I literally just got back from getting a CT for Syrus. Unfortunately it
is elbow dysplasia
We've been trying to get it diagnosed for months now as his limping has been so intermittent. He is 14months old and this will be chronic and degenerative. I need to talk over results with my regular vet tomorrow to get him started on a course of meds to help control the degree to which it may progress.
How old is Winston? They say signs can appear between 5 months - 1 year. But not uncommon to show up at 5+ years. It is most prevalent in males. Heredity is a strong factor.
Not trying to scare you but this is what was going on with Syrus. When he first got up in the morning his limp was very apparent. Then after walking a bit it worked itself out and he appeared normal. Sometimes after lying down for a stretch he would limp once or twice. Then you stare at him, "Is he limping?"
We first treated with Rimadyl(sp)thinking he bumped it or sprained it somewhat and he would be 100% fine. 2 days after finishing treatment he would limp again. I think we tried Rimadyl treatment twice, then switched to Duramax 3 times. Always 2 days after finishing course of meds it would come back. We X-rayed shoulder, paws, elbows. We (the vet) tweaked, stretched, pulled trying to find the source of his pain and of course he wasn't limping when we'd get to the vet. Nothing was presenting, but something obviously wrong.
Finally decided on CT and it really gave a 3-D look at the elbow and things are definitely out of whack. Some in his left elbow as well but not as bad.
Here is a good site with information on ED. Everything in it fit Syrus to a "T". Here's hoping Winston just twanged his big ol' self and will be back to normal ASAP
http://www.workingdogs.co/deboer_elbow1.htm