Elbow Dysplasia

Background

Mary brought Neil home from a breeder at 8 weeks old. He was her fifth Bernese Mountain Dog. She had no major health problems with any of her other dogs, but she did not want to tempt fate once again with Neil, especially as vet costs continue to rise. She researched pet insurance providers and decided on Embrace.

Mary noticed Neil limping when he was just 5 months old so she took him to Mulnix Animal Clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado. For months they checked and rechecked X-rays of Neil's legs and shoulders, but all the findings were inconclusive and no diagnosis could be made. Finally, they did a CT scan, which Mary confesses she wouldn't have done had she not had Embrace Pet Insurance.

The problem was immediately apparent: Neil had Fragmented Coronoid Process of the left elbow, also known as Elbow Dysplasia, a breed- specific condition. Neil underwent surgery to remove the bone chips at Arizona Veterinary Specialists in Gilbert, Arizona, but at the 8 week post-op recheck, Neil was still limping and in pain.

After the failure of the first surgery, Neil had a more aggressive surgery at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital back in Fort Collins. The second surgery was successful, and Mary is optimistic that it will provide Neil with more comfort and the best chance for a long, healthy life.

Mary says:

"Neil remains cheerful and loving even as we work on physical therapy, which includes the underwater treadmill. Thanks to Embrace, I can pursue these options for Neil's recovery."