news.
.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

What’s the % moisture? You’ll need to convert both to %dry matter to compare.
Glad all’s okay!

Lord, another factor I forgot!