HELP! Need advice about my Hound dog-update (last post)

[cmayer31]

I'm so sorry to hear about your puppy. My Riley also has hip dysplacia in both hips and we found out at 10 months of age as well.

Second opinions never hurt, and there's different ideas around treatment.

There's three major surgical corrections to hip dysplacia at this time.

1. Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) is usually performed on dogs 10 months of age and less and only as long as the joints do not show sever damage or have become solid/developed and damaged. It's basically a hip re-alignment where the pelvic is broken and reshaped to the joint. The dogs wieght also plays a part in this. This is most common if caught early in puppyhood and is quite expensive.In the case of Riley, her joints were already too well formed to perform this surgery and it was determined that she was too old, at 11 months.

2. Total hip replacement. Just like it sounds, very expensive, and usually takes about 3-4 months to recover. This is the best bet for adult dogs, but is sometimes the best course if the hip(s) are too badly worn. Typically performed on young adult dogs as the bones have to be fully matured.

3. Femoral Head and Neck Excision. This is a salvage at best and includes the removal of the femoral head. In place the body produces a fiber like substance that pads the joint. This is typcally reserved for older dogs to reduce/remove pain from bad joints. The dog's weight is a major issue and again this is almost always for older dogs.

There are other surgical treatments out there, but I don't know them too well and are not as common.

There are medications that can enhance the quality of living for a dog with hip dysplacia and this is where a second even third opinion is always valuable. Often these are in the form of steroids, pain relievers, and anti-inflamitory medications.

Low impact exercise such as swimming is great for dogs with dysplacia. This is because weight is a major issue. It's a catch 22. It's hard to exercise a dog with dysplacia, but being overwieght amplifies the affects and harms the joints even more. Low impact, and controlled exercise/play time is a must.

In my case Riley gets many short walks and lots of of play in a small area. She gains weight easily so she's on a reduced calorie/fat diet and I do the best I can. She knows her limit for the most part, and I can see when she is sore and we stop. If for whatever reason she seems uncomfortable then I give her, her medicine and we have a slower day the next morning.

[Nobas Mom]

I just pm'd you for more information... thanks

[Minnie, Patches, and Jesse]

I am soo sorry. Feel better, Pup!

[Nobas Mom]

So, this morning when I got home from work, I let Noba out of the crate, which he was miserable being in... ... and he was walking much better. He is actually bearing weight on his back leg as he walks!! I was so happy. He still won't stand with any weight on it, but after only a little rest and medication, there is already a great improvement!

[RedyreRotties]

BEWARE of letting him exercise when he's medicated!!! The pain is there for a reason, to keep him from using this leg. Keep him crated as much as possible.

I would indeed seek a second opinion, and from an orthopedic specialist. If you are going to spend the money, you might as well do it at the top of the ladder.

Do some research in your area, find the BEST orthopedic vet, and go see them.

There are options that can give your puppy a very good quality of life. Some are more affordable than others, and some need to be done young, so time is of the essence.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

[Nobas Mom]

Thanks for the advice. My vet conferred with an orthopedic specialist and called me today. Noba seems like the prime candidate for the Triple Pelvic Osteotomy... so after this initial three weeks of crate confinement, we are gonna talk about the possibility of doing that. We are shooting for the beginning of October. There are a few more things that need to be looked at first, but I am pretty sure this is the option I'm gonna go with. He isn't getting any exercise right now at all. I only let him out of the crate to go outside and go potty, and he stays on a short leash, walks slow, and doesn't go very far!