Sad - Over before it began.....HD

[Gwenhwyfair]

Welp.

That's that. Ilda was diagnosed with mild/moderate HD left and right today. Surgery is not indicated yet, vet wants to wait to do a recheck in a few months to see how her hips do over time with moderate excercise.

He gave us a list of what not to do's....which translates as....

No more jumping hurdles, no more tugging, no more of me 'being the post' while she pulls to get her teeth on that bite pillow.

We were really starting to 'dig' the schutzhund training too, both of us. She gets so darn excited when we pull up to the training field.

Still love her to peices and we can still work in the obedience.....and still have her in my house (and arms) for hopefully many happy years yet.

Now on to do more research about things I can do to help her.

[onyx'girl]

can you share her films? Your vet is experienced in positioning and diagnosis?

[Gwenhwyfair]

I'll find out if he can send me digital copies....but it is an area he specializes in. There were bone spurs that even I could pick out at first glance as well. She's had some of the classic symptoms too...reluctance to jump. I put my hand on her right hip as she was walking and could feel it popping like when you crack your knuckles.

I am going to do further research and get some other opinions.....but it's not looking good.

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

can you share her films? Your vet is experienced in positioning and diagnosis?

[Jax08]

I use Dasuquin w/MSM and like it alot. Jax has mild HD right and left also. She does agility. Many dogs that have HD also do sports. I wouldn't pack it in just yet.

And a chiropractor! Keeping excess stress off her hips for a misaligned back will help

[jocoyn]

Sorry for the diagnosis, really am but having one with severe HD who is still living and loving life, chasing balls, and all that at 9.......I know it is not the end. Keep her lean. Keep her fit and excercised.

Spend some money with a canine physical therapist - a few sessions can help you figure out a plan for her. Biggest things to keep range of motion and those back leg muscles strong to hold joint tight as possible.

[BowWowMeow]

Rafi's got problems with all four legs. He is still a very active dog! I do limit his running and jumping but a few nights ago he ran and played for an hour straight in somewhat deep snow and was fine afterwards.

He gets:

Triple dose of Springtime Inc. joint products (I mix Joint Health and Longevity)
2200mg Ester C/day
Fish oil

He's also raw fed and I keep him very lean. When I adopted him his hips made popping sounds, he slipped on the hardwood floors, fell down the stairs, etc. but now he's much, much better.

Acupuncture and laser therapy can also help.

ETA: I walk Rafi 4 to 6 miles every single day. Most days he is off leash and running around for at least half of the walk.

[Gwenhwyfair]

Thanks guys.

Jax vet said jumping/landing/twisting could possibly worsen the HD. I'll be talking to my trainer later this week too. I've heard good things about Dasquin and also Flex pet. Thanks for your hopeful input.

Joycon - Will do all of the above. Good tip about a physical therapist! Vet said she is in excellent shape and weight and to keep her exercised. He said consistency is important too!

Bow-wow - got the ester C and fish oil on board already! I'll be looking into the supplements and alternative therapies as well.

[DunRingill]

Ianna was diagnosed with moderate HD. I guess the main difference is, no clicking and never any reluctance to jump. She did flyball racing for about 8 years, and competition obedience until she was 9. Got her BH on her 10th birthday, her TD the next day, and her PT and RE at age 11.5.

Fortunately she has great elbows, and I think that's even more important than good hips.

[CelticGlory]

See if the treadmill under water therapy is an option as well. I heard its supposed to be easier on their bodies when using it.

[onyx'girl]

Wow, Regina! Ianna definitely accomplished much in her twilight years! Goes to show, HD isn't an end all.