Shiloh has Hip Dysplasia

[Sudilar]

Shiloh has had a very slight limp at times and wasn't putting her full weight on her left rear leg for the past month and a half. Today the vet took x-rays and it's HD. She has to see a specialist to determine if a total hip replacement is the best way to go. I want to hear all options on the extent of her HD (mild) and what treatment to go with. In the past, I had a dog with HD who had surgery way back in the 1970's. His HD was severe. My head is spinning on what to do. I guess I will wait to see the specialist. She is in no major pain as far as I can tell.

Has anyone's dog had the THR surgery? How long is the recovery period. I will NOT be able to keep her quiet.

[Cincy'sMom]

Oh Sue...you and your poor babies!! Seems everytime one gets better, there is something with the other!!!

Sorry I don't have any advice, but we'll keep you and Shiloh in our thoughts!!

[lovemyshiba]

I'm sorry, I don't have any advice or information for you, but I'm sure someone will. My husband once had a rottie with HD, and he did have surgery when he was younger--he's not home now, of course, but I can ask him later.

I just want to let you know that you and your kids are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad to hear that she isn't in any pain right now, and both Shiloh and Killian have the best most devoted mommy a doggie could ever wish for.

[captain]

Sue,

{{{{hugs}}}}

My Captain has not had HD, but he did have a shoulder op at 6 months .......... he had CFB (???) something which best explained as a spur in the socket of his shoulder.

He was operated on my a specialist, and is FANTASTIC to this day!! (6 years later!!)
I did have to medicate him to keep him quiet tho .....

Love always
Michelle

[Cinder & Smoke]

Poor Shiloh!! & Poor Sue!!

Casey, my First Shepherd, started going "lame" when she was only 6-7 years old.
Off to the Vet! We feared it was HD...

NOT SO, said the Vet - (after a LOT of palpations) -
Her HIPS were pretty "tight", but stiff...
He diagnosed it as "Arthritis" -
and even told us not to waste money on X-rays.

He said there were lots of "fancy meds" to reduce pain and/or swelling -
but sold us on just giving her an Adult Asprin whenever she
over-exerted and seemed limpy or gimpy...

Casey lived to 13 on a few asprins a week!

But if you have X-rays that confirm HD - that's another story.
I'd ask if they are Bad Enough that she NEEDS surgery;
or if her condition CAN be treated with asprin or other meds.

Hang in there, Shiloh!!
Hang in there, SUE!!

/s/ Phred
.

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by Cinder & Smoke
He said there were lots of "fancy meds" to reduce pain and/or swelling -
but sold us on just giving her an Adult Asprin whenever she
over-exerted and seemed limpy or gimpy...

Casey lived to 13 on a few asprins a week!

But if you have X-rays that confirm HD - that's another story.
I'd ask if they are Bad Enough that she NEEDS surgery;
or if her condition CAN be treated with asprin or other meds.

The vet showed me that Shiloh has mild HD which is causing arthritic changes that are causing the problem. She said that if she had a Total Hip Replacement, the arthritic parts would be removed and she would no longer have a problem. She also stated that another treatment could be Cosequin DS daily and pain meds when necessary. If she has alot of muscular strength in the rear (she does) than that treatment may be ok. BUT.....it can get worse in her later years and surgery might not be an option. She is 5 yrs. old now and in prime shape for surgery, later she may not be.
Another thing, surgery has its risks. For example, today on the GSD bb a dog had the FHO (lesser hip surgery) and had complications. At the moment we are praying that she is ok. It doesn't sound good. She has no use of her rear legs as of yet. Hearing this scares me about surgery.
I have to make an appointment to see the specialist yet. Maybe what he tells me will make it easier to decide which way to go.

[K9karen]

Oh Sue, I am so upset for you. How difficult it is to read about our Darling Killi and now Sweet Shiloh. I know that I panic if Klo doesn't poop for a day, so I can't imagine how sad and frustrated you are with both your beloveds having problems.

