Boris is having surgery *UPDATE*

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I had posted in the health and medical group some time ago that Boris was having a problem in one of his shoulders which we discovered about five weeks ago...to cut a long story short this morning I brought him to the University Veterinary Hospital and waited all day to hear back.

Just had a call from the vet to say surgery on 'both' shoulders is taking place tomorrow afternoon. They just did more extensive x-rays and are satisfied that there is also damage to the right shoulder though it's not as bad as the left. Boris is scheduled for surgery early tomorrow afternoon and this will be started using keyhole surgery but if necessary will change to the traditional method. I expect a call tomorrow evening as vet said this is a long operation. We can visit on Wednesday. The condition he has is called OCD, Osteochondritis Dissecans and is a congenital hereditary condition.

I did contact the breeder and of course got the usual ' I have never had a puppy with this condition before' line....she did ask permission for her vet to get in touch with mine and that is going to happen. My vet is going to strongly advice that neither parent dogs be bred again. 

I would also like to add that I am very lucky that I have pet insurance. The full cost of surgery and any rehabilitation that is necessary is covered, minus €100. I expect the bill to be in the region of $3000

*UPDATE*

The vet just called, the operation is over and Boris is in recovery. Both shoulders had large lesions which he could only get to by the traditional method even though he started using the camera and there are now 15 staples in each shoulder. The vet says he will be very sore and the next while will be about pain management. He will stay in the hospital for the next few days and we can visit tomorrow all being well. I will phone at lunch time to check and hopefully we will go in the afternoon. He will be on crate rest for six weeks (don't quite know how that's going to work) and may have some rehabilitation in the pool later.  I feel very relieved that it's over and now just hope that it leads him to a pain free life. Time will tell and the next while is going to be a challenge. I am both happy and sad at the same time right now.

 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I think the second he is home with you, you will feel a wave of relief wash over you.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Nicky, we got a lounge pad (which is like a long pillow-like cushion for a patio chaise) and put it in the X-pen when Gordie had his CCL surgery.  It was firmer than a dog bed (and we felt easier for dog maneuvering), but a nice cushion on our cold floors.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Once you see him and get to love him and then when he starts to perk up, I hope you will be less sad and much, much more glad that he is on his way to less pain and better quality of life.  

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Amen to that Lori!

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Nicky, I am so glad that the surgery is over, the surgeon feels upbeat about Itene Boris came through it so well. I will keep you and Boris in my prayers. Sending positive thoughts to you. Hugs.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I just ordered a really large crate. I will put it in the kitchen and put his regular crate in our bedroom. Sheri (Lucy and Anna Belle's Mom) has given me lost of great advice. Keeping him from putting on weight will be a big challenge and I will be heading to the nearest Green Bean shop very soon!

 Thank you all for your sincerest love and concern and all your words of wisdom.  I think you are all correct and that when I get him back home I will feel much better about all this. I am nursing a horrible chest infection right now and need to get well myself.   Hopefully I will go in to see Boris tomorrow and once I see his tail wag I just know all will be OK (he wags his tail non stop normally) The vet told me to call at lunch time to see if it's ok to visit in the afternoon.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Very good news about the surgery! He will probably want to rest a lot in the next few weeks so keeping him calm may not be as hard as you might expect. He will be so happy to see you tomorrow. Keep us posted.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm glad to hear that  you're past the first step of his healing journey and he is doing so well. He will be thrilled to see you tomorrow! It sounds like you will have your hands full for awhile but you know how quickly time passes-you'll both be romping again soon!

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

Hugs to you + Boris (and Riley he must be wondering where his buddy is..). Glad the surgery is over- I am glad you asked more questions and they were able to determine the cause- and that they did both shoulders. (I think it would be better to do them both at once- get it over with.)

He is lucky to have such a perceptive and caring family.

[Marcy, Apollo & Phoebe]

My thoughts are with you. Wishing Boris a speedy recovery.

[Debbie & Gibbs]

Glad Boris is home and wagging his tail, sweet doggie!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so glad that Boris is doing well.