X-Rays for "broken" left arm. Advice please.

[ptran504]

I noticed that he had this limp after he a bout of playing with another dog when he was about 6 months old. I took him to the vet and he thought that it was from the injured but he was unsure. He then emailed the photos to a orthopedic vet and he diagnosed it as a "Lateral Congenital Elbow Luxation." He stated that since the puppy was not in pain at this point, then they would not recommend surgery. The thing that worries me is that hey state that he may start to develop arthritic changes in the future and the leg would have to be amputated.

The original vet stated that he could manipulate the below back into the socket when the dog was anesthetized, but it would pop back out as there is nothing to keep it in there. The ortho vet said that if that was the case then there could be a change that a surgery could remedy the situation. Apparently, in most of these conditions the bone is so long that it will pop out and will be of improper length to be placed back into the socket. That is what I got out of it anyways.

Any of you guys had to go through with this and any advice?

edit: Broken arm is the left one by the way. The one that says "L" in the pictures.

 

[cali~jenn]

Oh no, never have dealt with this but hopefully someone can help.

 

[ptran504]

I put in a photo to encourage some replies. Thanks guys!

 

[bullmama]

Wow what a tough situation. The x-rays are showing up very small, it is hard to see them.

So basically, your vet is telling you to either

a.) Let it ride but develop arthritis which may lead to future surgeries

b.) Get surgery now but it may pop outta place which will lead to even more surgeries?

If I were you, I would try to find an orthepedic specialist in your area and go in for an appointment.

I am sure you will get a reply from [MENTION=860]jillh10[/MENTION], who can tell you which route to take. I remember she went to a few vets before finding a solution to Truman's hip problems I think.

P.S. That pic is adorable! You know we have a photo contest right?

 

[cali~jenn]

Yep loving that pic!!!!!

 

[ptran504]

Pay attention to where the elbow is. This is where one of the pops are dislocated. There also seems to be a "process" that is missing off the left arm compared to the right arm.

I'll be sure to submit that photo for the contest!

 

[kazzy220]

I put in a photo to encourage some replies. Thanks guys!

Aaawww .. such a cutie.

This site is wonderful and you'll get replies whether you post a photo or not!! BUT we are never going to say anything that would stop you putting THOUSANDS of photos in all your posts in the future!! :D So keep posting and keep adding those adora-bull photos!!

I'm not sure lateral congenital elbow luxation has to mean amputation ... I believe there are surgical procedures out there that could help your baby and that would include shortening the bone so that it wasn't so long so that it could pop out of it's socket. There would be alot of physical therapy after the surgery that you would need to do with your dog, but you would be helped with ways to do this. In any kind of dog, if there is surgery or injury you can 99.9% expect there to be arthritus in the future - just the same with humans.

My honest suggestion would be to do your homework and come up with a whole list of questions - then go back to the specialist - the ortho vet. If they don't want to spend the time to answer all these questions then go find another one who will.

No matter what, the fact that you love your bullie is evident otherwise you wouldn't be here ...

 

[sheshistory]

Unfortunately I have a bunch of experience with things popping out of socket on puppies since my 3 month old bulldog suffered an undiagnosed dislocated hip socket because of severe hip dysplasia. That was 2 months ago and things are going good now but here's a few things I can tell you after seeing two orthopedic specialists, one bulldog specialist, and my regular vet (and receiving a BUNCH of support and advice on this board, which cannot be understated):

1. X rays in a puppy that young are very difficult to interpret. No one on the internet will be able to interpret them for you and , in fact, most vets cannot interpret them. Puppy joints are loose and seldom resemble what they will look like in later life. They should be looked at by a radiologist before any surgery, because they have gone to school 6 additional years to study the science of reading x rays and they may be able to make a more accurate diagnosis, especially if you're considering a drastic procedure!

2. You need to see an orthopedic surgeon. Take your x rays with you so you don't have to get more but they need to manipulate the joint, see the dog walk, and perhaps even take more x rays at different angles to get a better look. They have gone to school 4-6 more years that a regular vet and possess expertise in these things that cannot be obtained at a vet's office. I am shocked any orthopedic specialist would offer a diagnosis based solely on the x rays, that is incredibly irresponsible so I would find a different one, preferably one that has some experience in the highly unique bulldog build.

3. Arthritis is an issue in any joint that is not perfectly formed however it does take some time to develop. Our bulldog went from 10 weeks-14 weeks with a hip partially out of socket - so a month - and had a perfectly clean socket so it takes time, as in years, to develop. So although a "wait and see" situation is frustrating, in the long term, it can help the vet make a better diagnosis by allowing more time for the puppy to grow and bones to form.

4. Do not do anything irreversible, except as a last resort. This is really important and I am absolutely shocked an amputation was even on the table right now. In my puppy's case, the first thing the surgeon recommended was a little time, then, when she took more x rays and recommended a procedure to remove the dog's femoral head, she called in the middle of the procedure and said she thought she was able to anchor the hip back into socket and give it time to grow in - as opposed to having the femoral head removed. This is the option we elected to have done and although there is a risk the hip (or in your case, elbow) might pop out, there is probably a good chance it can be anchored back in through surgery.

I hope this is helpful but please, go visit an orthopedic surgeon. I am certain there are many alternatives to amputation if the initial diagnosis is correct.

 

[TessaAndSamson]

Aww I'm so sorry to hear your poor baby is having this problem. Can't give any better advice than Jill, her response sounds perfect. I don't have any experience with this problem in particular. My Samson did break his front leg in the joint when he was about 5 months old. It needed orthopedic surgery, he has 2 pins in his leg now. I definitely agree with Jill that you should get a second opinion.

 

[froggz]

I agree with the others on getting a 2nd opinion!

Darling bully as well

 

[ptran504]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I will definately get a second opinion on what is going on!

 

[cali~jenn]

Good and I would say even a 3rd if you arent comfortable with what the 2nd says. Cant hurt... better to be sure than not.

 

[Gertie's Mom]

He is just adorable!! I agree, I'd be getting another opinion, or two. It's sort of amazing how one vet will give one opinion and another will have some completely different idea. Hope you find the right one.