Buford's battle w/ HOD

[Linswatson]

We're going on about the third week of Buford having Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy, (HOD). He's not getting any better, but he doesn't seem to be getting too much worse either. He stopped eating for a couple of days, and he's getting very thin. My vet suggested rice cooked in chicken broth and boiled chicken or beef. He'll eat that, but it's still not as much as he used to eat. He sleeps all day and limps terribly when he walks. He's on a new type of pain medication, similar to morphine that may help him to not have an upset stomach so he'll eat more. Some days he perks up and other days are pretty scary. I know there are a few people out there with experience with HOD- I need some positive feedback. Any ideas to make him more comfortable? Anything I can do other than give him pain pills, sit and wait?

 

[Rocco850]

I'm really sorry Lindsey! :( I don't know much about HOD, so I really can't help you there. You guys will definitley be in our thoughts.
-Jenette

 

[Linswatson]

My poor pup :(

Thanks! It's so sad looking at that little guy and there just isn't anything that we can do for him! He sleeps 24-7 and hobbles so badly when he gets up that I just want him to lay down again. I've read up a lot on the internet and it just looks like it's something we have to wait out. this sucks! Thanks for your thoughts though!

 

[Imoenboxers]

Poor Fella!

From what I have just read about HOD, it sounds like the growing pains I use to experience when I was little. It was so painful and I always found it really hard to sleep. Something that always seemed to help though was an electric blanket or a hot water bottle. I am not sure why it helped, but maybe this could help your baby too.
I just hope he gets better soon!

 

[Linswatson]

Got him to eat a big bowl of bland food, but I had to put it in front of him and he ate as he laid there. I got him to drink a little water that way too. I'm afraid he'll get dehydrated b/c he doesn't drink much at all. At least now I know he's sleeping on a full belly. His new pain meds don't seem to be curbing the pain too much. I'm supposed to keep him on these for 48 hours to see how he does. I can't believe I have to put him through another painful day! :(

 

[Nikka Baby]

I too do not know anything about HOD, so I am not much help either. I do know that my female boxer is a social eater, per say. It might help if you sit with him while he eats and drinks. I have actually gotten down on the floor with her when she had been sick, it might help him to know that you are there to comfort him.
He'll be in my thoughts and prayers!!

 

[cl2ysta1]

I fought a battle with HOD and my little girl for 7 months.. unfortunetly the HOD won.... I miss her terribly.. the sad thing is.. the only thing you CAN do is wait. It's horrible... Cali was on Rimadyl... which towards the end of her life even if she got a shot of torb she was still in pain. The best advice I can give is keep ur baby eating and drinking ... no matter what.. and try to keep them as inactive as possible... because when they do try to walk it just makes for a bad day for themwith pain.. and love them as much as you can.. I really hope that your little baby gets better.. I have a picture in my gallery of my cali when she had her HOD... Good luck and if you need any support im here

 

[Linswatson]

Cali

I read the entire thread about your puppy when I found out that he had this. It's so frustrating and discouraging just watching him in pain! I'm just trying to keep him eating and drinking. He was up a lot last night crying which was horrible. I just sat up and pet his head. I'm trying to get him to take his pain meds now, but he doesn't want the snausage that I tucked it in, (totally unlike him to pass up a snausage!). So, I'll try another tactic. Thanks for all of your input!

 

[Linswatson]

me Again!

I know i'm posting like crazy, but I have all of this nervous energy. My husband and I had to go to work, (I'm leaving early to go home) and I feel like crying or throwing up! I keep thinking about my little puppy at home hurting and it breaks my heart! I just want him to be better!

 

[babs1225]

I also do not know much about HOD but I wish you the best of luck and you are in my thoughts.