Specialist Vets

ihatework

ihatework

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I'm clueless about dog vets! Never needed anything more than the bog standard local vet for vaccs and routine stuff.

I have a 5yo labrador who isn't right. 9 months ago he went acutely lame behind on a walk, to the point he was crying/couldn't move. He was given strong painkillers/antinflams and within a few hours was mobile. Over the next fortnight he came fully sound.
Since then he intermittently experiences short term acute pain, usually when jumping/twisting. I have reduced his workload, stopped agility training etc. But he is noticeably quieter on walks and doesn't play with other dogs or have mad moments, to me it is fairly clear he is in some low grade pain.

Local vets have examined him and x-rayed lumbar spine, hips, hocks and found nothing.

I think I want him referred to a specialist centre, potentially to MRI. My local vets aren't overly proactive and I'm sure they think I'm imagining things.

So who is top dog in the canine world? I'm based near Reading if that helps although happy to travel within reason.

Thanks
 
i dont know of any speacialise vets but its always worth getting a second opinon
or it could be muscle related

one of my dogs kept going lame some years ago..my vet at the time just put her on painkillers and didnt even trot the dog up..and of course she was fine but the lamesness kept coming back and she wasnt right

was advised from friends to try another vet..and he said straight away her back was out and wanted her x rayed then took several weeks with rest and lead walks to get her back fit again

i know that the referrerls at swindon has an MRI..as the same dog had another injury which she needed this
my vet is very good i could pm you if you wanted..hes based in oxford..he got my dog walking after having a spinal cord injury(she was paralysed)

i would stop all free running, agility etc until your dogs is sorted otherwise you could be making it worse and plenty of rest..you know your dog the best and if your seeing a difference in him theres something wrong..painkiller will only disguise the problem
 
Im not sure where you are.
Im certainly glad we have a magnificent one here, with a top class orthopedic surgeon.

My X boss has opened a referal vets down south somewhere, I have not yet taken notice of what he has called it lol, but again he was a very good vet and they claim to have fixed prices, not sure what thats all about, never read his email properly:o
 
I don't know where in reading you are but I use Helen from Oakley vets in Caversham. She has need the one who really cared for my little ESS. Is you dog insured. Let me know and I will let you know more If he needs hydrotherapy I also know a very good centre
 
Thank you paulineh and everyone else, I'm very close to Oakley vets, but I am hoping more for recommendation of a large referral centre. Something along the equine equivalent of Newmarket!
 
Fitzpatrick Referrals in Surrey may be worth considering - of super vets fame!

http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/

They specialise in orthopaedic problems and I know that OH's practice in Newbury refer to them regularly. Think they have a pretty good reputation with other vets which is always good and have all the facilities for a full work-up to find out what is wrong with your dog.
 
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