#42 - Elbow Dysplasia, Surgery & Rehab | Mairi & Oscar's Story

When Mairi brought Oscar home, she thought she'd done everything right.

She'd spent a long time researching breeders, carefully prepared for life with a Labrador puppy and was looking forward to years of hiking, camping and adventures together.

But when Oscar was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia at just five months old, everything changed.

In this episode of The Labrador Podcast, Mairi shares the emotional journey that followed, from surgery and months of rehabilitation, to learning how to let go of expectations and focus on giving Oscar the happiest life possible.

Together we discuss:

🐾 The first signs that something wasn't right
🐾 Diagnosing elbow dysplasia in a young Labrador
🐾 Surgery, rehabilitation and recovery
🐾 Managing arthritis and future flare-ups
🐾 The emotional impact of a life-changing diagnosis
🐾 Choosing a breeder and the questions she'd ask today
🐾 Why Oscar still lives a full, happy and adventurous life

Whether your Labrador has been diagnosed with elbow dysplasia, you're researching the breed before bringing a puppy home, or you're supporting a dog through recovery, I hope Oscar's story offers reassurance, perspective and hope.

Follow Mairi & Oscar
📸 Instagram: @mairibabb

Organisations mentioned in this episode

Toronto Animal Health Partners – The specialist referral hospital that cared for Oscar throughout his diagnosis and surgery.

Toronto Veterinary Rehabilitation – The rehabilitation team that supported Oscar's recovery following surgery through physiotherapy and tailored rehabilitation.

Mairi speaks very highly of both organisations and the care they provided throughout Oscar's journey. If you're local to the Toronto area and ever find yourself facing a similar diagnosis, they're well worth knowing about.

🎙️ The Labrador Podcast
Hosted by Vikki Sharpe

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