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 .....:rolleyes:

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:D 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.

[lizbud]

Sorry to hear Shuloh is having HD problems.:( Buddy was
unfortunately born with bad hips. The left was mild, but the
right hip was pretty bad. Since he was diagnosed early, the
Vet suggested a realignment of the leg muscles to hold the
hip sockets in place as a alternative to THR. (Buddy would have had to have both hips replaced) He was put on a regimen of
Cosequin DS & occasional buffered asperin.Buddy did so well
on Cosequin, the Vet said he could have been a poster dog
for the suppliment. :) I do believe it gave Buddy a very good
quality of life without the aches & pains.

I hope whatever method you chose helps Shiloh as well.:)

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by lizbud
He was put on a regimen of
Cosequin DS & occasional buffered asperin.Buddy did so well
on Cosequin, the Vet said he could have been a poster dog
for the suppliment. :) I do believe it gave Buddy a very good
quality of life without the aches & pains.

Thanks for all the advice and well wishes. I just bought Shiloh some Cosamin DS (for people...not dogs....the drug rep said that it is the same formula for dogs as it is for people....and cheaper.)

The more I hear from those with experience, I am thinking surgery might not be necessary. But I will be talking to the specialist before I make my final decision.

Thanks again.

[lizbud]

Originally posted by Sudilar
Thanks for all the advice and well wishes. I just bought Shiloh some Cosamin DS (for people...not dogs....the drug rep said that it is the same formula for dogs as it is for people....and cheaper.)




Sue,

You know, I heard than too.:) I should have started taking that a long time ago.:D
Cosequin (Cosamin) doesn't interact with other meds & no
upset stomachs. Let us know how it goes, o. k. ? Liz

[Albea]

Oh,Sue, I'm so sorry that now is darling Shiloh having problems.
If it can help you at all, I give Carina a teaspoon of organic Flax seed oil every day to help with her arthritis,you can get it at any health food store, besides the glucosamine/condroitin supplement.
I hope your pup doesn't need surgery.
Many hugs to you, Killie and Shiloh.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Oh Sue, I am so sorry to hear about your dear Shiloh. I hope things get better with the sweet girl. Blees you and your family, and your furkidz. Shiloh and Kilian will always be in my thoughts and in my prayers.

[Logan]

Sue, it just doesn't end for you, does it? :( Our Lilly was diagnosed with Mild Hip Dysplasia at 18 months old, believe it or not. At 5 years old now, I think she is even better than she was then, but the key for us has been keeping the excess weight off of her which is easier said than done. :eek: Goldens are prone to have this problem, but I know of very few people who have had the surgery done. I hope that Shiloh's problems can be controlled with meds and that you won't have to face the surgery.

Keep us posted and tell Shiloh that we're thinking of her and hoping that surgery won't be necessary. Hugs to both Shiloh and Killian.

Logan

[LorraineO]

Thinking of Shiloh and hoping for a good outcome!

[Logan]

Sue, I am longing for an update on Killian and Shiloh. Check in, when you can, and let us know how both of them are doing, please! :)

[Sudilar]

Thanks for asking, Logan!

I have decided to try the meds for Shiloh first before we do any total hip replacements. She is finished with the Metacam and seems to be doing fine, no pain or lack of movement. She is also on the Cosamine DS (Cosequin DS) for the rest of her life and I see no limp at all anymore. Because of the wonderful advice of this BB, I decided to give it a wait and see attitude. Why mess with something as drastic as THR and the long recovery time when meds will work just fine. If in the future she has pain, then I know what the next step will be.
Killian is acting like his old self again, however, I see a few more "autoimmune disease" sores on his nose and back. I hope that is not kicking in again! :rolleyes:
Hope everyone's puppers are all doing well!
Hugs.

[Logan]

Sue, I would do the exact same thing if it were me dealing with Shiloh's problems!! I'm so glad she is responding well to the meds and is feeling better!!! :) Makes my heart sing!!!

Hugs to Killian and Shiloh. What brave "kids" you have, and what a wonderful mom they have too!!! :D

Logan

[RobiLee]

What a stressful time you have been going through, Sue. Great big hugs for you, Shiloh and Killian. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Robin

[captain]

I am so glad that the medication is working ....... {{{hugs}}} to you and the darlin furkids ... :)

[anna_66]

Sue, I'm sorry I'm so late in seeing this:o

I'm glad to hear the meds are working well for Shiloh and I hope it continues like that:)

Many hugs to you, Shiloh and Killian!

[oreo_kayla]

im sorry to hear your doggie has Hip Dysplasia. Sorry i can't do anything, because my dog has Hip Dysplasia too i feel bad for pups with health problems, and they'res not really much you can do for them. I hope you dog doesn't feel to much pain =)