Moderate Hip Displasia

[Denise L.]

Friday night our vet called me and just as he/we suspected Cyrus has moderate hip displasia.

He is on Rimadyl, 2 1/2 tabs a day and I am continuing his glucosamine. The vet recommended swimming and Cyrus won't swim in a pool so we will have to hit the beach (right across the street! Yeah!) early, early before folks turn us in! Dogs aren't allowed at all on the beach near my house.

We'll see how it goes.

He took the tabs happily Sat. and Sun. Today he decided he doesn't like 'em so into a hunk of low fat cheddar they had to go.

That dog is no fool!

[Judi W]

You can teach him to swim in the pool. Might take some patience but it can be done. Start out by teaching him to get on the stairs and then go from there.

[Tank's Grandma]

Does he like peanut butter? Tank eventually would eat around the cheese too. We eventually got Tank in the water. Does Cyrus like balls? Entice him in with a favorite toy or friend. Seems if he'll swim in the ocean you could eventually get him in a pool.
Cosequin in cheap on eBay.

[Denise L.]

We are going to work on the pool thing next week at our friend's house. We have been trying and trying! Nothing, not even a ball or his favorite uncle Robbie can get him to swim in that darn pool! He loves his new wading pool so maybe that will encourage him to swim in the big pool.

Mr. Fusspot doesn't like peanut butter! But the cheese will do...I stocked up on low fat Cabot's! Yup, he eats around it too so I cut the tab into 4's and then he will gulp it with the cheese.

Darn dog!

[Tank's Grandma]

Originally Posted by Denise L.

We are going to work on the pool thing next week at our friend's house. We have been trying and trying! Nothing, not even a ball or his favorite uncle Robbie can get him to swim in that darn pool! He loves his new wading pool so maybe that will encourage him to swim in the big pool.

Darn dog!

Maybe one of those doggie floatation devices??? Those life vest thingies?
It took a while to get Tank in...then we couldn't get the goober out!
Good luck.

[HerculesMomma]

I got Hercules to swim the old fashioned cruel way! He really wouldn't go in, but we did get him to go down two stairs no problem. The third step put him in up to his neck, so he really wouldn't do it.

So my cousin and I kidnapped the unsuspecting dog and forced him in. Of course, all the while holding him so he didn't completely freak out. We would hold him and let him swim back to the stairs. Even tried to show him he could touch bottom in the shallow end with his hind legs.

You could tell by the look in his eyes he was freaked out, but it only took one time of forced entry. After that he was game!

[Rottlva]

Denise, I am sorry to hear of this dx, but it doesn't mean that Cyrus can't lead a good life. In my experience, dogs with hip dysplasia do much better at thier ideal weight, or even slightly thinner. So, if Cyrus isn't as svelte as he should be, now is the time to loose those pounds!

Good luck with the swimming.

[cuppacoffee]

Poor Cyrus! He's lucky he's got someone who cares about him as much as you do. I know you'll take good care of him!
Kate

[Denise L.]

Originally Posted by Rottlva

Denise, I am sorry to hear of this dx, but it doesn't mean that Cyrus can't lead a good life. In my experience, dogs with hip dysplasia do much better at thier ideal weight, or even slightly thinner. So, if Cyrus isn't as svelte as he should be, now is the time to loose those pounds!

Good luck with the swimming.

Thanks!

The vet thinks he's good right where he is...but I still cut down on his food a bit because he hasn't been as active lately. I definitely will keep an hawk eye out for weight gain!

Just wish I could be as diligent for me!