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

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm glad they can get him in sooner, Nicky. Believe me, I know how nervous you will be; we'll all be thinking of you and Boris and sending out positive energy for both of you. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so happy that you will have this all behind you soon.  Waiting is so difficult.  Sending hugs and prayers.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I am just now seeing this post in its entirety. I am so sorry about Boris, but I am glad  you are going to get him in sooner than expected.  You will be a nervous wreck, but I am sure it's going to be successful. HUGS.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Nicky, I'm so glad that the appointment has been moved up. Keep those positive thoughts going! Thinking of you

[F, Calla & Luca]

Of course you will be nervous but you are taking him to a fine place and doing what needs to be done. We are all rooting for you.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

The vet called me to say he had a discussion with the Professor who is looking after Boris and the plan is to do the operation by keyhole surgery but as it's a tricky one the plan may change and it may be necessary to do the more traditional method. He will be operated on Monday providing there are no emergency cases in the meantime but if necessary they will keep him in and operate Tuesaday I am sending him in with his own food should that be the case. Recovery period is 8-12 weeks!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Well it is best to let them decide the most favorable way to achieve the beat results. It us a long recovery but nothing you can do about that. Wishing Boris and you well.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hoping all goes well. We'll be thinking of you and Boris. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Nicky, please let us know as soon as you hear anything on Monday.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I know it seems like such a long recovery time, but what is 2ish months in the scheme of things? I am just hopeful the surgery is a huge success and that Boris has a long life ahead of him after this!

[DJ & Chance]

That's a long recovery time but hopefully the end result will be worth for you, Riley, and of course Boris.  Sending good wishes your way.

[BG and Gavin]

Sending positive thoughts to you today Nicky.