XRAYS with Charlie's HD - Opinions please

[frenchie27]

I had posted about a week ago that our beloved 4 yr old GSD was diagnosed with HD. The vet FINALLY emailed the xrays. She said he's not a candidate for surgery. I need more opinions. He was 115 lbs, but ever since he has lost 5-10 lbs and we are trying to get him down to 90.

Any opinions/suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Charlie as most of your beloved GSDs I am sure, is like a child to us.

Thanks.

[Lucy Dog]

Those are most definitely HD hips... no question about it.

Definitely get his weight down if you can. The less stress on those joints the better.

Are you supplementing anything?

[JakodaCD OA]

so sorry about the hips,, I would consult with an orthopedic specialist as there may be something that can be done surgically

[vicky2200]

I know nothing about XRAYS. How is the HD affecting him? As asked, are you giving him supplements?

[Lesley1905]

I'm so sorry to hear about Charlies hips. BUT, it does not mean the end of him. I've seen plenty of dogs at work with HD that live well into their teens. I would also consult with a specialist to see. Sometimes vets don't know everything. I work for one and even I can say that. I would keep his weight down to keep stress off of his hips. Omega 3's are awesome for helping as well. It works on humans too Nice steady walks are important as well for keeping his muscles built up. Strong legs can take some pressure off his hips.

[Good_Karma]

I'm surprised your vet did not advise an orthopedic consult. Don't take your vet's opinion as gospel. See a specialist.

[Liesje]

I'm no expert on drawing the line between surgery or no. Some things you can do regardless are keep him very lean (sounds like you are taking weight off). For me with an HD dog I'd probably not mind seeing the last rib or two. Don't stop all exercise because you do want muscle in the rear to support those hips. Swimming is really good if you can do that. There are lots of various supplements for joints. I have my dogs on a joint combo and find it's cheaper to get a generic brand of the human version at the pharmacy. My dogs eat anything I drop in their food bowls!

[vicky2200]

Dakota was diagnosed with HD years ago. It must not be too severe because he doesn't seem like he is in pain and he does pretty well. We have him on glucosamine + chondroitin triple strength (he is 140 lbs.) We see a huge difference in his mobility with the supplement. Without it he has a much harder time walking and getting up. Exercise also helps but dont go over board. I would see a specialist as well.

[jocoyn]

Definitely get the ortho consult. They look pretty bad but the thing is some dogs with real bad hips do just fine and other with iffy hips have trouble.

Lean dog, good muscle mass, range of motion and excercise and supplements. And of course the question on surgery.

[MaggieRoseLee]

your dog's x-ray



vs good hips from http://patricedodd.wordpress.com/200...coming-a-stud/




You are looking at the ball in the socket, shape of both and the fit of the bones. Radiographs (x-rays) of Pet Health Problems In ThePetCenter.

Here is a nice comparison of two hips. The one on the top is a normal hip. You can see how smooth and round the head of the femur is and how nicely the "ball" fits into the "socket". A hip with this structure is very unlikely to ever develop arthritis....unlike the abnormal hip below. Here you can see the result of years of irritation resulting from a poor fit, a shallow "socket", and a short neck attaching the "ball" to the shaft of the femur. This severe arthritis is a result of HIP DYSPLASIA.

Hip Problems in Dogs - fhoguide.com

Hip Dysplasia In Dogs has some great information