Dysplasia @ 10 months... Advice?

[Marcino]

Hi All,

I had Marcino neutered yesterday and did hip and elbow x-rays at the same time. Found out that his left elbow is not 100% but should not cause any future problems per the vet (we will x-ray again in a years time). His hips were another story... the right one is ok... but the left one is showing signs of mild dysplasia. I was really sad to get this news... but life has to go on.

I have heard the upside about giving glucosamine... however I would like to get more info. Marcino was discharged by a technician last night who could not give me sufficient info on this supplement.

To make a long story short... what can I do to help prevent this from worsening? Apparently lot's of excersise is the way to go, and to also keep him lean.

Is there any benefit to giving him glucosamine at this point? What about extra protein (along with excersise) to build up muscle around his hips.

I am hearbroken over this news... need some advice and words of encouragement guys.

[DoofiesMom]

If he is mildly dysplastic, that's good news!! Look at it this way, had he not been xray'd, would you have known about his hip?? He's not limping, right??

The good news is you DO know about the mild dysplasia, so you will be careful with him. Don't overface him on activities that might challenge the soundness of that hip. Figure out how much activity he can handle and stick to those guidelines. Watch for any unneccessary jumping or use of his hips. Keep him LEAN, and keep him on good supplements. I use Cosequin DS for glucosamine for all my dogs, good hips and bad hips alike. (We've had both over here so I know where you are coming from.) I don't know about adding protein, but your goal is to avoid atrophy of his rear so a good exercise program is in order. Leash walking up hills is a great rear-builder.

Look at it this way, you didn't leave the vets office with a referral to an orthopedic surgeon in your hand, right?? That is great news in itself.

Cheers,
Doofies Mom

[debbiej]

I wonder how old this pup is? depending on his age, the condition of his joints and your resources, there might be a surgery that can help.

suppliments really do help, the high quality ones anyway.

My girl is on adequan injections and they have really helped her. At first, my vet put her on pain meds, and had me take her to hydrotherapy. swimming really helps those muscles develop without stress to the joint. A pool is wonderful for dysplastic dogs. I also have found the more meat in the food the better. protein from meat is better for building muscle. (I've heard)
and yes, keeping him lean is best.
really avoid overdoing exercise, gradually build up amount of exercise that the dog can do without being in pain. There is lots of good information on the internet.

good luck to you both.

[brunie's mom]

The pup is 10 months old.
Since he was bought from a petshop you are very lucky that things are not worse.

There are all sorts of things that can be done to help him with his elbow and hips. Do a google search on "canine hip dysplasia"...there is a ton of information on how to help this condition with diet, supplement, and certain exercise. Also do a search here...many of us have/had dogs that had HD.

I would get him on glucosamine/chondroitin ASAP, as well as salmon oil and MSM, keep him on the slim side and feed him the best food (more quality meat,etc). Also do not do any long stretches of running or jumping...shorter more frequent amounts are better....swimming is great.

Gina

[Marcino]

Thanks for the advice guys... Where can I get the recommended glucosamine? (I am in Canada).
Also, what benefit does salmon oil and MSM provide? (What is MSM by the way?)

[Marcino]

PS. What kind of places would offer swimming for dogs? I can take him to the lake in the warmer months... but for the winter it would be great to find a place.

[brunie's mom]

Originally Posted by Marcino

Thanks for the advice guys... Where can I get the recommended glucosamine? (I am in Canada).
Also, what benefit does salmon oil and MSM provide? (What is MSM by the way?)

You can buy gluc/chond. at the vet's office. It is usually overpriced...but the tablets are beef flavoured and some dogs take them better.
I just buy human glucosamine/chondroitin at any pharmacy or healthfood store or even at the grocery store or Walmart, and throw it on the food or put a dallop of yogurt on the food and thow it in the yogurt.

The one I am using now for my older bitch is the Swiss brand it's called Joint Complex..it contains Glucosamine, MSN and Chondroitin Sulfate. On the jar it says "relieves bone and joint pain- builds and maintains healthy cartilage".
Anything sold for human joint and cartilage repair can be used on dogs at the same dosage.
MSM is natural anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.

Salmon oil also can be bought in the supplement section of any drug, grocery or Walmart type of store. It must be wild salmon oil (comes in capules of 1000mgs). 2 a day should be enough. The salmon oil is good for inflammation of the joints...keeps things moving freely without pain. Also good for the dogs coat.

As far as swimming...I know in the Toronto area they have special indoor pools for dogs to exercise in....I'm sure in Montreal they have some too.
Do a search for "Canine theraputic swimming Montreal"...you may find a pool.

Gina

[rottielover2004]

Marcino, if you go to releve du maitre, they sell a product really good for joints. Can not remember the name of it, but is very widely used.

[Marcino]

Thanks Gina, I will head to Walmart right after work....

So far though I don't see him in any pain (but I know these little guys hide it very well... he just got neutered and took it like a champ!). Should I be giving MSM anyway?

Cheers - Vanessa