HA injections

BostonBanker

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#1
Does anyone have experience with hyaluronic acid joint injections in dogs? I've seen it done plenty with horses, and had it done with both Tristan and Boston, but wasn't even aware it was done in dogs.

I'm interested in results obviously, but also in the procedure. Are they done sedated or fully put under? Recovery time? I'm imagining that joint infections are less of a concern than in horses (since there's no laying in a stall or anything).

I can and will ask the vet as well, but am waiting a few days to call, as I'm sure more questions are going to come to me.
 

SpringerLover

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We shave then do sterile prep. Then the doctor comes in and injects.

Did they find shoulder or elbow pain for Gusto?
 

BostonBanker

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Shoulder is clean, elbow displasia and mild arthritis in one elbow. Still sort of processing, and he has a rehab appointment next week. Definitely starting the rehab and supplements recommended, and am doing some more thinking on joint injections and possible surgery.

What sort of recovery is there after the injection? It is pretty simplewith horses (generally just a day or two of light work).
 

SpringerLover

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Shoulder is clean, elbow displasia and mild arthritis in one elbow.

What sort of recovery is there after the injection? It is pretty simplewith horses (generally just a day or two of light work).
Well I'm really glad you found an answer, even if it sucks. :(

Our recovery time is a couple days of limited activity. Did the vet say how often they'd be injecting?

What would they do surgery on? Does he have a FCP?
 

BostonBanker

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Yes, looks like FCP. She didn't seem to think surgery was a Must Do, and said that some dogs seem to have more pain after. Rehab, supplements, consider joint injections, think about surgery and maybe PRP if I do decide on surgery.

She didn't think agility had to be a complete write off. He already runs performance, so jumps lower and lower a frame. Maybe a three class a day dog instead of six. Icing after activity. I am still trying to decide what I amcomfortable with. Obviously I still want to do agility, but currently just feeling guilty and like crap about the whole thing.

I figure I will research a bit, see the rehab vet on Tuesday for his thoughts, and then send all my questions to the surgeon at once.
 

BostonBanker

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Did the vet say how often they'd be injecting?
She mentioned maybe twice a year.

I'm leaning towards maybe doing the surgery in a couple of months (may as well do it in the winter when he's not going to want to be as active anyway). My big concern was that the vet mentioned that some owners feel their dogs have more pain after the surgery than before, even though clinically they are better off. But I also feel that if I DON'T do everything possible, and he gets worse in a few years, I'm going to feel even worse.

Ugh. I hate all of this. And he just wants to go run and be an idiot, and my heart goes into my throat every time he jumps or anything.
 

xpaeanx

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I will keep my fingers crossed for the rehab vet for you.

I know with human athletes they are able to overcome so much and still have fun active lives, they just have to limit certain things and do extra strength training. I don't see why it wouldn't be the same with Gusto, especially if the vet didn't see why you couldn't still compete.
 

SpringerLover

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I'm leaning towards maybe doing the surgery in a couple of months (may as well do it in the winter when he's not going to want to be as active anyway). My big concern was that the vet mentioned that some owners feel their dogs have more pain after the surgery than before, even though clinically they are better off. But I also feel that if I DON'T do everything possible, and he gets worse in a few years, I'm going to feel even worse.
My experiences through work with FCP surgery recovery is that the dogs who are more painful after surgery are those who aren't restricted enough. We say NOTHING more than short leash, very short potty trips for 4 weeks. And it builds up so very gradually from there. There has to be as little weight bearing as possible. There's other components as well, but the body needs time to heal and most dogs aren't picking up/holding up a front leg like they do a rear leg when it's sore. So we have to make them stop using it.
 

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