Hello from Sussex German Shepherd Rescue

Ralph was back at the vets today... here is his update


Ralph has been to see the vet, Mr. Mills today for more X Rays,he was also castrated and micro chipped.
Unfortunately the X rays of his left elbow joint show no improvement. So, in 2 weeks time, Mr. Mills will use a camera to explore the joint to see if there is any cartilage present.

If there is then hopefully time will heal. But if not, as Mr. Mills thinks, then Ralph will go on to have an operation to remove slivers of bone from the radius and will then spend the next 2 months on lead only exercise and no pain medication.
Ralph has to use the leg in controlled exercise to force the bone together and will be in considerable pain and push the joint back into correct alignment.

Mr. Mills has said in the long term this is the best solution and has said he has performed this operation with a high degree of success, as with all ops nothing is guaranteed.

Poor Ralph has a few horrible months coming and hopefully then he will be able to run.
He now weighs 30kg but that's not carrying any spare flesh so he's getting to be a big lad.
Through all that he's been through he is still 1 very happy boy who loves everyone.
Mr. Mills commented on his demeanour and how good he is even with the pain that he has suffered so far.
Well done to Macala and family too for helping Ralph on his journey, its not been easy and won't be for a while

The poor poor boy. Lets hope that things start to heal naturally and he wont have to have the op, i think that they cope with the pain but it'll be the lead walks and no racing around that will be the hardest thing.
Lets hope that after all the little lad (or big lad ) has been through that there is a fantastic home waiting for him at the end of this.

Subject: Re: Ralph's story Sat Apr 16, 2011 6:19 am

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Yesterday Ralph had his operation and had a sliver of bone removed to realign his elbow joint. Ralph will only be on a restricted exercise and physio regime for 2 to 3 months. All this with just icepacks for pain relief. This will make sure he doesn't leap around or twist on it too because it will hurt. Poor Ralph has to go through this pain just so he can run.
His Mum says....Not seeing him when he was first rescued but seeing his amazing progress since we got him, it is heart wrenching to think how much pain he is going to be in tomorrow but it will all be for the greater good and only thanks to all the support of those who have given to his Help Ralph Run and Sussex Rescue. So a big THANK YOU to everyone x

Any donations to help us pay the Orthopaedic vet would be fantastic.


Before his op at the vets



After




As you can see from my photos I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself.
This BIG pain meds plaster on my side itches like crazy and I have tried to scratch it off

Micropore gave up the ghost so he's got red vet wrap on now


I know I've had a rough day but my mum thinks I'm a tad spoilt


I'm not feeling quite so great but I'm glad to be home


My dad trying to say sorry for how much my leg hurts


Thank you from all the team at Sussex & Ralph for your wishes & kind donations x

hope he is much better soon x

Today was 'make or break' day for Ralph. So with Macala and her mum we took Ralph for 8 week post op X Rays to Faversham. I have to say Macala and I were filled with apprehension as we returned for the verdict, knowing that if this op hadn't worked then Ralph would have to have his leg amputated.

Good News!!!!!!!!!! Mr. Wills was very pleased with the X rays, and I think its fair to say that the op was 95% successful.
Pre Op X ray

On the right X ray you can see the impingement by the head of ulna (outside edge) on the joint, in time this would have worn away completely and the ulna would have crumbled because he was taking all his weight on it

Post Op X ray

Here you can see where the 2 slivers of bone were removed from the radius and already the joint gap is looking MUCH better and fitting into the joint in a better position.

Today's X ray 8 weeks post op

You can see how the joint is fitting nicely, Mr.Wills would have liked a little bit more rotation but that could come as the radius heals. The outside edge of the joint has a good gap and there is some new cartilidge forming plus on the inside of the joint new bone is forming where Ralph's body is adapting....all good news. The 'gap' between the slivers of bone is where the 'old' bone died and sloughed away and now there is cartilagenous tissue which will calcify and form new bone.

So Ralph has another month or so until he stops limping and can then run free. He was a bit dozy when he got home and Woody, his best mate, wouldn't leave his side so here he is.
Where did that cat go?

I'm just so brave!

I can't tell you the relief we felt when we were given the good news and then it was frantic texting to spread the good news.
Ralph is coming to the Fun Day but he won't be up to running or having a go in the fun classes, he's 'saving' himeslf for next year.

Well done Sussex, 1 happy dog saved and going onto lead a very happy productive life

This is fantstic news!

What a lucky dog Ralph is, well done everyone! He is so handsome, and so is Woody

brilliant news

Absolutely fantastic news, what a fantastic vet you have, what a fantastic life Ralph will have but most of all what fantastic fosterer's to take on such a huge commitment, well done all concerned!!!!

Great news...so pleased to see he is doing so well. Well done to everyone involved. Just one little thing.....how big are his ears!! They just make him look sooooooo cute