Duncan diagnosed with hip dysplasia

[Chele]

I got word Saturday from the vet that Duncan has hip dysplasia in his right hip. I’ve been expecting this since we’ve had to go through two cruciated ligament surgeries over the past couple of years (and learned his sire had developed dysplasia as well). A TPL on his left back leg last year and I can’t recall what the procedure is called for what was done to the right rear leg this past January…something with a stitch. Anyway the vet wants to try him on a regiment of Rimadyl and a joint supplement to see how he does before having to have a hip joint replacement. Poor baby is only 4 years old and he’s already been through so much.

Anyone have any suggestions for making him comfortable? He’s not as active as my other two, but he enjoys his evening walks. Loves to visit the neighbors.

[mmgy]

If you've searched the old threads, I'm sure you've seen all the negative comments about Rimadyl. It does sometimes cause serious side effects, that can lead to death, if not diagnosed. Sounds like your vet only wants to use them for a short course though. Just make sure you watch him closely to make sure he doesn't have any trouble.

[chivas]

Do a liver panel before you put him on Rimadyl and do one every so often if he is on it for awhile.

[Chele]

I should explain that the Rimadyl treatment is very temporary – ten days tops. It’s just to get him over the initial re-injuring himself. The whole reason I took him to be x-rayed was because he had been favoring his right back leg again after he busted his butt on the rain slick deck chasing Bam-Bam out the back door last week. (One of their favorite games.)

I trust my vet. He’s the first one I’ve really been comfortable with treating my guys because he knows Rottweilers. He has three himself and everyone on his staff has at least one.

I will ask him about the liver panel though. Thank you for pointing that out Chivas. And look back for some older threads about this stuff.