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.

 

[K and Racey]

Speedy recovery Boris.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I've been thinking of you and Boris all day.  I know how hard this is.  I really truly believe that he is going to get through this and be so much better and "pain free".  Please keep us posted and know there's a giant "virtual hug" coming your way.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Oh Nicky, I'm sorry to hear this! I hope all goes well and Boris recovers fast!

Let's hope the breeder is going to do the right thing. YEAH for pet insurance!!

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Nicky, my prayers will be for both you and Boris for a successful surgery and a fast stress less recovery. My thought will be with you as you wait for the surgeon to call you. Hugs from us.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I will keep you all in my prayers and thank God with you that you have insurance…. Please keep us updated. xoxoxox

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Wishing all the best for Boris tomorrow. Stay strong, and I will hope for a speedy recovery!

[Pat and Traveler]

Awwww....so sorry to hear Boris has to go through this.  Hearts will be with you, Nicky, and with sweet Boris.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Keeping you and Boris in thoughts and prayers Nicky. He's in good hands. Will be checking for an update. Xo

[Brittney & Cally]

Sending prayers and positive energy your way!

[BG and Gavin]

I know it will be a tough wait, but it sounds like Boris is in the best possible hands and he is young and healthy.  Hugs to you all.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Nicky, I'm sorry to hear this. Will be thinking about you tomorrow. It sounds like Boris is in good hands.((hugs) to you both.

[Stella]

Check out the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) for someone near you that can help with post-op rehab. Thinking of you guys as you go through this with Boris.