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.

 

[Gail and Bailey]

Thinking about you and hoping Boris has a speedy recovery!  Sending hugs!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I will be thinking about Borris and sending pawsitive thoughts his way.  Once this shoulder is repaired, do they expect the other one will be okay because of less strain on it, or do they think he will need surgery on that one also?  Poor baby. I am glad that he is having his surgery sooner rather than having to wait until the after the New Year.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

They are operating on both shoulders at the same time. This condition means he is at risk of continued lameness and ongoing arthritis and so they don't advise waiting. The left shoulder, which is the one we noticed first has already got lots of muscle wastage as he has been favoriing his back legs. The right shoulder, though not as bad, needs attention too. I forgot to add that whether they can do the right shoulder too, will of course depend on how Boris does under the anaesthetic, as it's a lengthy procedure.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Nicky, I am thinking about all of you and praying for a great outcome. Hugs to you!

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Hoping for a great outcome and that your nerves don't get the best of you until you hear that everything went fine.  Speedy recovery.

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Sending best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery for your sweet Boris.

[jenn D]

Hoping for the best for Boris.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thinking about you and Boris this a.m., Nicky. Hope all goes perfectly! 

[Miss Ellie]

Continued prayers for you and Boris today...sending positive vibes from "across the pond"...and great big hugs!

[cheryl & oliver]

good vibes coming your way from your friends here in Florida.  Please let us know how everything works out..Hugs to you and Boris...I am sure he will just do fine and be fine, but maybe a little glass of wine for you would help you get thru this tomorrow...Waiting to hear is the worst, but I will keep you and Boris in my thoughts today and tomorrow...

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Glad everything went well - Hugs.

[Pat and Traveler]

So glad the surgery is over.  Good lord, 6 weeks of crate rest??  Heart is with all of you.