Today, we are going to look at elbow dysplasia in dogs.
This is a painful condition that often makes its first appearance in puppyhood.
We’ll look at the symptoms of puppy elbow dysplasia, at how you can help your puppy, and at the treatment options available.
We’ll also be including some adorable photos of puppies from breeds susceptible to elbow problems.
Puppy Elbow Dysplasia
Thirty years ago, few of us had heard of elbow dysplasia
Nowadays it is an increasingly common topic of discussion on pet forums and Facebook, and I often come across owners whose dogs and puppies are being treated for this condition.
Many responsible breeders test all their dogs for this disease, before they consider breeding from them.
So what exactly is elbow dysplasia? Do dogs even have elbows?
Where does puppy elbow dysplasia come from? And what do you need to do to make sure your puppy doesn’t get it? Let’s find out!
Do dogs have elbows?
A puppy’s front legs don’t seem to bend in quite the same way that our arms do, so it’s natural to wonder do dogs have elbow at all.
The answer is that dogs do have elbows, the elbow or hinge between the upper and lower arm works the same way in your dog as your own elbow does.
A dog’s elbow is higher up on a dog’s leg, because dogs run on their toes, rather than on their whole foot like humans do. Which means that quite a bit of your puppy’s lower leg is actually his foot.
As a result, you’ll find your puppy’s elbow near the top of his front leg. It’s this joint that is sometimes affected by the condition we call elbow dysplasia
What is elbow dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a broad term given to a collection of developmental defects that can occur in the elbow joint of an affected puppy’s front leg or legs.
You may hear terms such as osteochondritis or fragmentation of the coronoid process bandied about.
You can read up on the different types of elbow dysplasia if you are into the science.
But basically, these defects mean that the joint doesn’t move as freely as it should and the joint becomes prone to osteoarthritis.
Sometimes at a very young age.
The disease is more common in some breeds than others. And like hip dysplasia it is more of a problem in larger, heavier dogs.
Puppy elbow dysplasia symptoms
Elbow dysplasia causes pain and discomfort in the joint and the dog will eventually become lame as a result.
Symptoms may include stiffness that gets worse with exercise, limping, an odd gait, a turned out foot, or swelling around the joint.
One or both front legs may be affected. Frequently it is both.
One or more of these symptoms may appear in puppyhood, well before the dog’s first birthday. Or they may not be obvious until the dog is older
Puppy elbow dysplasia diagnosis
Any puppy that starts to limp, or that is reluctant to bear weight on one or more of his legs, or that is walking oddly or reluctant to run around and play, needs to be examined by a veterinarian.
It may be nothing to do with his elbows of course, but if your vet suspects puppy elbow dysplasia, he or she
will need to X-ray your puppy’s elbow joints to confirm the diagnosis.
The puppy will need to be anaesthetised or sedated to keep him completely still whilst the X-rays are taken. So this will usually mean leaving him at the hospital for several hours.
Puppy elbow dysplasia treatment
Elbow dysplasia can’t be cured, but it can be treated. In mild cases anti-inflammatory drugs may be sufficient to restore the dog to a normal level of activity and comfort, but in many cases, surgery will be required at some point.
A treatment plan, including how much rest or exercise your dog will require, will need to be discussed with your veterinary surgeon, and possibly with an orthopaedic specialist.
One of the most important aspects of treatment is to keep the dog at minimal weight, so if your puppy is diagnosed with this conditions you will need to be vigilant in keeping him slim.
Dog elbow dysplasia surgery cost
The price of surgery for puppy elbow dysplasia is significant. According to Pet Embrace insurers (LINK) “For young dogs who are candidates for surgical options, the cost of surgical diagnosis and treatment can range from $1,500 to $4,000 per elbow.”
A ball park figure of around $3000 is probably a good guide at the time of writing.
Obviously finding this kind of money is a big challenge for some families, and is another reason why I think it is important to insure all, and especially larger breed, puppies for at least the first couple of years of life.
Dog elbow dysplasia natural treatment
We all like to try and use fewer chemicals in our lives, and many people actively seek out natural remedies wherever they can.
Because elbow dysplasia is partly a mechanical problem – a mechanical solution (surgery) may offer the best outcome for your dogs.
