Hip Displasia
 

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.....

RE: Hip Displasia
 

Sorry to hear about your dog. When I hear stories like yours makes the OFA of both parents all that more pressing.

RE: Hip Displasia
 

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.

RE: Hip Displasia
 

Thanks for the information. Her hips were guaranteed when we got her, but the guarantee was if she got displasia we could return her to the breeder for a new model. Needless to say, after three years, she's staying with us.

Doc, I think the vet may have misspoken when he said the "beginning of displasia." It doesn't slowly come on, but it's too bad she has it. What's worse, our house has four levels and we have many steps. Don't know how to remedy that one. Great website, by the way, very informative.

Looking forward to a long summer at the lake so she can swim. Then looking forward to a long bird season too!!!

RE: Hip Displasia
 

Another way to treat the arthitis associated with hip dysplasia is a Chiropractic adjustment. The canine body reacts similarly to the pain, walling the joint off so it doesn't move. By adding motion to the joint it will help the pain and function of the joint.

Dr Fatguy

RE: Hip Displasia
 

My Golden was diagnosed with hip dysplasia as well. He was 18 months when he started getting sore after walking, running.

My friend is a vet and had me inquire to the Iowa State vet School about surgery options. I had just gotten a bonus so the money wasn't an issue. They did a Triple Pelvic Osteotomy, $950.

Basically they broke his hip in 3 spots and put wedges in the breaks. The femoral head fit better into the hip socket.

He still got sore after hunting, but was more a pet anyway. I immediately had him neutered to eliminate the spread of this disease.

He died of kidney failure at age 11.

RE: Hip Displasia
 

Wow :(

My 2 yr old female chocolate lab walks up to the 2nd floor where its a pretty big walk up and she only walks up the stairs slow after an hour of running and playing fetch..

her parents are cleared of HD and we did review the paper work for her parents and my labs parents and my lab are all AKC Registered..

Should i have my lab on any type of vitamins or supliments ????

RE: Hip Displasia
 

1. Most likely this is because she is out of shape. Slowness going up steps after hard exercise is not a sign of hip dysplasia.

2. Hips are OFA certified as "Excellent" -- "Good" -- "Fair" -- "Mildly Dysplastic" -- "Dysplastic"..................Breeding Excellent to Excellent gives you less than a 5% chance that your dog will have dysplasia.............Breeding Fair to Fair gives you over a 25% chance of dysplasia. . . . . What 'rating' did her parents have?

3. AKC registration has NOTHING to do with dysplasia.

4. Please look at my website at www.DocsDogNutriceuticals.iwarp.com

Look through the site -- and especially the "FAQ and Information" page.

RE: Hip Displasia
 

Thanks Doc ,

When i had mentioned about akc i meant that the owner of the dogs is a reputable breeder but your 1000% right it has nothing to do with a dog having HD..

I will talk to you more about them products when i see you and Casey at the spokane gun/dog club..

Also sarah is doing better and i will mention it to you as well..