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.

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so thankful that he came through the surgery, although it does sound like a long and difficult recovery.  I know you'll feel better once you get to see him.  I'm sure they're keeping him pretty sedated right now....which is a good thing.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm happy and sad for him, too, Nicky. May his recovery go smoothly and may he feel better every day. Hugs to you both. 

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Don't be sad!  These doodles have a way of bouncing back - I know it is hard to think of crate rest and pain, but he will be home with you soon and you can just shower him with love.  Before you know it he'll be back to himself, but even better!  Love and hugs from Libby Louise and me!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Thank goodness everything went well and over.  It will be hard, but these Doodles are amazing and some how know how to handle the situation.  Our love, hugs and prayers to you and Boris.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

I am so glad the surgery is over and the healing can begin. Hugs and prayers to you both.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Oh, poor, poor baby!  Have been thinking of you guys all morning and have only just been able to get online now.  Thankful that it is over and Boris is resting.  Sounds like the next few weeks will be a challenge for all! :(

Healing vibes from Enzo and I!

[BG and Gavin]

Glad you are through the first step okay.  Looking on the bright side, it is a much better time of year to be cooped up in a crate and he will be good and strong once the nice weather arrives in the Spring.  Think of how quickly and completely Honey recovered and let that guide your thoughts.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Great point!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Glad it's over and he is okay.  The next few weeks will be difficult, but he will be HOME with you for lots of love and kisses!!! :) :) :) :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am glad to hear that Boris got through the surgery and at least with the traditional method the surgeon had goo visualization. Now it's all about patience and healing. Not easy I know.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

The vet said that the reason he had to go in in the traditional way is that he couldn't see it properly so this was the best way to do the job. He seemed quite upbeat about the operation and said he scoped the lesions out and something about flooding with blood which means that the cartilage can now heal over and create a better surface. I can't really explain it properly though I can visualize what he meant.

I just ordered a huge crate online and will borrow an Xpen which I will cover over. (Sheri's idea that she used with Lucy last year) Once I get him home we will all be fine. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes, I do understand that and all this is good.  I know the kind of relief you will feel once he is home.