My dearest Cody had MHD for as long as I can remember. When his episodes were mild, with slight limping, I gave him 2 Ascripin (aspirin with Maalox). Because of his size, he tolerated 2 just fine and it helped enormously. At times, esp. when he got older, I did use prescribed anti-inflammatory meds (Gawd, the name just flew off my tongue but I'll bet so many PTers know what it is) for 14 days and it did the trick.
Hip replaceement was never mentioned to me, so I assume that, even with his arthritis, it was at an acceptable level. The swweetie never complained and just relaxed more on his own when needed. He seemed to know his limits (through my tears).
Please email or PM me..I think a back issue of Dog Fancy had an entire article about Hip replacement. I'll be more than happy to try to get you a copy, or I probably still have it, as I keep the issues for a year.
I love you, dear friend, and I wish I could come over and just hug you.

[shais_mom]

oh Sue!
I am so sorry to hear this. I will be keeping you and Shiloh and of course Killi in my thoughts and prayers.

[Sudilar]

Thank you so much. I just sit back in disbelief, then I get right back up and fight again and again. (but I am getting tired).

In the meantime (waiting for an appt. with the specialist), Shiloh was prescribed Etodolac [which I did research on before I was to give her the med........and found a warning about giving it with Tacrolimus...a drug she takes!!!) So I called the vet and she was prescribed Metacam...which I will research now......Anyone use Metacam????????

[pitc9]

I am so sorry to hear your news. I have never had a dog that needed that surgery. I wish all the best for you and Shiloh!!

[AmberLee]

Oh no! No advice, but I will hold you both in my prayers...

[tatsxxx11]

Oh Sue Yet more you and the pups have to battle Cody has hip dysplasia. It was diagnosed at around age 4, after I noticed her limping. I was shown the xrays and could see the problem. We discussed the arthritis that had developed as a result and discussed the options, particularly surgery. I can't reacall the name of the procedure right now, but I do not believe it was a total hip replacement. This procedure refashions the socket to better fit the ball...with hip dysplasi, the socket/ball connection has eroded. I opted to go the conservative route, leaving the surgery as a last option. She was treated with Etogesic intially, but had a bad GI reaction to it (common) and was instead, put on a glucosamine/chondortin formula and aspirin therapy. It's been 5 years and she has responded very well. She gets mild exercise, and along with the medication and orthopedic bed, she has done amazingly well. I do remember at some point, discussing Metacam, but due to the side effects, which I cannot remember the details of right now, we opted not to go that route. Dr. Paul did say that the surgery is a very commonly performed one that offers excellent results, if that helps any. I think at the time, I was just fearful of putting her under, but in hindsight, may have made a different decision if she were diagnosed today. At her age, I don't think I would put her through it now, as she seems to do fine on the current protocol. She still loves to run like the wind and does so when the occasional squirrel runs by She limps a bit more afterwards, but otherwise, her quality of life is great I feel for you so, Sue. Being young and otherwise realtively healthy, I would seriously consider the surgery, though I don't know what the recovery period entails. I think that discussing all the options with the specialist will help you to decide on the best course to pursue. Give the sweetheart Shiloh lots of hugs and kisses for me, Sue We're keeping our fingers and paws crossed for you and Shiloh. Please keep us updated. {{{HUGS}}} Love and slurpy licks, Sandra, Cody and Star

[Sudilar]

Thanks everyone for your wonderful advice and imput. This morning I just realized that I told the vet that Shiloh was 5....and the vet said no she's 7, but didn't argue with me. Silly me!!!! Shiloh will be 7 at the end of December (boy time flies and I'm losing my mind)!!! So that also might change my decision on major surgery.

Also the dog I mentioned that had the FHO done yesterday still can't use her legs. So that is also another thing weighing on my mind. Shiloh gets along well and you wouldn't even know she had a problem. I would hate to make things worse.

[chocolatepuppy]

Sudilar, I will keep Shiloh in my thoughts and prayers. And you too will be included in them as I feel your pain in having two dogs with something wrong with them.

[robinh]

Bless you for the wonderful mum you are. I don't have any suggestions on care, just heartfelt prayers for you in the decision making process.

I worry every day that the new treatment for Max will be the right thing. And his isn't as major as this decision.