Originally posted by shais_mom

They did find very minor Hip Dysplasia -
but it was very hard to find -
she actually had to get the Head Vet's 2nd opinion.
Very minor degeneration. ...

So our plan now is to keep her comfortable.
First Shepherd Casey got *gimpy* at times when she was about 5 years old.


Her "old school" Country Vet examined her a couple times and said we
"could" do an X-ray - but he was certain she had rather "solid" hips and
his diagnosis was she had early onset Arthritis ...
His Rx: was plain ole ASPRIN twice a week, an extra pill if she got carried away
playing and seemed "off".
She ran like a puppy till age 13 - with maybe 4 asprin a week as she got older.

His theory was to "save" all the new, "fancy" pain & arthritis meds till
later in her life - so there was something stronger to use IF she ever needed it.

He also cautioned that "doping her up" to the point that she felt no pain
wasn't good - because she wouldn't know to slow down and let her joints
recover on their own, without medication.
He also said *SWIMMING* was Great therapy - Casey really enjoyed
THAT part of the treatment!

Be sure to ask if there's a "simple, common fix" to Keegan's limp.

**GLAD** the diagnosis was for a (somewhat) not-so-serious condition.

{{{HUGS}}} to you both!
..