Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed at Age 7
Hannah went to the vet due to her yelping. In the vet's office she was rambunctious jumping up and down on the bench seating and ..........NOT yelping. I felt like the biggest overreacting idiot. Since we were already there I decided to leave her anyway and also have an x-ray. I go back to get her and have my first inclination when I pay the bill that something's not right. And then when they tell me she's resting. Hannah had twisted her pelvis when she landed wrong because she has hip dysplasia. A completely unexpected/shocking diagnosis. At that point I don't know what else was said. That's one of the reasons I didn't post details right away because I haven't a clue what was said after the hip dysplasia statement. To the best of my recollection here goes: She had x-rays that were very difficult for her to endure. The hereditary dysplasia on a 1-5 scale is a 4 with 5 being the worst. There is some arthritis. She has some calcium deposits but not in the worst areas so that's good news. I was told not to give her tap water because that will increase the liklihood of calcium deposits. We were given chondro-flex II 2 pills 2x day She was given a spinal and pelvis adjustment and electroaccuscope treatment. She had a blood workup and thyroid panel. Her thyroid medicine was increased and she has to be rechecked She's really not supposed to jump, do stairs or have Copper jump on her (OK) I asked about surgery. Since this is the first time she's showed symptoms she thinks it might be treatable other ways. I think the next step besides getting my brain together is to have her evaluated by a specialist and I need to talk to the vet again once I can assimilate the information. I know the vet realized how overwrought I was and acted accordingly. Poor Hannah hasn't been herself since we've come home. She went through a lot. Ironically when she has just lost weight and I thought she was in better physical shape. She's lived 7 years with us having no inclination though on hind sight I now think twice about some of her behaviors. We've had her hips checked several times but never an x-ray. Now I know I should have asked for an x-ray. What do you think guys? I know I will now have to search all of the hip dysplasia threads. Wish it was one big one. We've dealt with dysplasia before but it's somehow different finding out 7 years into it. Hip dysplasia in a sweet 7 year old. How to keep her around and healthy as long as possible? |
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| I am so saddened by Hannah's diagnosis. It sounds like it was a complete shock and it can be hard to adjust to the idea that your sweet, beautiful girl is not perfectly healthy.
I think the fact that she showed no signs til now must be a good thing. I gather that a key to non-surgical treatment is keeping the muscles around the joint strong with non-impact exercise, such as swimming. If the musces are strong, they can hold the joint in place even with a lousy socket. This is also important for handling arthritis in the hips (as I have learned with Chum). Keeping her weight down will help alot. I agree that seeing a specialist makes sense. Be strong! You will get used to this and you both will find ways to manage. I am rooting for you. |
| I'm so sorry that you and Hannah are going through this. I'm so surprised, as I know you are, that she would get this diagnosis at this point in her life-- and especially a 4 out of 5. I agree with Val, the fact that she hasn't shown any signs until now must say something for strength of her muscles around that area keeping the joint in place.
Don't beat yourself up for thinking that you missed something in the past either. Like you said, she wasn't showing any signs so don't go thinking you're a bad mom. The important thing is treating her now and giving her a long happy life, which I know she'll have. HD is serious but there are a lot of options in treatment, too. You just have to find what works best for Hannah. We're all here for you.  |
| I've been following along with your posts about Hannah... I'm so sorry to hear the diagnosis.
I can only share what we've been through with hd... Panda arrived with hd when she was 10 months old... by 9 months her hips were bad but we knew it before we adopted her. http://oesusa.com/MadisonXray.jpg We were ready to jump right into FHO surgery as soon as she arrived but were advised to allow her to settle in. She's been settling in for almost 2 years now  The vets now say that it's possible she'll never require it... we have to take a wait and see approach.
Give the medications a chance to work... this can mean a couple of months with the chondroitin sulfate or glucosamine. Avoid fast start/stop exercise like fetch or frisbee and jumping as you mentioned. Though Panda doesn't have any limits put on her by the vets, we went with short play periods during the day rather than longer ones and we never take her for long walks. She does run like a fool at times in the backyard.  Like Val said, if Hannah is at all over weight, get the extra pounds off... it takes unnecessary stress and wear off the hips if you keep the dog lean and allows them to get to their feet a little easier from a down position.
Quote: I gather that a key to non-surgical treatment is keeping the muscles around the joint strong with non-impact exercise, such as swimming. Yup... this is what I have been told too. And there are others that simply didn't know that the condition exists or existed so don't beat yourself up thinking you missed something... this dog was said to have shown no symptoms at all- http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm ... icleid=184 Quote: Hannah went to the vet due to her yelping. In the vet's office she was rambunctious jumping up and down on the bench seating and ..........NOT yelping. I felt like the biggest overreacting idiot. Since we were already there I decided to leave her anyway and also have an x-ray. For others out there that might feel foolish bringing in a dog that is suddenly acting perfectly normal, don't leave the vet's office thinking you may have made a mistake. This is very common in pets... the adrenaline and excitement can make them overlook the pain temporarily. Just follow through with your gut instincts. Vets see this all the time... this is why video taping a dog's behavior at home can help the vet see what's actually got you concerned. Quote: I need to talk to the vet again once I can assimilate the information. Absolutely... as a few days pass you'll think of questions you want to ask about Hannah's future. Write them all down as you think of them. One important question will be- What's a good lean weight for her? Quote: Poor Hannah hasn't been herself since we've come home. She went through a lot.
