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Arthritis in a 9 month old?

casshon

Well-known member
Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for some advice on my friends 9 month old cavalier. Recetly she injured herself jumping off the sofa and was limping for a few days but was not in too much pain. They brought her to the vet who x-rayed her and said she has very bad arthritis in both legs.

Is it this normal in such a young dog or should they go for a second opinion? I was thinking maybe they have mis-diagnosed luxating patellas?
 
Yes, they can definitely have early onset arthritis just like people do. However, it might be worth getting a second opinion on whether this is potentially some other joint problem to do with hips or knees. Patellas are usually pretty easy to diagnose–the vet just has to pull out the leg and check the functioning of the joint and presumably would have done that. but given the range of things that might be showing up, if it were my dog I'd want someone else with some orthopedic expertise to have a look. My vet Fintan Brown has a background in orthopedics, for example, but there are others as well as specialists.
 
Thanks Karlin.

They are based in Donegal - is there anyone in that direction you could recommend or would it best for them to come Dublin for a 2nd opinion?
 
I don't know any vets up there. A lot tend to be all-animal vets and sometimes they deal more with farm animals. Are they saying she should do anything? They might make an appt with Fintan if they are driving down sometime but wouldn't think it urgent. He's at Blanch Anicare.
 
Thanks Karlin I'll let them know. That was my worry about the vet - that they may not have much experience with small dogs. She has been given medication to ease the pain but I would worry about her being on lifetime medication if something else was the root of the problem.
 
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