My golden retriever wasn't walking up steps very well, and I could tell she was very sore. I took her to the vet and had some x-rays done. He saw she has the beginnings of hip displasia.

We have her on glucosamine and chondroitin supplements and it's seemed to help alot. When she gets sore again, I've got rimadyl tablets for pain.

The vet mentioned continuous walking/running (as opposed to fetching birds, balls, etc. with all the starting and stopping) and more swimming. Up here in the north country, the ice is just off the water, so she won't be swimming for another month or two. We will have her at the lake most weekends during the summer, so she'll get her fill of swimming.

Is there anything else I can do to help slow this down? She's only three years old and still extremely active, but I sure don't want my hunting dog to slow down! Thanks.....