In some cases, where dogs are being treated without surgery, or where we are looking at relieving pain, or delaying the development of arthritis in the affected joint, there may be a place for natural remedies
The most natural remedy of all, is probably exercise and restricting your dog’s weight. These two strategies will help reduce strain on the joint and keep it moving.
But you may also have heard of supplements that you can give your dog, or be thinking of trying out acupuncture or other alternative treatments.
Supplements for elbow dysplasia
Collagen supplements are currently popular as a way of ‘warding off’ the effects of arthritis on aging joints.
One study carried out on over a hundred Labrador Retrievers in 2014 found that an oral supplement of hyaluronic acid and collagen together, significantly improved lameness, movement, and swelling.
But on balance the evidence for edible supplements and alternative treatments preventing arthritis is not convincing
Glucosamine is a very popular supplement these days among middle aged humans and middle aged dog owners, and while the evidence for efficacy is poor, most experts agree that it is relatively harmless.
However, there is potential for the use of natural remedies to cause harm to our dogs. By causing pet owners to reduce or abandon the use of other more effective treatments.
Keeping your puppy pain free
Where problems occur for dogs with joint issues, is when their owners withdraw important painkillers and anti-inflammatories prescribed by their vet (in order to treat their dogs more naturally) and fail to notice that their pet is suffering as a result.
Long term pain relief is necessary for many dogs with joint problems and your veterinarian will understand that you want the best long term outcome for your puppy
So do discuss this with him.
Together you should be able to keep your dog pain free and enjoying life for as long as possible. Which brings us to the prognosis for puppy elbow dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia in dogs – prognosis
The outlook or prognosis for dogs that have been treated for elbow dysplasia in puppyhood is something that you will want to discuss with your vet.
Most vets will be reluctant to commit to a puppy making a full recovery, but the outlook for many puppies is good.
Lameness is often reduced or absent once the puppy has fully recovered from surgery. Especially if the problem has been caught and treated early. Some lameness may recur later in life as your dog ages.
Breeds at risk for puppy elbow dysplasia
Some breeds are particularly at risk for elbow dysplasia.
They include the Basset Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Dogue de Bordeaux, German Shepherd Dog, and the Great Dane.
Together with the Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Wolfhound, Large Munsterlander, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Otterhound, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, and Saint Bernard.
How can we prevent elbow dysplasia?
The defects in the joint which cause the problem are inherited. Passed down from adult to puppy.
So if we can detect problems in the adult, we can prevent them being passed along by excluding that dog from any breeding programme
To do this, we must look at the joints of an adult dog and assess them. We can then grade them according to how close to perfect they are.
USA Grading scheme
The Orthapedic Foundation For Animals set up a database for elbow dysplasia screening in 1990 In the USA elbows are graded I to III with III being the worst.
No grade is given for a perfect elbow
According to a 2013 study, the grading scheme has achieved a modest improvement in 74 breeds of dog.
UK Grading scheme
In the British Veterinary Association and The Kennel Club have got together to set up a grading scheme for elbow dysplasia in the UK.
(paid link) These schemes enable breeders to make better breeding choices, and to enable puppy buyers to make better buying decisions.
Here in the UK a perfect elbow is graded as zero. So ideally all dogs used for breeding will have an elbow score of 0/0 That’s one score for each leg.
The worst grade is 3. Or severe elbow dysplasia.
Your best chance of a puppy with perfect elbows comes from two parents with scores of 0/0 and this is what you should be aiming for.
Puppy elbow dysplasia – a summary
Elbow dysplasia refers to a group of painful and serious condition that affects the elbow joints of dogs.
It often presents in young puppies from between 4 and 8 months of age. I regularly hear from puppy owners that are coping with this disease.
Puppy elbow dysplasia is relatively common in some breeds, including our very popular Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd dogs.
If you are considering a puppy from one of the affected breeds its important that you see the elbow score certificates of both parents.
Neither should have a score above 1, and ideally (unless there is something incredibly outstanding about the dog in other respects) both should be 0/0
When there is no certificate, there should be no sale – don’t buy the puppy. It isn’t worth the risk.
If you already have a puppy that seems lame or reluctant to exercise, do get him checked over by your vet as soon as possible.
Early treatment improves the chances of a good outcome. So the sooner these things are diagnosed, the better for your puppy.