We took Panda to the vet a couple of days after arriving and he examined her by doing the backward extensions of her legs... she lashed out by bumping Jim in the chest with her nose because of the pain it caused. Give Hannah some time to recuperate from the tests and adjustments... I'm sure she's sore. I know how hard this is on you too. Just arm yourself with as much information as possible. If medications are not enough to relieve the pain, there are some surgical options that can be considered like an FHO or total hip replacement. BUT... the dog should be at a point where the quality of life is no longer good and benefits of surgery far outweigh the risks involved. Hugs to both you and Hannah... I'm sure others will post with their own experiences and insight. |
| Wow - what a surprising evaluation after seven years. She is an incredible dog to have a 4/5 and never give that inclination. I wish I could offer you more than just support - but I don't have expertise in this area. Here are some hugs and Bingley sends a wiggle-bum her way. |
Mop lover wrote: Wow - what a surprising evaluation after seven years. She is an incredible dog to have a 4/5 and never give that inclination. I wish I could offer you more than just support - but I don't have expertise in this area. Here are some hugs
and Bingley sends a wiggle-bum her way.I don't either but wanted to tell you that we're always here for you and rootin' on Hannah! |
i agree with what everyone has said...keep her weight down and take it easy...i know, easier said than done 
all of my good thoughts are with sweet hannah!! |
| Since so many of my dogs have been rescues, displasia and I are old "friends." Yes, 7 is about the time things start happening. They have trouble getting up steps, getting up and down from the floor and not interesting in long runs or walks.
A simple exam doesn't really show the condition until there is major loosening in the joints. Xrays earlier would have shown it, but then you would have beaten yourself up earlier. Surgeries are pretty radical and you have to ask yourself how much you will be willing to put into a dog already 7. If this had been this far advanced at 4 or 5, you answer would be different. Anyway, in addition to the glucosamine and chondroitin, later there is Adequan which you inject into the dog's back leg muscle. Anti-inflams will help for flair ups but you try not to keep them on them for long periods as it's hard on their livers. If your floors are cold in winter, make sure they have warm mats, throw rugs on hard floors to prevent slipping, ramps to get into and out of the car as climbing and stairs become a no-no. All in all, your pup will want to act like a pup forgetting she will have pain if she overexerts. You have to slow her down since you have the higher brain function. Dogs don't reason, you do. Swimming in warmish water is great but not an option for most of us. Your girl is getting older. It's the awful part of being a dog-parent, our furry children mature way too fast. I'm sorry you will be dealing with this for the next few years. |
| I am so sorry to hear about Hanna please give her a gental hug from me & my dogs |
| Sorry to hear also, not the end of the world, she can be managed quite well. No weighty girl, lean and trim helps enormously.
I would also put her onto a dry seniors formula now to help keep weight under control. She will be getting all the nutrients she needs still but without the higher calories. Talk with the vet on a good management plan for her and use joint supplements, pain meds if needed and no overexercising her now, just let her have free play every so often outside. If you want to walk her, take her to a park where there is a nice soft surface and let her have a romp there. No walking on sidewalks or hard road surfaces. Protect the impact on the joints now. But still keep those muscles firm, working and doing well to help support her backend. So exercise is important, but also not overdoing it with her now is just as important too.
She will still live a long happy life, you just need to get a good plan of action/management with her happening now you have the results of her x-rays. Hugs to you both. |
| Thank you guys all for such wonderful advice and compassion!
We are lucky that we have a pool because we live in the desert. Although Hannah's idea of swimming is laying on the first step. Any more advice is appreciated I am open to consider anything that might help her. Hannah is an amazing girl with an incredible will and I owe it to her to do everything possible. |
Las Vegas Sheepie Lover wrote: Hannah is an amazing girl with an incredible will and I owe it to her to do everything possible.
And that is what will make all the difference for both of you!! I don't have any experience with HD personally, but I am cheering for you both. |
Las Vegas Sheepie Lover wrote: Hannah is an amazing girl with an incredible will and I owe it to her to do everything possible.
This really made me smile. Hannah is a lucky girl to have such caring people in her life- give her a hug from me and Walter! |
Best wishes to Hannah. 
My in laws had a female GSP with the worst hips. They did gentle exercise and were real careful with her weight. She got bad quick, but then seemed to plateau. She developed real massive shoulder and front end muscles, while her hind end withered away to nothing. She lived to be at least 12, and only took aspirin daily. (This was years and years ago, before there were better med choices). |
| Oh, I am sorry! You have such a great attitude though and with love and the right care Hannah will have a very full and happy life, even with HD. |
Quote: She lived to be at least 12, and only took aspirin daily.
