Hip dysplasia

[lillys7]

My Guinness was just diagnosed this morning. He has shown no symptoms until this morning that anything was wrong with his hips. The vet can't believe it is as advanced as it is for him having no problems and for being younger.

He is on NSAIDS and I am putting him on Glucosamine Chondratin. we are tryin gthis before discussing other options.

My question is does anyone else have suggestions to help him or alternatives to surgery? He is in so much pain it breaks my heart, I know it's dayone and it will get better as the meds take effect but I want to be prepared (especially financially) for whatever is in his future.

Thank you!!!

 

[ChristyA]

Weigh out the long term effects of the meds, and how long they will work. He is very young and will hopefully live at least 6 more years. Surgery now while he is young would be better than when he is older, if you are thinking surgery. A friend of mine had a Rott that had hip displaysia surgery when he was two. It went very well and the dog did fine after that. You know these guy love to run and jump so you want to do what it takes to let them be Boxer's.

Christy
Dexter 9/98-6/08
Sophie 9/98 - missing her friend

 

[ladyluck_t]

My girl was diagnosed with HD at 6 months old....and I was told I would have to make that quality of life decision when she was around 5-8 yrs old.

Recently (like a year or so ago) I switched her to the raw diet, with lots of joint bones (i.e. natural glucosimine that gets absorbed much faster than pills )

I then did Accupuncture for a year. She is now 8 yrs old and still launching herself off the back of my couch :rolleyes: I am sure that the diet and the accupuncture helped.

I try to stay away from NSAIDs long term, they have been found to cause liver damage.

I know in my heart that I bought my girl an extra 2-3 yrs.

 

[buffylvangel]

Accupuncture buys time

Accupuncture helped my Bear live to be 16 1/2 years old. Try it.

She had a wonderful life except for the last two months. We spent that time hugging and kissing anyway.

 

[butlersmom]

We found out that Butler has just a trace of HD a few months ago. Maintaining a good weight is key. Water therapy works well, as does walking up hills. Helps to build muscle. We haven't done the water therapy because there's none available in our area, but I've managed to get about 7lbs off Butler and with the walking, he is 100% better. Luckily, there was no arthritis with Butler, and the HD is minimal. He will be 6 on the 4th of July.

Best wishes to Guinness.

 

[Gruntsmom]

Sending your Guinness healing vibes, I'm sorry to hear about his HD.

 

[lillys7]

Thanks everyone! His weight is good he is a very petite male (around 50 lbs.) the vet said it is good that he is small. He is just breaking my heart, he couldn't get out of bed this morning and when I helped him he howled. He couldn't even go down the stairs to go to the bathroom. He won't eat or drink unless I prompt him to and he doesn't want to sit down. It's day 2 of meds, I only give him the NSAIDS once a day for now. I know they aren't good for his liver so I'm hoping they kick in soon so I can decrease the dosing.

I will look into alternative treatment, I live in Chicago so I'm sure there are places here. I'm also worried about the costs of surgery and treatment so I'm hoping this will work for now so I can save up funds.

The worst part is my poor puppy, she is trying to protect him which is adorable but she still wants to test the waters with play and I'm afraid she will hurt him. I may see if a friend will take her short term.

 

[boxerrussell]

You mentioned that he doesn't really feel like eating. I'm not sure which NSAID he's taking (my guess is Rimadyl?), however, many NSAIDS will upset the stomach/cause GI issues, so try offering him anything he'll eat (chicken, rice, etc.). It will help put something in his stomach so that he doesn't have any GI issues.

 

[lillys7]

I will, that's a good idea he is prone to GI issues. I actually thought this whole thing was a GI issue because he was not eating that much for a few days (which is normal for him) and he had diarrhea, so the HD was a BIG suprise!

 

[butlersmom]

You can give him Pepcid or Tagamet with the Nsaids to help the tummy issues.