Need advise from a Veterinarian (Randy?)

[Stompor]

One of my Golden retriever puppies (born Dec 30, 09) has been limping for awhile.
I took her to our vet and after several x-rays they determined that she needs surgery.
It has been over a month and the surgeon that they referred us to has not returned my calls.

I am looking for someone who can look at the notes and x-rays and give me a second opinion.

TIA
Scott

[Tedster]

Is it her hip, very common with goldens? I trust my vet with my dogs life.

[Stompor]

No Ted it is not her hip, it is a cartilage tear in her shoulder. (from impact with her brother)

[Tedster]

Ok do you want the info of where Josie goes to? It is a Vet/Hospital in Redfmond/Kirkland called VCA Rose Hill Animal Hospital 425-803-5050

[Randygh]

I don't want to second guess your veterinarian, but cartilage tears in the shoulder joint don't occur. There is no meniscus in the shoulder like there is in the knee or jaw joints. The proximal end of the humerus, the "ball", and the shoulder blade "socket" are covered with hyaline cartilage that rub against each other. There is no shock absorbing cartilage pad called the meniscus. I suspect from the description of your pup's breed and age, she is has a cartilage defect termed Osteochondritis Dessicans (OCD). This is a condition seen in large breed dogs that affects a small area of cartilage on the posterior surface of the humeral "ball". OCD is easily diagnosed on lateral x-ray views of the shoulder. It is theorized that the bone grows so quickly that the blood supply is interrupted to the cartilage and the affected area undergoes avascular necrosis. Treatment is OCD is straightforward. Go into the shoulder joint and scrape away the dead cartilage down to healthy bone. Once the devitalized area is debrided, healthy cartilage will fill in the defect. The surgery is not difficult.

Infrequently, the devitalized area of cartilage will detach from the subchondral bone and will eventally calicify to form a "joint mouse" that's floats in the joints synovial fluid.

Being an old geezer when I was in school, we were taught to do the surgery. There were very few boarded surgeons around. Now, the vet students are told they have to refer to a board certified surgeon in order to fix the shoulder. Since newer graduates have never done the surgery, they are incompetant and should refer.

Talk to your veterinarian. If your dog has OCD, it needs surgery and your vet should get on the ball and shake a few trees to get the show on the road. I don't refer OCDs, but when I have a difficult orthopedic problem that needs specialized care I refer to Dr. Mark Engen in Kirkland. Mark or his associate, Dr. Byron Messier, are board certified surgeons and do a good job.

Feel free to send me a PM if you have more questions.

[Randygh]

Scott--I'd be glad to view the x-rays and notes. Your veterinarian can send me the films and fax the notes. Send me a PM and I'll give you my contact and clinic info.