Jeff
Ebullient puddle-loving Labrador, five-year-old Jeff, has been suffering developmental elbow disease which has caused severe life-long arthritis, and sadly, it can’t be managed by medication alone.
The Problem
His planned surgery for a full elbow replacement had to be delayed because of the covid pandemic, as well as an infection. Now the day has finally dawned, but mum Elaine and dad John are horrified to discover that in the interim, Jeff’s condition has deteriorated so much that the elbow replacement is no longer an option. X-ray images reveal an entrenched infection and further bone erosion, which leaves them with a dilemma. Should they opt for a full limb amputation, or surgery to fuse the joint solid (an arthrodesis)? Whichever path they choose, neither is without risk.
Jeff resting in his kennel at Fitzpatrick Referrals
