Kona
4-month old Labrador Retriever
Veterinarian: Michael J Larson, DVM — Ibex Preclinical Research, Inc. Logan, UT
HISTORY –
Kona first demonstrated a subtle, shifting front limb lameness beginning approximately at 4 months of age. This lameness initially presented as mild and intermittent, then gradually worsened to a constant grade 1 or 2/5. A vigorous mountain run would exacerbate Kona's lameness to a grade 3/5 lameness, (significant head bob and severe limp) that would persist for at least a day before reverting back to her "normal" grade 2 lameness. Euthanasia was considered.
DIAGNOSIS –
Radiographic images of the left elbow demonstrated lesions consistent with early signs of elbow dysplasia.
TREATMENTS –
PHYSICAL MEDICINE
Kona was anesthetized and left elbow joint was prepared for injection.
The contents of a 0.8 mL syringe of Spryng™ with OsteoCushion™ Technology was injected.
The procedure was uneventful, and after the injection elbow was manipulated through multiple ranges of motion to disperse the particles within the joint.
She received no other drug treatments, by either the systemic or intra-articular route.
OUTCOME –
One week following the injection, Kona demonstrated a grade 1 lameness, which was a significant improvement.
After a morning mountain run and she was a very mild grade 2 — at least a full lameness grade improvement over the pre-injection, post-run lameness score.
She continued to improve over the next 7-10 days and stabilized at a grade 1 lameness (slight intermittent limp, with an occasional subtle head bob).
She remained at this level until February of 2016, despite vigorous mountain runs at least 4-5 days a week.