Hello- Needing Major Support

[Alabama1]

Hello to everyone. I enjoy reading this site as I LOVE GSD's. I am in major need of friendly support right now. This is our story:

We had a great and wonderful GSD that grew up with my son. We went through personal protection training with him and he was the best dog ever. At 13 yrs old after suffering for years with Hip Dysplasia we finally agreed to let him be at rest. Felt like losing another child!

Fast Forward - I now have 2 wonderful Grandbabies and decided that we needed another GSD to grow up with them. I have had several large breed dogs throughout the years but non could replace our shepherd. So 2 weeks ago we bought Heidi. She is a gorgeous fully AKC registered GSD that was living in a 3 story apt. with some college kids. They truly loved her and wanted the best so they let her come to us for pennies compared to what they had paid for her. She will be 5 months old tomorrow and is so smart it amazes me. She reminds me perfectly of the dog we loved so much. The day we got her I noticed she was weak in her back legs but we were told by the kids that had her she had fallen and hurt herself on their floor. In the past 2 weeks she has fallen continuously, cries in pain, bunny hops when she runs, has trouble getting up,etc..... Yep, I suspected Hip Dysplasia. After trip to the vet who confirmed that is what is looks like we are set to get x-rays this week.

I don't know if I can do this again. I watched our dog suffer so much and this baby is just 5 months old. I have already put her on buffered aspirin, limited her exercise to walking and watching her diet. She is on Glucosamine supplements and etc..... We do not have the money for surgery - no way no how - that is out. So - I just need someone to help me work this out in my head. I am not trying to put the cart before the horse so to speak, I know I have to wait for confirmation but I do know she is in pain no matter what I do and I do know it certainly looks like Hip Dysplasia.

Any support or comforting words will do! I feel like this week we will have to decide how to proceed forward and what to do. Thanks -

[mego]

Well first of all thank you for taking that dog in and welcome to the forum!
I'm sorry she seems to be in pain/not healthy That's so young for HD, she might have hurt herself on the floor (it sounds like an excuse) and maybe she doesnt have HD after all. Optimism

Anyway, you're doing a good thing! I wish you both luck~

[llombardo]

Lets wait and see what the vet says first. What state are you in? Do you know the breeder the kids got the dog from?

[llombardo]

Do you have any pictures of her?

[Blanketback]

My heart goes out to you - what a sad situation. I don't have any experience with HD, as my sweethearts were stolen by cancer, but many here do. The x-rays will give you your answer, but big hugs in the meantime!

[mego]

Originally Posted by llombardo

Do you have any pictures of her?

I forgot to mention that too!

[Alabama1]

Hey guys - thanks! I have thought that maybe she is really hurt from falling - it is my biggest hope!!! Although upon exam the vet already said her left hip feels bad and she won't even let the vet extend the right one without crying out in pain.

Yes, I have pictures (of course!) I have to figure out how to post them - I am not exactly computer savy.

It is easy to love her - she is so very good. She sleeps beside my side of the bed in our bedroom - we have bonded a lot in 2 weeks. I am at home all the time, I keep my grandbabies during the week while their parents work.

I will work on the pictures. Our vet appointment is Tuesday - I will post something as soon as I know.

[Alabama1]

Oh - I live in Tennessee and the kids bought her from a store called Petland - in Dalton, GA. I have traced her breeder through the AKC registration papers I have but I cannot find a contact number anywhere. All I have is the breeders names.

The store is a family owned, private store, not a chain and seems OK - I think they paid 1500 for her! We got her for $200 from the kids just because after screening they wanted her to come to us -

The previous owners contacted the store and it was as usual "return the dog and we will give you another puppy" but I cannot and will not do that. She is already loved so much, I just couldn't give her up like that - not knowing how she would be treated, etc....

[Zeeva]

Well I'm sending good health vibes to Heidi. You're managing her just fine and if it does turn out to be HD, with proper meds she'll hopefully feel better. Don't worry. Wait till the X-rays and keep us posted. We are here to talk this through with you...