Hip dysplasia
My 6 month old OES was diagnosed with "border-line hip dysplasia" on her left side and "moderate hip dysphasia" on her right side. I am sick to my stomach about this. I trust my vet. He put her on Cosequin DS...for the rest of her life. Then he recommended the possibility of giving her a weekly shot of Adequan. (I think for the rest of her life...was too upset to think of questions to ask). The most important thing is to keep her weight under control. Any additional oz of weight can deteriorate her hip sockets at a rapid pace. How do I know what her 'best' weight should be? The next important thing is the Cosequin DS everyday. The next is exercise, swimming is best (we do not live by a lake or have a pool or access to). No running on hard surfaces but daily walks are great. (I already do walks everyday and we play outside everyday) Oh, I don't know what to do...this is so upsetting I can't believe my little girl has such problems at such a young age:-( If anyone has any advice to help me deal with this or to please educate me on this problem, I would GREATLY appreciate it!! Thank you! |
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| She is still young and may slip together a bit better as she ages. Walks, yes. Also include hills, gradual at first. Light!! Pulling may also be a good idea...later. Not weight pulls but small wagon/cart......to carry the water dish and water bottle and maybe a snack for the walk. Something she can be proud doing (with training) and adding to muscle mass which helps keep things tight in the joints. HD is so prevalent in all breeds anymore, it's a shame. My alternate vet, a good ol' boy from Texas A&M commented on seeing HD in small dogs now. It's one of the reasons we really push getting pups from breeders who have their breeders evaluated by one of the national hip registry organizations. Doesn't mean two good dogs can't produce HD pups, but the chances are less. I've had some real HD pups and know they can lead a happy life but won't be as wildly active as others. Harry is an excellent example. It's hard to give you a weight without knowing her ultimate height which won't come for awhile. In mean time, fight blab. Ribs should be easily felt, not standing proud like a malnourished animal, but easily felt without going thru a fat layer. When viewed from the top...and the hair close to body like bath time, there should be a definite waist pull in on the sides and when viewed from the side, a good tuck up. As for weight, I've seen petite bitches at 50 lbs and big, long legged giraffes at 85 lbs and still...lean and mean. Do try to get muscle mass on those back legs without putting strain on the hips. Pity about the water....I'd be in same boad....as swimmer's muscles are long and lean and rock solid. Weight pulling muscles are bulkier but still desirable. |
| SheepieBoss, Thank you so much for your response. We do incorporate 2 small hills on our walks and will you do as suggested with pulling when she's a little older. We will do our best and hope for the best. Thanks again! |
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