Canine Hip Dysplasia - urgent advice needed

Wellyboots6

That's interesting Laconic, I assumed it was all due to too much breeding, didn't realise it occured in the wild too.

Tyson is now going to be moving on to OAP dog food, he is still a puppy in his head but I think his body is about due to some TLC!

He had his first session of hydrotherapy the other day and loved it! He was a little stiff later in the evening, but was fine the next day. They are gradually going to increase the time his sessions last for.

He did not appreciate having to wear a 'swimming costume' though!

krlyr

Is it a senior food with grains in? I've read several pages that believe grains can aggravate arthritic conditions so it might be worth thinking twice about switching to senior food, as many of these are just bulked out with more grains to lower the protein content. Might be better off just keeping him on rations of an adult food and supplementing with joint-friendly health supplements on top of the food Did I post the dog-aware page on arthritis? Lots of good info that relates to other joint issues too
http://dogaware.com/health/arthritis.html

Frugalista

Laconic wrote: »

-- the PennHIP programme (alas, not available in the UK)

I believe it is actually available in the UK. I was offered this by a vet (who was previously one of the panellists for the BVA scheme) approximately 3 years ago. He also offered to do a talk for our breed club, at the time.

My understanding was that the uptake for this scheme was somewhat slow because they have to actually dislocate the hips during screening, rather than just rotate them in the sockets - though I hold my hands up if I misunderstood his explanation.

Wellyboots6

Krlyr it's Autarky Autumn Mature which has been recommended. I will see how he goes on it. He is having various supplements too, so he should be well oiled soon enough!

I am feeling a little more relaxed about it all at the moment, although I am bound to panic again next time he has a bad day.

Laconic

Frugalista wrote: »

I believe it is actually available in the UK. I was offered this by a vet (who was previously one of the panellists for the BVA scheme) approximately 3 years ago. He also offered to do a talk for our breed club, at the time.

My understanding was that the uptake for this scheme was somewhat slow because they have to actually dislocate the hips during screening, rather than just rotate them in the sockets - though I hold my hands up if I misunderstood his explanation.

Ah, so I see! I'm glad that it's available in the UK. PennHIP DOES NOT dislocate the hip joints: I've seen it in action and what they do is to position the limbs in a standing position, using a frame to make sure that the positioning is correct and not due to operator variance. It cannot over-extend the dog's joints. Could you imagine how horrific the pain would be if this was the case? What would that achieve?

It's an excellent system: the results are actually scientifically valid -- if you breed dogs that score well in hip laxity, you *will* get better puppies unlike current hip scoring methods. You can learn early enough in your dog's life to actually take action while it's not yet suffered joint damage.


Krylr,

The only proven connection between diet and joint health is obesity. A lean (you have to see the last three ribs) dog lives longer (two years longer on average), has fewer joint problems and is active longer. Feed whatever you like, but do not overfeed.

Wellyboots6

Well I certainly don't have a porky pooch!

I imagine you would be able to see his last couple of ribs underneath all the fur.

He is currently fed as a working dog, as he is very active.

He doesn't struggle to put on weight, but he can lose weight easily if needed. He was stupidly skinny when I got him from the rescue. I think that is where his problems have come from as he wasn't just skinny, he had hardly any muscle at all. Took a while to build up enough muscle around his back end to keep his legs stable.

Very active little monkey now though who loves to run and jump and play!

Wellyboots6

Pooch has started on Cartrophen injections today.

Has anyone had any experience of these? I am hoping there are some good news stories out there!

How often would he end up having them after the initial course? The vet wasn't very clear.

gettingready

katy721 wrote: »

Pooch has started on Cartrophen injections today.

Has anyone had any experience of these? I am hoping there are some good news stories out there!

How often would he end up having them after the initial course? The vet wasn't very clear.

Sorry do not have experience of that but please do let me know how much those costs and what the vet told you will it do? How long should it last?

Was thinking Zara may need it at some point, heard about it from back home (Poland) but not here so... do tell, is he better?

Wellyboots6

Apparently it helps re-build the cartilage in the joints.

I think its about £13 per injection, plus half a consultation fee at my vets.

They said he would have 1 a week for 4 weeks, and then they reduce it down until he is having it 6 weekly. I don't know what happens after that.

They said if he shows improvement after the 4 weeks then he can hopefully stop some of the tablets he is on, which would be nice as they are giving him wind!

The vet said you might not tell if it is working until he has had the 4 initial injections.

So far he is seeming in slightly less pain, but still isn't too stable on his back legs. He had a good squeak at the vets though when she was checking his hips over

lisawood78

Storm has these and has the about a year now.
She is down to every 6 -7 weeks and onmeloxicam as and when required.

She is a different dog, the only time you know she has a problem is perhaps a day or 2 before she is due an injection.

They have made the world of difference to her.