Share your experience
Has your puppy suffer from elbow dysplasia. How did his treatment go? Have you any tips for others in the same situation?
Please share your experience in the comments box below
References
- Information from the Orthapaedic Foundation for Animals
- Information from the British Veterinary Association
- Reed A DVM Canine Elbow Dysplasia
- Grondalen J, Grondalen T, Arthrosis in the elbow joint of young rapidly growing dogs. V. A pathoanatomical investigation Nordisk Verinaremedicin 1981
- Martí-Angulo S,García-López N, Díaz-Ramos A, “Efficacy of an oral hyaluronate and collagen supplement as a preventive treatment of elbow dysplasia” J Vet Sci 2014
- Woolliams JA1, Lewis TW, Blott SC.Canine hip and elbow dysplasia in UK Labrador retrievers Vet J. 2011
Puppy Elbow Dysplasia was originally published in 2014 and has been extensively revised and updated for 2017
CH says
Just got home from seeing specialist with my 8mth old ACD, He said even if parents have clear elbows (OFA ), the puppies can still have dysplasia. They still don’t know if it’s a recessive gene etc.
Kelli says
Puppies also can be lame from a number of other things, not just ED…. I had a boxer pup the was limping on his front end, I couldnt figure out what leg it was, took him in to the vets, they did full blood work and xrays, and the vet told me its one of 5 things…. (ED was not even one of the 5 possibilities) anyways, it ended up being Panostitis (or Pano for short) and my pup (5mnths old) had it in 3 of his 4 legs, he had to stay in the hospital with an IV in his only non painful leg, for a week the first time….he couldnt walk or even stand for 6 days, it was heartbreaking. All in all, he ended up being ok, once they are full grown they out grow the Pano which is only super painful when they grow. Took till he was about 2 yrs to be 100% pain free for good.
I also currently have a 9 year old mastiff with severe bilateral ED….. Hes never had surgery, the specialist I talked to said there wasnt anything they could do for him, the elbows were too bad. The radiologist report said, they couldnt believe my dog could walk at all nevermind that he only had intermittent /occasional/random lameness (mind you, when its bothering him, hes in a LOT of pain, but i get his meds into him quick and longest hes been unable (or unwilling) to walk, is a under 24hrs. I just have to medically manage him/his case till the meds stop working for him the surgeon said (cuz surgery wasnt an option.) He will be 9 yrs old next month tho, so, hes done well for being a big dogue de bordeaux (big as in tall…ive always kept him very lean, for his elbows). Oh, and I knew soon as I laid eyes on him as a pup that there was something wrong with his front legs, i asked the breeder about his weird legs, she shrugged it off, i couldnt leave the poor guy there, all the other dogs were picking on him…. So he we are, almost 9 years later 💙 his name is Jasper, and hes awesome. And so will all your puppy’s be with or without ED.
Elaine bowers says
Like everyone else here, yesterday we found out that our 9 month old lab has got ED. Gutted, she is still a baby and doesn’t understand why she can’t run around in the field with the other dogs. We can’t get our heads around how she now has the same exercise as our old girl did at 13 years. It’s madness. Have booked physio and hydrotherapy and just ordered glucosamine supplements.
Vet us suggesting a CT scan and then possible orthoptic procedure. But, not sure given what I have read. Stem cell may be an answer but don’t know of it financially sustainable. So So sad for her 🙂
Carole says
Our little girl Vanilla developed problems at around 7 months of age. She had her surgery for elbow dysplasia at the age of 12 months in summer of 2019 however 1 of the 3 bones never healed. We did not know because the surgeon never asked for an x-ray to make sure that everything was ok. She is now 3 and and a half and can’t use her front left paw. We consulted one of the best surgeon in Lachine, Montreal, and he can’t do anything else for her. Her shoulder has been damaged trying to compensate for her paw. She now has to take pain medication for the rest of her life. I feel so bad to see her walking on 3 paws. Happily she seems to cope well with her handicap. We bought a brace for her paw. Not sure if it helps though.
Nancy says
My 7 month old Labrador puppy was diagnosed with Elbow Dysplasia. Like all of the other responders to you website I am heart broken for my puppy. Thank you for offering this site and the information you provide it has been very helpful. My condolences to all of the dog families knowing their dogs are suffering.
