Hi, We are looking for advice from people that have experience of a dog with hip displacement. One of our Labradors (Fudge) has been diagnosed with hip displacement. It is genetic and affects both hips but one is worse. We spotted signs that concerned us so arranged an X-Ray which proved the problem. The main signs were a certain swagger when she walked and being stiff when she got up. Fudge is a very lively (crazy) dog who. We notice she gets a bit frenzied and pants a lot which maybe is related to her being in pain ? We took Fudge to see a dog orthopaedic specialist when she was about 13 months (She is 16 months old now) He looked at the XRays and watched her walking but because she went into crazy mode with the excitement of a new place she did not show any signs of a walking issue which we often see. He then explained that hip replacement was a last resort and to keep her on daily pain killers, reduce her off lead time and see how it goes. The reduction of the off lead time has been very challenging as she has so much energy she needs to burn. He said that she still has some growing time and it might improve. The problem is, how do we know how it is going. She still shows the same signs. Fudge can't talk so she can't say it hurts or she's feeling a bit better etc. We feel it's been put back on us but we don't know what's best to do. We have also just started hydro-Therapy. The person running this suggested 30 minute sessions every 2 weeks. Is that really going to make a difference or should it be more frequent to build up muscles Are they just taking our money with no gain to Fudge We do have a photo of the XRay but I am unsure how to show it here Any advice would be appreciated Thanks.
Hi The bottom of the home page will help with photos. I have no experience but maybe you could video Fudge walking and getting up and send to the specialist. Hopefully someone who knows more will answer soon.
Can you find a veterinary rehabilitation specialist near you? Directory (scroll down for selection by state https://rehabvets.org/directory.lasso What they do: https://rehabvets.org/what-is-rehab.lasso Seems to me that having a consult and a treatment roadmap as it were is likely to be more effective (?) than just hydrotherapy. I'm in the process of rehab for a dog that had TPLO knee surgery and I'm delighted with the care we're receiving. That said, WOW is it time consuming. While your dog's needs will be different, right now twice a day I apply warm compresses to several places, followed by massage and stretching. Then we have twice daily sets of stretching and strengthening exercises to work on specific muscle groups. I'm so very grateful for this forum because it taught me the value of consistent positive training - I would be in a horrible situation if my dog didn't have a clear understanding of basic cues. A rehab specialist will also have suggestions for exercise in terms of things to avoid and things to do.