Thanks for sharing that.  Panda's got a lot of strength in her front
half but narrow hips. They really do learn to compromise for what's lacking. |
| Hi,
How's Hannah doing? I know how difficult it is to see when one of our furkids is in pain. I mentioned in another post that Panda also has moderate dysplasia in both hips and have had numerous discussions regarding this with my vet. It appears the general consensus now with dogs (other than young pups) is to not necessarily have surgery as some dogs cope fine with it. At the time of Panda's diagnosis I asked people's opinions on the forum and it appeared that was also the consensus of vets from across North America and Europe. Still that doesn't alliviate some of the fears you have and I can relate with Panda. You sound like you're doing all the right things and just wanted to know I'm thinking of you and Hannah. Panda sends her a big kiss!  |
SheepieBoss wrote: Anti-inflams will help for flair ups but you try not to keep them on them for long periods as it's hard on their livers.
My boy came from a great breeder with fabulous lineage. We were shocked when he was diagnosed at 5 years old. I did exactly what everyone has recommended so far except I used accupuncture to control the inflamation. Hugs to Hannah. |
| Hannah Update:
Since the initial diagnosis and treatment with chondroflex pills, homeopathy and electroaccuscope Hannah has been her usual rough and tumble self not displaying any sign of a problem and partaking of her normal activities so it was kind of easy to put my head in the sand and get over the shock of her diagnosis. We went to the vet armed with two pages of questions. We have also been trying to regulate Hannah's thyroid by increasing her soloxine. She has dropped to 89 lbs. This has caused her tryglycerides to increase because she's dropping weight faster than her body is assimilating the fat so we are treating that. There is a challenge with her blood platelets too so we are addressing that as well. We have what I consider to be GOOD NEWS! I was told to google Dr. Wendell Belfield because he has done extensive and some of the best research on hip dysplacia. There is a Vitamin & Mineral food supplement called MEGA C PLUS and also an herbal supplement called Flex (Spur). If I understood correctly: These can actually stop any further deterioration of the hips. And might even reverse any type of bone spurs. We are going to try using these but haven't started yet. I asked about what age Hannah should switch to a senior dog food and was told the age of eight. I asked about the various medicines I have read about here on the forum and the vet said for Hannah they are not needed at this time. I asked since Hannah has had pancreatitus could she take any of the oils for her arthritis such as cod liver oil or omega 3's etc. She can have Omegaderm with zinc only. I asked about surgical options and got the name of the specialists here for a consultation. But our vet thinks it's unnecessary because Hannah is doing so well with the non surgical options. I am really scared to go the surgical route because of her previous bout with pancreatitus after surgery and also because of her size. I'm worried about helping her if she was immobile. But I'm not ruling that out until we've investigated that further. Hannah should continue to have the electroaccuscope treatments monthly or as needed. We've had no luck with her settling down and avoiding stairs, jumping and playing. And her daddy refuses to move to a one story house  .
Hey but her quality of life and exuberance go a long way to keeping her going so I say let her do the things she feels up to participating in. So that's our progress thus far. I've tried to be detailed in order to help someone else down the road but the words I've written are only my interpretation of what the vet told me. Hannah continues to be a joy, God send, inspiration and bossy boots of the family and household. She continues to amaze me with her fortitude and unconditional love! I very much appreciate all of the fantastic info you guys have provided and I have tried to utilize and implement most everything suggested and we are very grateful for the well wishes as well. We are still open to consider anything that may be a help to Hannah so anymore advice or suggestions are welcomed. |
| I'm so glad Hannah's doing well.
Have you seen the OESCA's hip dysplasia section lately? It had been updated since the last time I visited and there's some very interesting information on supplements, etc. http://www.oeshealth.org/hipdysplasia.htm Quote: This has caused her tryglycerides to increase because she's dropping weight faster than her body is assimilating the fat so we are treating that.
There seems to be some correlation between low thyroid and high cholesterol... I don't know the significance though. Anyone else notice this? My dogs all had higher than normal levels when they were diagnosed with hypothyroidism. "Check their cholesterol levels with your vet. High cholesterol in an otherwise healthy dog can be a sign of low thyroid." Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_2072735_diagnos ... -dogs.html |
| Thanks for the update and info as you've helped Panda as well!
Sending her lots of belly rubs and kisses from the boys.
Marianne |
| Thanks for the update on Hannah, glad to hear she is doing so well since the initial diagnosis. Sheepie hugs hannah, your momma is wonderful and looking forward to updates on how all the treatment is progressing. |
| Thank you for the update regarding Hannah, she is such a sweet sheepie girl. Violet, another girl with HD, sends her big sheepie hugs. |
| I am so happy to hear that Hannah has stabilized. With a good mom like you she should have the best possible life living with HD. Keep up the good work. |
| my heart go out to you and hanna, my boy just when through elbow surgery try everything before the surgery . hugs to both of u |
| What a great update! |
| yey hannah!!!! give the sweetie a huge kiss from me!!!! |
| I've been thinking about her lately and wondering how she's doing. So glad to hear that things are going well. Sounds like you're being very pro-active in getting all the information and options possible for now and further down the road. Give the sweet girl hugs from me. |
| Just wanted to let you know that I indeed did do a search for H/D and came across this post and have found it to be extreamly helpful. I have a two page list of options and treatments to add to my research. In addition to the OFA site.
Thank SO much ya'll. |
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