Nancy
Keval Shah says
Hi, I have 7 months boerboel puppy and he has problems with his both elbows and we have done X-ray for both elbows also look like he has diagnosed with elbows dysplasia as he has to go for surgery also lots of cost involved. I don’t know how insurance company reacts on Monday when I tell them. I really feel sorry for little puppy to suffer
Kristen Kern says
Hello. My daughter’s 4.5 month old Newfie was recently diagnosed with this in his right elbow. He has had a slight limp , but it seems to go away with a little exercise…..we are in the process of adopting him from her, as we have the time and space to care for him …. I would love to hear about positive success stories that do not involve invasive/ surgical procedures. We are planning on taking him to a chiropractor certified in canine and equine care. And are exploring natural remedies/ anti inflammatory options vs. pharmaceutical therapies…
MM says
My 6 month old retriever is recovering from surgery on both of his elbows as I type. Whilst he was having surgery they checked his hips and he also has hip dysplasia but not as severe as the elbow dysplasia. We also got hit with the devastating news that he also has arthritis. My heart is completely broke.
I have a 1 year old golden who is moping around waiting for him. I cannot wait to pick him up tomorrow but dreading the next few weeks of recovery for him as I know all he’ll want to do is play. I advise anyone to get insurance- the top level of cover!
Kalah says
Hello.
I am reading all the comments… I am going to look at a German Shepard tomorrow who had elbow Dysplasia… he has had the surgery 2 months ago (breeders told me) they also had him fixed as soon as they found out. They didn’t want him reproducing. They bought him from another breeder hoping to breed him.
I’m wondering if anyone has had the experience with dealing with the aftermath? He’s had the surgery and she said he’s 100% healthy. It may just hit him a little harder as he gets over 10 years old. I’m just super worried??
Kalah says
Forgot to mention he’s only 10 months old.
karen game says
hi im really upset at the moment ,,my sheltie female was scanned at about 2 years she has both elbows bad with dysplasia she had fragments removed and after the 12 weeks she was worse bless her shes been on two tramadol a day and metacam ive just rang vets today and they have to add more to her meds she turned 3 in june its killing us her insurance was used up on her first op ,,,we pay for her to have lazer treatment once a month and shes on a strict diet and is losing weight but she cant go walking like she used to ,,we have a saint bernard and he dont understand why she dont go walking with him any more and she is such a sweet girl its not fair ,,,,:(
Lucy says
I have a 10 month old lab who was limping after exercise, had a c.t scan and he has ed. Devastating but determined to do short walks on lead and keep him slimmish! Try to wear his brain out with fun training! Love him to bits but all very worrying, for his future and my purse!!!
Jess says
We have just found out the news today our 8 month old lab has ed. Your comment it very relatable to how I’m feeling right now – unconditional love but worried also, wishing you and your pup the best of luck!
Alex says
Hi – I’m wondering if either of you have any recommendations or can talk more about your experience? My 2 year old lab just got diagnosed after an MRI scan. Actually devastated and willing to do anything to give him a happy life but feel pretty helpless with it all going on.
Alex says
**Xrays not MRIs
Annie says
My 6 momth old Keeshond pup was diagnosed yesterday after 8 weeks of resting, vet visits and ultimately x rays after which we were referred to a specialist. She has today had surgery to remove a slice out of the longer bone on each side as well as arthroscopy for bone frangments in the elbow. We pick her up tomorrow and I am hopeful.
Kat says
Hi Annie, my wolfhound puppy had the same op a few weeks ago.Recovering well but is quite exhausting!! Fingers crossed for a good outcome. Kat
Sue says
My 9 month old GSD just had the exact same surgery – 2 weeks now – and yes it’s exhausting ha ha!
Gulia says
Hi guys !
My gold 6 months was diagnosed , she are book to do a surgery for the end this month.. I’m so upset and scary about her recovery..! Someone can tell me about recovery ? Something more should I put her to day care to some vet around me ? Because I need go to work maybe she need stay 4hrs by herself… I’m so so lost .. what I should do to take care her after the surgery..
Thanks
Roger says
My lab had surgery on Jan 17th, just after her 2nd Birthday. We are nearing the end of week 4 of her recovery. We walk 4 to 5 times a day for about 10 minutes currently. I am fortunate to be retired which gave me less anxiety while we go through this.
