5 Month Old Severe Hip Dysplasia
 

Our story: As I sit here crying and writing this story we have made the decision to euthanize our baby girl. I have only had her 3 weeks and she is the most wonderful dog I've had since my last German Shepherd 7 yrs ago. I cannot believe how attached I have become to her in 3 weeks and how much I love her.

Three weeks ago I purchased a 4 month old GSP from some college kids that had bought her and then had to move into a 3rd floor apt and couldn't take care of her. The moment I saw her I was in love. She is gorgeous!!!! I would post a picture but I can't figure out how.

Anyway, the day I got her home I noticed she was walking funny. She was falling all the time and crying when she fell. I called the kids and they said that she had a UTI and that was what was causing her pain. I took her to the vet th next day and we found out she possible had hip dysplasia.

Fast forward 2 weeks - on Tuesday we had xrays done. She has been continuously falling, crying in pain, lays around ALOT, bunny hops when she runs, has a hard time eliminating because she can't bend down good, and other things I can't think of right now. We have had her on Aspirin and supplements since day 2 without any help. Her xrays showed hip dysplasia. My vet said he has seen worse xrays, but not in a 5 month old puppy and her clinical evaluation is awful - she just screams in pain whenever he extends her back legs. The vet said we could try to manage on pain medication and get her mobile but she needs a hip replacement surgery that is $4500.

We cannot afford the surgery, no way, no how. The breeder will pay $1500 toward the surgery since that is what they originally paid for her but that doesn't help us. So, with the blessings of our Vet, we have decided that for Heidi, euthanasia is the kindest thing. I have cried for 2 nights, I so don't want to. But to make her live a life of pain seems so cruel and self centered. She is so sweet and smart. She does everything I ask and is wonderful with my grandchildren!!!!!!

This is awful! I had to put our other german shepherd down but he was 13 and lived a good long life. This is unfair but life isn't always fair to us. Keep us in your prayers, especially tomorrow.

So sorry.

So very sorry you are going thru this.

I posted on your other thread - please check that and your PMs.

Also - if you want to post any pictures of hips or the puppy, you can email them to me, just let me know and I will post them for you.

When it comes to this, I wouldn't rely on the advice of a vet, I'd be going for a better diagnosis via an ortho surgeon.

If the vet said he's seen worse, well there's always hope, I wouldn't be to hasty in putting a 5mth old down without consulting with an ortho surgeon first.

Please check with Jean about the FHO. I've read numerous success stories regarding the procedure, which was usually performed rather than the hip replacement, b/c it is so much more affordable.

I agree with Jakoda as well. A consult with an ortho specialist is a great idea. Many vets have been horribly wrong in their assessment of HD.

I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this, it is a horrible decision to be faced with.

I hope some of the suggestions you are getting can help you.

Life is just not fair sometimes.

Please get a second opinion -- from an orthopedist -- before making any drastic decisions. I agree here that most "general practice" vets aren't experts in this area. My own vet routinely consults with a board-certified orthopedist and radiologist at the state university vet school on many cases, for expert opinions on xrays and second opinions on difficult or expensive treatment plans. Ask for that, just to be sure.

Also, why is the vet having you give aspirin instead of something more powerful with a better safety record for dogs? There is a big family of very effective prescription pain meds for dogs, and they aren't terribly expensive.

You may end up in exactly the same place in terms of your decision after doing all this, but at least you'll do so knowing you did everything you could to look for alternatives and that may give you some peace. I'm sorry you are going through this.

I am not sure if no news is a good thing, but the offer to help still stands. :wub: