Dixie has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia

[GillsGoneWild]

After watching Dixie for a few days I took her to vet but she thought maybe she had just bruised her paw and gave us 2 weeks of Novox 75mg but it didnt get better maybe worse.She stopped wanting to go down steps to outside,or steps to bedroom,when I take her out I have to put her lease on and lead her to a potty spot,she will not go on her on.I noticed her back paws really didnt touch floor and so I decided to go back to vet but see the one that usually listens to me ,after examining her and checking her walk he suggested doing xrays but said he would need to put her under with a mild cocktail but he got really goods pictures of her hips and spine.her spine looked fine but he said looking at the xray he would say she has hip dysplasia.But since she hadnt finished growing( her xrays showed that) he is hoping that when the joints tightened up that maybe this would help her .I know I am not wording this like he did but kinda like he thought she could out grow this.She will be 1 year old on November 28.So he has put her on Novox 75mg for 2 months and then will xray again. Sorry for this being so long winded but I am hoping one of you will have some ideas that I might can do to help also.I did buy a nutri vet hip and joint supplement for young dogs but havent started it ,thanks for listening and any help

[2GoodDogs]

Hi, that is a hard diagnosis to take but knowing is a whole lot better and you can take lots of steps now to ensure her best outcome later. She's young, You have time on your side! Hugs and I hope she will outgrow this!

Our problem is the spine, and does not appear to be hips....

PS - I think Pelzer looks like a really neat town, I drive through there on way to Dog Trainer's Workshop a few times a year.

[GillsGoneWild]

It is a nice town and about 25 minutes to Greenville, I take Dixie to Connie at Dog Trainers we went to the first 3 classes they have for puppies, but she was really the only puppy in class all of the others where older, we enjoyed it just not sure if we will be able to do anymore at least fo a while.You are right I do have her age on my side if I only knew what is best, I have been reading up on it, but thanks

[dawns2shelties]

Praying Dixie can outgrow this.

[ClantyreSheltie]

It is important to find out what the specific problem is. "Hip Dysplasia" can be one of a few different issues, or a combination. Those issues are managed differently, and some can be surgically fixed. Just make sure to keep the weight off, and maybe introduce her to a pool. Low impact strengthening exercised are good, and swimming is excellent for that (just like people!).

I'm not sure supplements will do any good, I'm not personally a fan of them, but it depends on what specific issues she has.

She is young, so keep her light and build muscle.

[Lynnel]

Hip dysplasia is operable, my wily wasn't diagnosed until we returned to NJ and my old vet. He said had he been younger he could have had surgery. So don't let this get you down, just find a good specialist. Sending positive thoughts your way.

[lasheltie]

Our Anabel was given Adequan injections to help with her pain & mobility. Unfortunately it didn't help her since hers was severe & she was a lot older when diagnosed. But we suggested it to a friend who has a Great Dane with arthritis/ joint issues. They tried the Adequan & have had great results. They started out getting the shots from the vet but then ordered the meds online & doing it themselves for a huge savings. They did continue to have the vet monitor the progress. It takes about 6 weeks to notice a difference but it does help in a lot of cases. Adequan was 1st used for horses to help with their joint issues. You might check into it as well as the glucosimine. Here is a link with some info on Adequan for dogs.

www.thewholisticvet.com/Prank.html

www.dogster.com/forums/Dog_Health/thread/675218

http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvett...quan_cats_dogs

[3Stars]

Also - make sure the breeder knows. If it's an ethical breeder, they're going to want to know for breeding purposes. Secondly, check your contract - you may be able to get money back, which will help with the vet bills.