The most critical thing from my understanding is to keep them as quiet as possible, especially early on. I know easier said than done! Hopefully he/she is crate trained and that will help you. I did post a note at my door stating not to knock or ring due to dog having surgery. Works like a charm! I am not going to lie, recovery is a long process.
I long for the days my girl will be able to run the fields again!
Best of luck to you both!!
alex says
Hi – I’m wondering if either of you have any recommendations or can talk more about your experience? My 2 year old lab just got diagnosed after an Xray scan. Actually devastated and willing to do anything to give him a happy life but feel pretty helpless with it all going on. What tests did you do before deciding to get surgery? How has your dog recovered since the surgery?
Susan says
Hi, my almost 1 year old golden retriever will be having the arthroscopy in both legs next week. Can you tell me a little more about how your dog is doing now?
Sarah Wade says
my 18month old Labrador has had problems on and off since the 1st few months that we had him, he has limped around we have been backwards and forwards to the vets who have treated him with anti- biotics and even anti inflamatories , which have worked each time. But then usually after a good walk off the lead it comes back.
This time round we have had him x-rayed and it is looking like elbow dysplasia we have been referred to a specialist who wants to do a Ct scan for a definate diagnoses, however this is going to cost the best part of a £1000 the x rays etc have just cost £500, this is a cost to get a diagnoses not any treatment or any surgery.
I am worried sick about my dog what the outcome will be and the cost!i do not have this kind of money, does anyone have any suggestions of anyth other routes to go down?advice on help towards costs or anything i can try and treat him with myself perhaps.
Any ideas would be much appreciated thankyou
Lauren says
My dog was in the same situation. Limping after joints were cold, etc. was offered the same surgery but told it wouldn’t be guaranteed effective. Was prescribed Dasaquin with MSM and fish oil. No limping since, although Dysplasia is still there. Orders to keep at a very very low weight, low impact activities (swim, run) only. Long story short, there is hope!
Angela says
I reckon you’re based in the UK. In Spain (specifically Southern Spain; obviously not BCN, Madrid or Marbella) vet costs are much more affordable (eg. elbow x-ray 45€) without the vets being any less competent than elsewhere in the world. You might want to check that path out…
Stephanie Isobel Swift says
My 19 month chihuahua just had CT scan after lameness noticed several weeks ago. Given Metacam which has helped enormously but now diagnosed with bilateral elbow Dysplasia and a small fracture in one elbow. The vet has suggested he is treated with injection into elbow rather than surgery, not considered the best option for small dog. treatment is very expensive at around £300 per mil. and I would think 5 mls may be required per elbow so a bit of a dilema as this is obviously not a cure and length of remission is variable. So just to conclude this can happen to very small dogs as well as larger breeds. I believe the injections are in gel form anyone have further info. on this?
Teea says
I have a 11 month old pitbull male that has had lameness since he was 4 months. He was first exrayed at 6 months and my vet said he was having growing pains and gave me anti inflammatories to help with pain. He said he will be done growing around 10-12 months and should get better. We have been to the vet 4 times in this time frame and yesterday, after additional tests, I was told he has ED. I am waiting for a call from the ortho vet for a consult for surgery. He is such an amazing puppy. It breaks my heart to see him this way. I won’t know if surgery will help or not until I see the ortho doctor, but I would appreciate any feedback. He is on 2 different meds right now. One is the anti inflammatory and the other is a joint supplement. Any other home remedies that might help with his pain? Thanks for your time. I am truly devistated and unfamiliar with what his outlook is and what to expect to come.
Linda Harrington says
I have an amazing pitty too that always did walk a little off at times as a puppy but again I took it as her growing. She is now 1 1/2 years old and she started really limping about a month back. I finally took her to the vet (it took a while cause my other elderly bulldog was old and sick) So now I am heading to an ortho in a few weeks and hoping for some more information myself.
Julie says
We live in Beijing, China and bought our puppy from a breeder there. We are home in Canada on vacation now and just heard last night our precious 5 month old Golden Retriever has been diagnosed with this. Feeling devastated, but a bit relieved to know this is something she can either cope with or recover from.
