Holistic Vet for diagnosed hip displasia?

[2Boxers2]

My 7 month old girl, Shayla, has recently been diagnosed with hip displasia on her right and left hind legs, by a conventional vet. I like this particular vet, they've taken great care and concern for her thus far...BUT, the surgeon they had me see to Examine her seemed quick to recommend a Triple Pelvic Osteotomy. I'm not convinced. I don't feel comfortable having to put her through a 5 hour surgery and have her bed ridden for 8 weeks then ON leash only for 6 months and likley not a full recovery for 1 year (!). She's a spirited girl with lots of personality and pep and I just don't want to take that from her or put her through such a serious procedure. Not to mention any surgery is serious just in and of itself. My basic options seem to be do some sort of surgery now and see if it helps but that she "will" get arthritis regardless. I can do NO surgery and just wait to see when (if?) she gets Arthritis and then keep her comfortable with the right doses of exercise and meds until later on in years when she'll probably need hip surgery. It just doesn't seem right. If I choose no surgery (which is the way I'm leaning), I'm wondering if a holistic vet might atleast have some sort of therapy or herbal remedies that might help slow the onset of arthritis and/or keep her comfortable until she's older and who knows, maybe she won't need that hip replacement in later years, if I can strengthen her joints and bones....? Any input?...I could really use some.

Shayla's mom

 

[ladyluck_t]

I am not a vet, so i cant say for sure, but i can say what my vet told me. When katie was 6mo's she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, my vet told me that they wont do anything with her until she is about 2yrs old, he said that they would take x-rays then to determine the severity. he explained that at 2yrs old most dogs have completed their growing and they will have a better idea of what to do. also, he recommended that i switch her to adult large breed food, to slow her growth down, and to not let her run or stand. Of course, at that last statement i looked at him like he was an idiot, and said "you do know she is a boxer! how in the world do i keep her from running?" well he told me not to go running/jogging with her, and to not encourage running. he prescribed some rimadal for the days when she "burns" too hard. Personnally, if i were you , i would get a second opinion about the surgery. that is pretty tough on a dog. also, i would be worried about doing any kind of bone/joint work on a dog that is not full grown but that is my own opinion.

Good Luck
Carolyn, KAtie and Peek-a-boo

 

[cls]

homeopathic medicine for hip displaysia

I want to let you know of a book that is put out by Dr. Richard Pitcairn. It is natural health for cats and dogs. There are many diffeent supplements etc. for hip diplaysia. I feel it is worth while to try alternative and get a second opinion. I hope this is some help to you.

 

[MagsMom]

Wow!!

My little girl was just x-rayed and diagnosed with hip displaysia this past Monday. I took her to a different vet from her regular vet mainly because this vet is licensed to perform accupuncture and he also does chiropractic work. I learned a lot from him in one short visit. Maggie is 20 mos and her growth plates are closed. He really didn't recommend surgery because he said that in the end they still get the arthritis and are in pain regardless. None of the vets in our area are keen on the surgery (I'm not either). On the same token I also don't like my baby hurting either. He said not to restrict her activity. He said that becoming a "couch potatoe" would be the worst thing in the world for her as it would cause the joint to actually freeze up on her. He said to limit jumping (yea right), but we're trying to keep her activities closer to the ground. In the meantime I have her on glucosamine and I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to get 7 lbs off her. She does love her "cookies".

In your case, I would definitely get a second opinion. Every case is different and every dog has very different needs. I sure hope your little girl is doing ok. Hugs,
Candice

 

[sashamom]

My Telmar was also just diagnosed with hip dysplasia ( almost 2 years old) and we do have a wonderful vet...completely honest with the cost and short term effectiveness of surgery. While i have slowed Telmar down 'a bit' as far as running too much, i have also been realistic about him being such an active puppy and let him be my monster boxer. I got some great advice on here...i just ordered syn-flex online and am anxious to try it and see how good it is....i have also bought tons of treats with gloucosimine (sp??) and am hoping to see a difference. Everything i have read discourages meds for now due to the side effects having a negative affect and ultimately shutting down liver and kidneys. As far as a holistic vet....i am not sure...but a second opinion would be a good idea and could hurt nothing. Keep me posted...i would be interested in seeing how things go for you!