Hips

[kalmringc]

Today I took my one year old rottie to the vet to find out she has very, very bad hips. They are suggesting surgery. Where they remove the top of her hip bones. Has anyone out there had this same surgery done on their rottie? and does it work? They started my rottie (aroura) on pain pills and that along cost me $200.00 a month not to mention the $2000.00 surgery they are suggesting. I am not sure what to do. Need advice or suggestions. I am very angry right now at the breeder. I should of known better then to trust a backyard breeder now my heart is breaking and my baby is in pain and I can't afford to do this surgery is there anything else I can to do to stop her pain beside put her down?

[bdragonladyt]

how i wish i had an answer for you. our vic has mild HD(thank god mild). 2 dasaquin pills a day and you wouldnt no anything wrong. we are looking at surgery when the pills no longer work. hopefully it will be a few yrs. he's a large tall rottie(155 lbs lean) so i dont no how he'll go thru surgery. hopefully not too bad. goo luck and i hope you get some helpful replies.

[jayneliz]

I am sorry to hear of your dog's problems.

You mentioned obtaining the dog from a BYB, so I am assuming there's no contract... Regardless, you should contact the breeder and inform them of the HD in your dog. I'd be bold enough to ask for a refund (because I'd be furious) AND I'd send the breeder a registered letter requesting same. Doubtful you'll get anything but I'd do it anyway.

With respect to your dog, I'd be somewhat reluctant to opt for hip surgery priot to an attempt at managing the dog with meds and alternative therapies, regardless of how lame he is. There are several (relatively inexpensive) pain meds available. (Dasaquin, Etodolac...) Meds coupled with non-weight bearing exercise such as swimming may help alleviate symptoms. Other alternatives such as accupuncture and chiropractic may also be beneficial.

Keep in mind that many, many HUMANS live in chronic pain. I have broken bones in my back, yet I manage a physically demanding job every day.

Please advise the dog's level of discomfort. Also, advise who read the films of his hips.

Good luck and give the pup a scritch from PA!