hip dysplacia

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pickalilli

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Does anyone have any experience of this in puppies????

I have a 4 month old cocker spaniel who may have this. Is there anything i can do to help her??
 
Yes my Border terrier was diagnosed with severe HD at 6 months... vets recommended double hip joint removal. We didnt go ahead with that, instead we did the hydrotherapy and MSM/Glucosamine feed supplement route (which were recommended anyway pre any surgery).

Taggie is now 4 and a half and has been sound as a pound since her course of hydrotherapy and the follow up Xrays have shown that ligaments and muscles have built up to partially compensate for the lack of a proper socket for the joint.

She has had Synoquin (MSM/Glucosamine) capsule every day (powder sprinked on dampened food - you can get small breed size which is the right amount.

I reckon the hydrotherapy and the supplement are the best possible things, as they cant do any harm to her even if other treatment is required, and in our case they have been the only things we needed. Some insurance companies cover some or all of the hydro cost.

The other thing we did was make sure she never got overweight (because of strain on the joints) and also got her speyed - we were going to anyway but def didnt want any chance of accidental breeding from dodgy hips girlie! We informed the breeder too, not that she was very interested.And we got her a doggie companion from a rescue to make sure they would race each other ragged and keep her very fit so that her physique would continue to provide joint support.

i hope this helps, I was devastated when the diagnosed the HD as it was pretty severe to show up at that age, so if yours is HD it might be similar and so hopefully the above suggestions will be useful! good luck with your girlie and let us know how she gets on......:-))
 
The most important thing is to have the diagnosis confirmed by x-ray, if your vet has not already done so. I have heard of many instances of vets sweepingly stating a dog has hd but subsequent x rays have shown the hips are fine. As far as helping your pup, I can not offer a lot of help but would say she is a bit young to be considering surgery of any sort. I had a GSD who had really bad hips (score of 98) but who lived until she was 12 without a days lameness. The secret was keeping her incredibly well muscled, loads of swimming and hill work. Obviously your pup is too young for this at the moment but gentle exercise is always good. Sorry not to be more help, hope you are able to keep her sound.
 
I would also try hydrotherapy. I dont actually think your dog is too young either. But the best person to speak to would be the hydrotherapist. I know of two Irish Wolfhounds who have been swimming since about 16 weeks.
 
Have just re-read my post. When I talked of swimming I meant in a river (didn't have hydrotherapy in those days), and at 4 months wouldn't want to risk a pup in fairly fast water. But I agree hydrotherapy would probably be good for your puppy, as you can do just short amounts and build it up.
 
My GSD was diagnosed with this as a puppy and had a full hip replacement just after he turned one. He is doing brilliantly now without any problems. If he hadn't had his op he probably would have been pts by now as it was so severe.
Have you got your puppy insured? If not it's worth doing asap. I insured with Pet Plan and they paid for all of Murphys operation (over £4000) without any problems. He is still insured for the life time of his condition aswell. I have the number of the specialist that performed the operation, he could maybe recommend a specialist in your area or have a chat with you about your options. Pm me if you'd like his details
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