hip dyslasia-treatment

[illjoo]

I would love to talk to anyone who has a dog that has had either hip replacement surgery or a femoral/neck excision surgery. I am debating the options with my baby, Moe. She is 2.5 years old and has hip dysplasia.

Jill

[tiffers]

...hmm, we've had clients who've had hip replacements done. Definitely pricey...but the dogs act as though they were born with perfect hips...though, that also depends on the surgeon, too.

Chica has Hip Dysplasia. She's almost 7. She limps in the Winter, but it's nothing some Anti-Inflammatories won't fix.

What kind of dog do you have? And is surgery your only option?

[illjoo]

She is an English Mastiff. She has been on Rimadyl, but still seems sore. I am afraid that as she gets older it may get worse. Some web sites don't recommend femoral head and neck excision for a dog her size. Have you or anyone had experience with this?

[NewfieGrl]

I would also look at the degree, or severity, of the dysplasia before making a decision on surgery. I'd also get a second opinion. My nine year old Newfie has one bad hip. When first diagnosed it was very mild. I would have never even known it if I had not had OFA's done on him when he was 2. He started noticeable discomfort, along with some arthritis, after he turned 7. I have him on a regimen of light exercise (walks, swimming), acupuncture, fish oil, and a joint/muscle supplement. I do metacam as needed, however have been able to greatly reduce the metacam with all of the above.
When walking my holistic vet suggested short walks, but some uphill so he is forced to use the back leg. Also, walking on sand and wading in the water.
Exercising from sit to stand also makes them use the rear legs. If you opt for not having surgery you don't want atrophy to set in. I would also highly recommend a holistic vet if you don't opt for surgery, as they will put together a complete regimen for you.
Good luck.
Michele
owned by 2 Newfies, a cocker spaniel and 2 cats
RIP Bootsie-March ? 1988-April 22, 2007

[suzy]

Hello - How do you know if your dog has hip Dyslasia? I have a puppy that is 9 months old.. She has been fine as far as I have seen.. However the past 2 months, when she runs she lifts her left back leg. She doesnt do it when she walks, but as soon as she picks up the pace, she lifts it as if she is a rabbit or a dear. It doesnt seem to cause her any pain though. I did take her to the vet and the vet did an X-Ray and found nothing wrong.. She gave her a shot of some type of Corizone (think thats what it was). That shot made her nervouse and shaky for about 3 weeks.. Now she is a bit back to normal, however she still has the lifting of the Left hind leg.. I honestly dont know what to do. I dont want to take her back to the vet, becasue I am not crazy about the vet I take her too.. Any advice from anyone? I would appreciate it very much.. Thanks!

[tiffers]

Hello - How do you know if your dog has hip Dyslasia?
Xrays are generally a sure sign. If it's only bothering you, I wouldn't worry about it. And if the vet took xrays and saw nothing wrong, and did an exam of the joints and whatnot, she's probably okay.

[xpalaboyx]

get a good surgeon but that will cost you some money. Make sure that the surgeon has credentials to do the job.