Re: Hip Dysplasia Sympathy from here, too, Shell. I hope you manage to get all this sorted out - I don't have any advice to give on HD but sounds like it is a condition that can be managed quite well depending on the severity. Keep us posted!
Re: Hip Dysplasia Thanks everyone, I'm just so glad to hear that she can still live a full life as I previously read that without treatment a dog would need to be PTS by age 2! She is only allowed a five min walk on the lead and is meant to be kept in a small room where her running around is restricted but she is bounding of the sofas while using my head as a springboard onto Jack's back I agree with ssloan, a walk mightbe easier on her hips than the bouncing about like she's on springs and I end up physically wrestling with her to stop her lol. Investing in a crate may happen by the end of these 2 wks! We'll see how she goes over next while and go from there but will check out some of those supplements to try calming her a bit.
Re: Hip Dysplasia So sorry to hear your news. This is exactly the result that I am dreading when we get to the stage of having Penny crashed. With regards to keeping her occupied without exercise I think lots of things involving her brain would be good. You can get loads of different types of puzzle games where they work for treats or their food. Also just general obedience, try teaching her some new tricks! You could also think about hydrotherapy, if it's appropriate and you'll probably need a referral from your vet, but this can be great for exercise as it's low impact and a short session can tired a dog out more than an hours hike. Diet wise, as others have said, it may be best to consult with your vet as there are some veterinary prescription diets for joint mobility, your vet would know if they are suitable. As I'm sure you're aware with hip dysplasia dogs should be kept on the lean side so a diet low in fat could be considered. You could consider switching to adult food. But really it needs to be decided between you and your vet because of your individual circumstances.
Re: Hip Dysplasia Hi Shell, Sorry your news isn't what you were hoping for, but at least you know now what you are dealing with which helps a little I suppose. Lilly has severe dysplasia, and has adapted so well that she rarely limps now with her low dose anti-inflammatories, so things may not be as dire as you imagine. It might actually be a good idea to invest in a crate, because if surgery IS needed, you might not be able to cope without it. Julie has done a huge amount of work with Charlie preparing for his surgery, and has given great advice about exercise and entertaining your dog. I think it was Julie too who mentioned about "weekend cowboys"? Minimal exercise most of the time then overdoing it when let off the lead and doing a hooley resulting in more pain than necessary. I would suspect that slow steady consistent calm walks are the aim once you can step activity up a bit. Swimming can be great and I would be surprised if your vet said no - also, most insurance will cover at least some hydrotherapy sessions as far as I am aware. I can't answer your diet question I am afraid. I just take the line of getting the best quality food I can afford. Our ortho vet recommended Omega-3 fish oil caps too (human variety, twice the adult dose) but felt that the chondroitin that humans take for joint problems (aka green lipped muscle) had no evidence to support it. Keeping slim is a priority, aiming for a nice waist and visible rib on turning. Thinking of you, Keep us updated xx
Re: Hip Dysplasia So sry to hear abt the X-rays i do knw wat advice to give you on this Cooper is on Science Plan presciption mobility diet tats wat my vet suggested and is on medication with petjoint bone tablets may be you can ask ur vet abt food options as some dogs may or may not like the food suggested here by us u can keep her on moderate and light exercise and avoid rough play and free running in the house as it may make the matter worse and be positive on your side too tat will make willow happy too Good luck let us knw wats the decision
Re: Hip Dysplasia Does anyone by any chance have any footage of their dog moving with signs of HD that they wouldn't mind sharing??? I for one would find this really useful. Have been trawling through youtube, but footage is limited. Best one I have found is of a Boxer pup, but I'd really like to see some Labrador shots... Have been watching videos that people have posted of their Labradors out on walks just to look for 'normal' ranges of movement too. Any suggestions of good footage / material you might have very gratefully received! Thanks Clare
Re: Hip Dysplasia [quote author=ClareJ link=topic=3890.msg45815#msg45815 date=1389351938] Have been watching videos that people have posted of their Labradors out on walks just to look for 'normal' ranges of movement too. Any suggestions of good footage / material you might have very gratefully received! Thanks Clare [/quote] This is within a normal range of movement - watch how Charlie can bunny hop around with his back legs. He doesn't always do this, but would do it particularly when playing. This was before his injury, and his hips and elbows have been x-rayed and found perfect. http://www.flickr.com/photos/97932779@N08/10976051215/
