Hi All, My little boy recently had xrays due to suspected short…

Question

Hi All, My little boy recently had xrays due to suspected short ulna syndrome and surgery has been recommended as soon as possible. He is 5 and a half months old. He had a limp pop up out of no where one morning two weeks ago - which I didn't think it was so serious at the time. I thought he may have sprained it or something. I waited a day but given it was still there the next morning I went to the vet. The vet looked at him and immediately said she believes he has Short Ulna Syndrome and needed xrays. I then took him to a vet hospital I know well for the xrays and they diagnosed him with Bilateral Short ulna syndrome. My boy has stopped limping now and is running around. but the recommendation is surgery as soon as possible. 
As Tibbies naturally have bowed front legs and the surgery is very extensive and could lead to further complications later on, I’m keen to hear some other opinions. Thank you in advance.

Dylan Wilson · Accepted Answer

Sorry to hear about your dog. Earlier the intervention equals better the outcome. Not correcting the growth plate will result in more deformity as the limb keeps growing. Not correcting could lead to joint instability and degenerative joint disease or cartilage issues later in life. Surgery itself also has post-op recovery and infection risks. There is a lot of ifs, but unfortunately at the end of the day, the dog will either have to have surgery and recover for better mobility in life or medically manage for mobility issues as they progress throughout their life.