Meet Mack:
Mack is a big, lovable 74kg St Bernard who came to Veterinary Specialist Services when he was just under 3 years old. He was having trouble walking because of arthritis in both elbows, caused by a condition called coronoid disease. Since Mack was so young and his condition didn’t suit standard surgery options, the veterinary team had to think outside the box.
What Was Wrong:
When Dr. Victoria Hudson first examined Mack in April 2025, she found that he was limping on his front left leg and couldn’t tolerate much exercise. His elbows were painful and stiff, especially the right one, which also had swelling and reduced movement.
The Treatment Plan:
Instead of surgery, the team decided to try a special injection called Arthramid®, which goes directly into the joints. The goal was to help Mack move more easily, reduce pain, and protect his joints for the future.
After the Procedure:
Mack had injections in both elbows and was put on a strict recovery plan—only short, gentle walks and no running or jumping. A follow-up check was scheduled a few weeks later to see how he was doing.
How Mack Responded:
At his 4-week check-up in May, Mack was doing great! His movement had improved a lot, and he wasn’t showing any signs of pain. His owners said he stopped limping completely for the first two weeks after treatment. He did have a brief setback after too much exercise, but that cleared up quickly with rest.
Highlights from the Follow-Up:
- Mack walked and trotted without any limp.
- No pain when his elbows were touched or moved.
- He happily completed a 1km walk with no discomfort.
- He no longer needed pain medication.
Dr. Hudson described Mack’s progress as an “excellent clinical response” to the treatment.
Why This Matters:
Mack’s story shows that Arthramid® injections can be a powerful option for treating arthritis in young dogs, especially when surgery isn’t ideal. It helped Mack get back to enjoying life with less pain and better mobility.