Bulldog Hip dysplasia

[Gibson's Mommy]

We just found out that our one year old, Old English Bulldog has hip dysplasia...we're going in circles a bit about where to start! Someone told us they took their dog to a chiropractor and they helped him with his hip dysplasia...I find it hard to believe, but we only want the very very best for our Gibson! When it comes down to it...if we have to have surgery for him, does anyone know of an elite vet. around the Saint Louis, MO area? I need some guidence! What about over the counter meds...is there anything I can give him to stop the pain?

THANKS EVERYONE IN ADVANCE

[Karen]

There are many different "degrees" of hip dysplasia - what did your vet recommend? Some dogs benefit from surgery, some can get away without it, but need to limit certain activities ...

Have you contacted his breeder?

[critters]

What kind of surgery are you talking about? FHO? Hip replacement? Don't forget carts (wheelchairs) can be GREAT when the disability becomes limiting. The new "Walking Wheels" is even adjustable for size, which has never been done before as far as I know. That's important for a youngster!

[Giselle]

Hip dysplasia is believed to be primarily genetic. Once the dog has the genes for it, it will only get worse. What we can do is 1) prevent dysplastic dogs from breeding 2) manage whatever HD current, existing dogs already have. But, truth be told, your dog will always have HD if he already has it now. You have my utmost sympathy! But HD *is* fairly straightforward to manage, especially if you catch it early.

Who told you your dog had HD? The only definitive way to know is through x-rays. Even then, there are two different types of x-rays: OFA-style (hip-extended view) and PennHips (which involve 3 x-rays, including the hip-extended view). OFA is decent, but PennHips are most accurate. I assume that if your vet diagnosed Gibson with HD, s/he should also have given you some guidance as to what options are available to you. If not, I personally would try to find an orthopedic veterinary specialist. The vet who diagnosed your dog should give you a referral. If not, all of these vets are PennHip certified and should be well-versed in diagnosing and handling HD. Some of them are probably ortho specialists:
JOE RODIER
BLUE SPRINGS ANIMAL HOSPITAL
AND PET RESORT
1201 W 40 HWY
BLUE SPRINGS, MO 64015
Phone: 816-229-1544
Fax: 816-228-9364

WAYNE BOILLAT
VETERINARY GROUP OF CHESTERFIELD
17709 EDISON AVE, SUITE A
CHESTERFIELD, MO 63005-1232
Phone: 636-537-3915
Fax: 636-537-2684

CRAIG TOCKMAN
VETERINARY CARE CENTER
16830 CHESTERFIELD AIRPORT RD.
CHESTERFIELD, MO 63005
Phone: 636-537-9960
Fax: 636-537-3689

VICKI MONNIG
FARMINGTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL
615 E. KARSCH BLVD.
FARMINGTON, MO 63640
Phone: 573-756-3301
Fax: 573-756-0977

JAMES KUHN
FLORISSANT ANIMAL HOSPITAL
605 N. HWY 67
FLORISSANT, MO 63031
Phone: 314-921-0500
Fax: 314-921-1114
Internet: http://www.floah.vetsuite.com/Templates/friendship.aspx

JENNIFER SHOCKLEY
HIGGINSVILLE ANIMAL CLINIC
2400 HWY BLVD
HIGGINSVILLE, MO 64037
Phone: 660-584-2558
Fax: 660-584-8335
BEN LEAVENS
MAIN STREET PET CARE
1910 S. MAIN ST.
JOPLIN, MO 64804
Phone: 417-782-7387
Fax: 417-782-8973

CHRISTINE BRUNS
CLOUD VETERINARY CENTER
2738 HWY. K
O'FALLON, MO 63366
Phone: 636-240-8777
Fax: 636-379-0412

ROBERT MC COOL
GENTLE DOCTOR ANIMAL HOSPITAL
3079 HWY K
O'FALLON, MO 63368
Phone: 636-272-5950
Fax: 636-281-9136

PAUL E. NELSON
COUNTRY HILLS ANIMAL HOSPITAL
745 N. 20 ST.
OZARK, MO 65721
Phone: 417-581-3000
Fax: 417-581-7817

STEPHEN WILLIAMS
ANIMAL HEALTH CENTER
508 N. MAIN STREET
SIKESTON, MO 63801
Phone: 573-471-4500
Fax: 573-471-4519

BERT A. SHELLEY
BRADFORD PARK VETERINARY HOSPITAL
1255 E. INDEPENDENCE
SPRINGFIELD, MO 65804
Phone: 417-886-0777
Fax: 417-886-2332

HEATH WISEMAN
SPRINGFIELD VETERINARY CENTER
3322 S. CAMPBELL AVE., SUITE U
SPRINGFIELD, MO 65807
Phone: 417-887-8030
Fax: 417-887-1250

ELLY KELLY
A-70 VETERINARY HOSPITAL
12500 VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY
WENTZVILLE, MO 63385
Phone: 636-327-7070
Fax: 636-327-0841