Re: Hip Dysplasia Clare I wished I'd taken a video at the time which would I have been good for the vet too as having her walk around the surgery didn't really give a clear vision especially as she was nervous. However when she was relaxed and in the house I really noticed it first - there was just something 'off' with her walk, the hind legs looked quite tight together (as if you were bursting for the loo and are trying to walk ???) and as Teena says the back paws almost cross each other when she walks instead of being in line with her front paws. The no exercise rule is REALLY difficult as I have a dog door to a gated paved area and the rest of the garden (and jack is so used to the freedom). Now she doesn't go out unless she needs thanks to Pippa's advice on keeping her off the lead early on she prefers to stay close to me but the poor pet went out this morning to do the needful and did a couple of laps of the garden (its a big garden!) as if she was a greyhound. I couldn't really blame her as she's been kept inside for days I'm back to work on Monday so they'll be restricted to the paved area and certain rooms so we'll see how it goes - great idea on the mental stimulation, if she's anything like me it will exhaust her lol. At least living in a single level cottage helps that there's no stairs You are very right djrs@5 I totally prefer to know where I stand with the condition & am able to make informed choices which can make a big difference to Willows life - prevention/early intervention is always better and thanks for the tip on omega 3 I'll get onto that immediately. Willow was a rescue who didnt have the best start in life, she was emaciated at 9 weeks and had been kicked in the jaw when a woman bought her. She (allegedly) came from a proper breeder and had parents with good papers however the woman buying her didn't know anything about dogs so contacted her friend the following day after willow wailed all night. Her friend owns 5 working gun dogs and was aghast at the poor pups condition taking her straight to the vets who said she had only days to live, she was in such bad condition that he couldn't vaccinate her. She made it through & the friend took her home to get her healthy enough to be rehomed and I was lucky enough to meet her at 15 wks. To be honest if I had known then what I know now I would definitely still have taken her - I had been searching for another dog for the past 6 mths (Teal having passed 6 mths previous to that) and didn't find the right one for me & Jack. I really believe Willow found me and I will always do what is best for her no matter the outcome of the diagnosis She's just going to have to be my supermodel at a size 0 lol.
Re: Hip Dysplasia Oh what a sad start in life your girl has had, but as a rescue owner myself , you have to try and think that she is happy now and thats all that matters . I am so sorry to read about her hips , I feel very sad for you , lots and lots of luck to you both x
Re: Hip Dysplasia [quote author=JulieT link=topic=3890.msg46127#msg46127 date=1389454297] watch how Charlie can bunny hop around with his back legs. [/quote] Thanks, Julie - we've been seeing some bunny hopping, so it's good to see that a dog who is known to have perfect hips will also do this when it suits! Clare
Re: Hip Dysplasia [quote author=Shell link=topic=3890.msg46165#msg46165 date=1389466857] there was just something 'off' with her walk, the hind legs looked quite tight together (as if you were bursting for the loo and are trying to walk ???) and as Teena says the back paws almost cross each other when she walks instead of being in line with her front paws. [/quote] This is a really useful description as well, thanks! Poor Willow - she certainly didn't have the start that anyone would wish for a pup, but she has you on her team now. Hope things go okay with you back at work next week. Clare
Re: Hip Dysplasia I agree with Shell - that "tightness" of the back legs is certainly something that Lilly still has. Its a good description - like she needs to Poo ;D As far as the bunny-hopping goes. I think Lilly's is (or WAS) subtly different - with Charlie when the back feet go down there is a bit of a one-two, with the feet going down not entirely together, and I think when Lilly was sorer, they were more or less going down exactly at the same time. Now she is a bit better, we get that same one-two as Charlie, in fact I remarked upon that exact same thing to Sophie when we were at the beach today. Does this make sense? I wish I could lay my hands on the video, but that is OH's remit. Not my type of technology and my laptop doesn't have the software to download his vids. :
Re: Hip Dysplasia [quote author=drjs@5 link=topic=3890.msg46206#msg46206 date=1389474226] As far as the bunny-hopping goes. I think Lilly's is (or WAS) subtly different - with Charlie when the back feet go down there is a bit of a one-two, with the feet going down not entirely together, and I think when Lilly was sorer, they were more or less going down exactly at the same time. [/quote] Very interesting. A good description of this helps a lot of owners with young dogs - I watched Charlie like a hawk, and agonised over every "bunny hop" that I now know I had no need to worry over.
Re: Hip Dysplasia Hi Shell, I have read your story and Willows bad start in life, just wanted to say so pleased she has you, and you are giving her the proper care and love. I know it must be quite a hard job to care for her, fingers crossed my Otis will be okay with his hips, at nine months they seem fine. I can recommend Arden Grange as a food, It has good stuff in it, very natural, with god oils, they do quite a range of different ones. Otis is nice and slim on it, with a good coat and firm stools, take care, Maggiex
Re: Hip Dysplasia I'm butting in a bit here....(I'm so glad Willow is safe and loved with you and your family Shell ) What are thoughts on giving your dog Omega Oils anyway regardless of hip/joint condition?Would Dexter benefit in later life if I started giving him some now?i see Bunny Hops at times too but as I have no reason to suspect anything untoward I've not got myself in creases over it....I will be looking next time though for this one two for placement x
