Male Puppy With Stopped Growth Plate

[LabLover22]

My 5 month old male Lab puppy has a stopped shoulder growth plate, resulting in him limping and his left leg being 14 cm and his right leg barely 13 cm. A few surgical options, one including amputation of the entire right leg. Any thoughts on moving forward or long term prognosis? He was also neutered at 3.5 months...thinking this could have contributed to the stopped growth plates...???

[LuvBrown]

Nuetering before growth plates are closed typically causes them to remain open a tad longer, causing a slightly taller labrador.

Usually injury or disease causes growth plates to stop growing. Were you told that it is FULLY stopped or what? Honestly, I would leave the dog alone until a year. So he limps. Dogs are very adaptable. He doesn't know he's different.

[rivertrout]

Just what i was thinking, neutering early does the opposite. I would not even consider amputation yet. ANd Did he injure his leg?

[LabLover22]

No known injury, but he obviously suffered SOME trauma at some point. Both his parents are fully OFA'd hips/elbows excellent, CERF clear, heart clear, EIC clear, etc. Wonderful bloodlines & he came from a 3rd & final breeding of his dam. Perfectly healthy & normal other than this shoulder issue. Also thinking that waiting a few more months for him to grow more before deciding on surgery is best. Still just sad to see him limping & know what could possibly lie ahead. He doesn't cry or wimper or act in pain at all though, so I guess that's good.

[Campfire_Dog]

I have not heard of such a thing. Definitely give him more time and check with another vet.