Helen Jane Robinson says
Hi my black lab pup a year next week has developed a limp suddenly 3 weeks ago it went an came back I’m now worried he got elbow dysplasia am booked in for vets on Friday
Daianna says
What was the outcome, I think my puppy has the same thing. I took her to the vet on Thursday and they said just to watch her
Melanie Ochitwa says
Mine too and shes going to be 1 on June 26th!!! She had a slight limp and its changed to full paw up limp with a hop!! I have a vet appt monday but my stomach is in knots hoping this isnt elbow dysplasia!!!!
Anne says
My Bernese Mountain Dog experienced lameness around 4 months old. The vet was hesitant to diagnose ED but said it was likely. Now at almost a year and a half, he has begun limping. We are heading to an ortho specialist to weigh our options. I hate to think of him in pain and not enjoying hikes and fun.
Where did you get the stem cell treatment done Sylvia? An ortho Dr.? I haven’t heard of that as a possible treatment before
Louis says
We purchased our silver lab knowing she had ED! The entire litter had it. The breeder is retiring the mom. He wanted the labs to go to good homes. We will continue to care and love for her. Thanks for sharing the above information.
Kathy says
Bless you. All pets deserve a wonderful, caring furever home!
Scott says
My 6 month old English Labrador has developed signs of elbow dysplasia although the vet has not yet put the official diagnosis on him because his X-rays look perfect. Left leg is turned out, downward head bob with his walk/limp and reluctance to run. He’s been on high quality glucosamine and fish oil for a month with no improvement whatsover. We are saving anti-inflammatory medications for when his symptoms become debilitating. I’m really bummed about this as this puppy was purchased 6 months after I lost a Lab to osteosarcoma. Best of luck to all that posted stories, it’s beneficial and comforting to share information and experiences.
Sophie says
Scott coiuld you get a MRI scan done?
My 6 month lab had all the symptoms you have stated, the X-rays came out fine. No damage. We decided to take him to a specialist who did cat scans and was diagnosed with ED. I’m s o pleased we did this as he has had a keyhole surgery that removed slithers of bone from each elbow. My puppy had stopped limping weeks up to the surgery and I thought maybe he’d be ok but the consultant said the damaged had been done and he was adapting to the pain that’s why the limping was intermittent.
X-rays aren’t realiable and don’t show ED they only show abvious injury. MRI or cat scan will be the best option.
Jessi says
How did your puppy do? My 8 mo swissy puppy is having the same surgery in a couple weeks.
Andrea Whitt says
I agree! My golden retriever was limping at 4 months xray showed nothing. One foot did turn out too. Vet put her on anti inflammatory meds. 2 months later she was no better. More xrays and we have tons of bone fragments!
hockeymom says
My Golden was just diagnosed with bilateral elbow dysplasia. He is just over a year old. Vet says it’s fairly moderate. When I informed the breeder, she responded with “none of the other dogs have the elbow dysplasia and I will have to look that up unfamiliar with it” Ridiculous to think a breeder doesn’t know what elbow dysplasia is!!
Veronica Canales says
My breeder said the same thing. That my pups grandparents were tested and free of hip and elbow dysplasia. But his actual parent’s were not. How can they be AKC certified if that hasn’t been done?
Kathy says
Our puppy is a Rottweiler mix and has ED. We went to the vet who sent us to the orthopedic specialist, who told us as of now and probably even when he is full grown there probably won’t be anything he can do to fix it as there is no way to attach the bone to his elbow.
Lizanne says
That is so sad. My rottie is currently at the veterinary hospital diagnosed with elbow displacea. I’ll find out tomorrow which way forward…
Sylvia Mack says
Mt labrador retriever has ED and she’s been treated with stem cell treatment. Much lesd invasive than ortho surgery and less rehab time needed. That was a year ago now and there’s been no recurring lameness. Exercises normally also. The only thing she takes is a joint supplement. This has certainly worked for her and also other dogs that I know.
Tarrah says
Hi! Which supplement are you giving your lab? We have a 4 month old golden that was recently diagnosed. I am trying to get as much help for him as possible.
Casey says
Hello my Black Lab puppy hasn’t been diagnosed 100 % with elbow dysplasia but the vet says it will more than likely be it. I am heartbroken as we live next door to breeders where his mother and sister live, his brother is also a few houses down the street. Is you dog able to play with others? Also what is the stem cell treatment called and what was the cost. My insurance company is saying this is preexisting condition, I want to do whatever I can to give my baby the best life possible.