What to ask the vet? 2ND UPDATE< A MORE SERIOUS DIAGNOSIS. SURGERY PLANNED

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Boris came home from day care last Tuesday week with a sore leg. He wasn't limping but he wasn't putting all of his weight on his left leg. He was also stiff when getting up from sleep and it eased out as he moved it.  He was due his annual boosters and well check last Friday so I kept him rested and didn't let him out to play. The vet gave him the Bordatella vaccine and I have an appointment this Friday to do the rest of the vaccines as I like to stagger them.   The vet isolated his shoulder as having the problem and gave me three days anti-inflammatory tablets and said she would check it again this week.  She also said that it can take a week to ten days for an injury to heal and that if it hadn't she would do xrays. 

Two things of concern. It is now Wednesday (eight days on)  and whilst Boris isn't sore getting up from a lying down position he is still not putting his full weight on his leg. It is not obvious unless you are looking closely but I'm sure that whatever the problem is has not resolved completely.  Also today he started coughing, it seems to me like a mild Bordatella cough and the exact same thing occurred one week after the vaccine last year. The vets said this couldn't happen but I am sure it is happening. 

I am bringing him in this Friday and I wonder what questions I need to ask especially in relation to his shoulder. Are there any genetic problems that I should be concerned about and what tests do you think I should be requesting if they are not suggested. If it is an injury from rough play and this is highly possible would an Xray reveal the problem?  I will of course me mentioning the cough and hopefully it will not get any worse. Last year it lasted 24 hours and was minimal and I am hoping for the same this time around.

*UPDATE*

We were back to the vet today and this time it was our regular vet (there was a locum last week). He gave Boris a much more thorough examination than last week and said there was no soreness or injury which I was 99% sure of but just needed reassurance. He said I could start letting him off leash again but of course he could hurt himself again with rough play. Obviously I knew that! He also said that the slight cough which is also gone now is normal with the nasal vaccine just as F said and that some dogs get a full blown reaction which needs antibiotics but that happens rarely. Boris was perfectly behaved (he loves the vets and the nurses) jumped on the table and waited patiently for the treat at the end. 

*UPDATE * 2.  The shoulder issue seemed to have gone away until this Thursday. When Boris came home from a long walk he was limping on the same front leg again so I brought him straight to the vet who isolated the pain to his shoulder again and decided that he needed to XRay him this morning. I left him in at 9 and called at 2 as instructed to be told that Boris was awake and that the Vet had looked at the X-rays and sent them to the Veterinary Hospital for a second opinion. Of course I was very worried, actually felt sick all afternoon,  but had to wait until 5 pm when we went to collect him and consult with the vet. It turns out he has osteochondritis dissecans” (OCD). Common enough in Labs and Golden Retrievers, a degenerative condition. Bottom line he needs to have an operation very soon and we are assured that the outcome is generally very good. It's complicated but there are lesions on the  shoulder ball joint. He will be referred on Monday to the Veterinary Hospital where he will have keyhole surgery and will also be checked to make sure it is not in the other shoulder also. This has been a huge shock but we are very h)opeful that he will make a full recovery and the keyhole surgery will make recovery easier.Meanwhile he is home and happy though we have to try to keep the boys from any rough play so for now they go out to the yard one at a time ;

For anyone who wants to check it out further i am including a link here:

http://www.animalmedcenter.com/faqs/category/ocd

[F, Calla & Luca]

I guess they just don't really know.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I was so hoping they'd be able to get him in earlier, Nicky....I know how difficult this is for you.  I will keep hoping and praying for an earlier date.....

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Thanks Jane, so was I. My vet did try another hospital but they don't do keyhole surgery and the University is the teaching hospital and the very best in the country so we will just have to wait it out. Boris is sleeping all night on the bed between us at the moment. I think he knows there is something not right, looking for lots more cuddles (if that's possible) than usual :(

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

So sorry to hear about the issues with Boris.  Unfortunately this is one I know absolutely nothing about.  Never even heard of it.  Hope they are able to get him in sooner so this will be all behind you.  Hugs to you both.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Nicky, I am thinking about Boris today and wishing him all the best!

[Carol and Banjo]

I'm so sorry Boris is going through a rough  time Nicky.   I'm just seeing this now.    I hope the surgery is a huge success and he's back to himself soon!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Nicky, I'm sorry to hear about Boris. I'm hoping that they can fit you in soon. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers.

[Kyoko]

Oh.... So sorry to hear about this....It is so hard to see them having a difficulties..... I hope he feels well soon and recover from the surgery well.... keeping him in my prayer....

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

The vet hospital called me today. They are taking Boris in next Monday morning and will do the consult  and then keep him in for pre-surgery tests and then surgery.. He will be kept in overnight. .I will be very nervous., 

[Bonnie and Kona]

I am so grateful the surgery has been scheduled sooner. Praying for an excellent outcome and for your peace.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Praying for a successful outcome.  I know this is so hard. Keeping both of you in my thoughts.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Nicki, our prayers will be with you and Boris for a successful surgery. I am glad the surgery is going to be sooner rather than later. Will be thing about you all on Monday. Hugs.