| 7 yr old Rott with mild HD....question
I have a 7 year old Rottie named Odin that has mild HD in right hip, moderate hd in left hip. He was diagnosed at 10 months old. We have been managing his HD with glucosamine/chondrotin and MSM, homemade diet trying to keep his weight down, and moderate exercise. Today Odin chased a cat up a tree and before I could get him back in the house, he did quit a bit of jumping up at the tree and the privacy fence barking at the cat. When he first came in he seemed fine, but a few hours later we noticed him having difficulty getting up and he's now limping when he does get up, after a minute or so his walking is better, less limping. I've noticed as he's aged he does not handle jumping up as well, we try to control this, no frisbee playing etc, but this morning was something very unexpected. Right now I'm giving him ascriptin to help with any pain, until I can call the vet tomorrow.
My question...finally I know... is those of you with Rotts that have HD that are aging and have not had surgery.... do you notice as they have aged they have problems such as Odin, they don't handle episodes of "over exertion" as well? What have you done to manage this? I'm wondering as Odin ages what we are in for, I know no one has a crystal ball, but just trying to determine if there are other things I could be doing to help him out besides glucosamine/chondrition (1500mg daily at present), controling his diet and mild exericse (daily walks only)?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Lisa  |