Hip dysplasia

yogidc26

Hi

Just wondering has anyone had a dog with Hip dysplasia I have just been told that my lab that is just one has it and my have to be put down my wife is beside her self

Pheonix Ski

Im so sorry to hear that,you both must be heart broken. Ive never had a dog with hip dysplia but if you dont mind me asking,how did you come to realise he had a probelm as its common in the breeds i have?

yogidc26

He slipped while running on our wooden floor and was not right so I brought him to the vet and he was in to get an x-ray and he vet just told us I don’t know what to do. The vet said that he is going to see if a doctor has any ideas on what we might do.

But if he as none we just will have to get him put down.

If that happens what does anyone think the best think to do is get a new dog straight away of leave it for a while. I have a 1 and a half year old little girl and she just loves him she will not go to bed with out giving him a kiss poor little thing is not going to know where he is gone

Pheonix Ski

Poor thing,i didnt realise they could do anything when thay got hip dysplia,a friend of mine had to have his staffie put down at 8 months cause hes back legs just gave up and he was dragging himself around,sometimes its kinder for them to be put out of pain but if they can find a way for him to be healthy and happy thats brillant! *fingers crossed*
If i was in your situtaion i would wait a while before you get another pup,this might sound silly but you will all need time to get over he/she been put to sleep and if you get one straight away it may upset everyone and make you think more of the pup thats gone then the new one you have.

Ruby Soho

There are many many different degrees of hip dysplasia, just because your dog has it, doesn't mean he can't be treated. Some dogs will be in big trouble, some only require the odd bout of medication when he / she becomes symptomatic. Depending on the severity, he might be ok if maintained on NSAIDS from time to time (i.e. Metacam, Previcox, Carprofen to name but a few). If its really bad, there are surgical options, although many are seriously big operations and may require him to attend a specialist orthopaedic vet to suss out the options, but many have a very high success rate. Unfortunately, they are very very expensive, so I do hope he has pet insurance!! Labradors and other large breed dogs such as rottis are no strangers to genetic joint problems, thats why its so important to have breeding dogs evaluated through hip scores etc before they reproduce, so as not to pass the problem on and weaken the breed. Talk to your vet and see what he thinks, even the most horrendous cases (and trust me I've seen some) can be managed, the dogs are pain free and functional. Don't dismiss the dog before you have a thorough consultation about the problem, don't be afraid to ask for a referral if your vet can't offer all of the options.

EGAR

I'll second what Ruby wrote 100%.

Go to a good vet who has experience with HD and get a second opinion.

If you are in the West of Ireland I can reccommend a real good vet in Galway who is a specialist for this sort of thing . he saved my GD Parci from death (Wobbler's Syndrome).

Sarah

kerrysgold

That's crappy news but I wouldn't be considering putting him down unless he was in unmanageable pain.

my aunt had an alsatian who had bad hip dysplasia and she had one of those little cart things for her back legs and was happy with that, she used to run around with the other dogs like normal.

Ruby Soho

Oh yeah, I probably wouldn't run out to buy a pup right now!! If, and I understand its an if, surgery is an option, your dog is going to need to be rested (i.e. a crate) for a while, a boisterous puppy swinging out of his ear is not going to help the situation! Oh yeah, and get him neutered, hip dysplasia must end with him!! I bet loads of people on this board have experience of this problem, it's NOT uncommon, you'll get loads of advice in the next few days.

Morganna

I agree with what Ruby and Egar said .I would get a second opinion and i would want to see the xrays and know the hip score etc .

kerrysgold

agreed about neutering him if he isn't done already. I suppose hip dysplasia could be much rarer if all the breeders did the hip scoring which is supposed to try and breed out hip dysplasia I think?

Ruby Soho

Its also really really important that the dog is prevented from gaining excessive weight, this will not only make him more uncomfortable but may exacerbate the condition. You could also consider giving some vitamin / mineral supplements containing glucosamine and chondritin which will help to slow down the onset of degenerative joint disease (similar to whats found in 'Over 55' human multi-vitamins). Make sure the dog is eating a food specially designed for his growth stage (juvenile large breed), there are also brands available specifically for joint problem which contain more supportive ingredients (Science Plan j/D is one). Just ask your vet and don't panic yet!!!

EGAR

I've got a 16 yro RW x GSD bitch here with HD and ED, she is doing very well on Sasha's Blend, can't reccommend it highly enough.

Swimming helps to ease the joints and prevent excessive weight gain .

golden

It would be the last thing that I would do is PTS. Like what some of the other posters have said get another opinion. As mentioned in severe cases or where it is needed you can get dog wheelchairs see this site www.doggon-uk.com. Like what Egar has mentioned swimming is great it takes the weight off the dog but still excercises the dog at the same time.

Good Luck