spaniel hip problem

Legacy_user

My parents have a springer who has been limping regularly after investigation the vet says her hip bones are grinding against each other.
The treatment apparently is life long daily painkillers surely this can't be right ! Has anyone had the same issue ? Can it be fixed ?

Jackieboy

CHRISSYG wrote: »

My parents have a springer who has been limping regularly after investigation the vet says her hip bones are grinding against each other.
The treatment apparently is life long daily painkillers surely this can't be right ! Has anyone had the same issue ? Can it be fixed ?

Are you describing an early symptom of hip dysplasia or something else?

System

She has been examined under anasthetic and thats all they have said is her bones are rubbing together.

sheramber

Was the possibility of other treatment/ surgery discussed? Did your parents indicate they could not afford say a hip replacement?

A friend had a lab with severe hip dysplasia that was so bad no op was possible. Several vets investigated over the year but all agreed.
He was on Rimadyl for many years until he was 11 years old when his front leg collapsed so he could not support his weight.

System

They said nothing else was suggested , money isn't an issue insurance covers any costs.
After watching The Supervet it just seems astonishing that pain relief for life is the only option.

sheramber

CHRISSYG wrote: »

They said nothing else was suggested , money isn't an issue insurance covers any costs.
After watching The Supervet it just seems astonishing that pain relief for life is the only option.

Then ask for a second opinion or a referral to a specialist.

bouicca21

If you have insurance then get a second opinion. How old is the dog? Is this wear and tear/old age related or as others have asked, dysplasia?

System

She is about 6 yrs old and alread has had one knee operated on a couple of years ago.
I have tried to get them to see someone else but they trust their vet and seem to accept that this poor dog is on pain relief for the rest of its life !

sheramber

It may not be a problem with the hips themselves. It may be a mechanical problem due to a different conformation after the knee operation Two bones rubbing means arthritis sets in.

Perhaps you could visit the vet with them and ask for an explanation of why it is happening and ask questions such as would supplements like glucosamine help.

My dog has the start of arthritis in her knee joint after a cruciate repair and my vet has strongly recommended Nutraquin Plus. She said they have had dogs come off Metacam after starting taking it. It is non prescription but can only be bought from a vet.

Accupuncture might help as might physio and/or hydrotherapy. If you venture down that path use fully qualified therapists. Check the pet insurance as it may cover some or all of the treatments.

I trusted my vet for 20 years but when he said he could do more for dog's limp I eventually went to another vet. He diagnosed she had 2 slipped discs ( that had not been treated for 1 year) as well as the hock joint problem that my own vet had diagnosed. I still used my original vet for my other dog but I learned to stick with my gut feeling and query everything now.

I have found that if I ask, a vet is willing to give a full explanation , including diagrams. If you don't ask you don't get.

System

My problem is i live over 100 miles away so cannot actively do much .

My own dog had a cruciate repair about 3 yrs ago he started limping on his other leg and his vet at the time said he needed the other one done. It had become apparent over the previos months that the vet [the pet vet group] was very money orientated so we decided to take him elsewhere . The new vet said theres a little movement on his knee but he is limping because his muscle around his hip is inflamed !