ORIGINAL: HuntND.
1. He saw she has the beginnings of hip displasia.
2. 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.
3. The vet mentioned continuous walking/running (as opposed to fetching birds, balls, etc. with all the starting and stopping) and more swimming.
4. 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.....
1. IMO, the Vet didn't see the "
beginning signs of hip dysplasia". Hip dysplasia is primarily genetic, and will show up early in a dog's life. I think what the Vet probably said was that he saw the beginning signs of degeneration (arthritis etc) that are a result of dysplasia.
2. Rimadyl is GREAT for flare-ups. Glucosamine is fine (even better if it also contains MSM) -- Chondroitin is of little or no value in an adult dog.
3. Running, going up and down steps, jumping in and out of a vehicle etc. are NO NO. Swimming is the best exercise.
4. Depending on how much arthritis is present, you need to have your dog on Glucosamine+MSM and possibly Hyaluronic Acid as well. Check out my website and particularly the "FAQ & Other Info" page.