hip dysplasia/arthritis

[shel-t-mom]

I am heartbroken after learning my 7 yo agility sheltie has arthritis in both hips. She NEVER shows that she's hurting, you have to hold her back from the agility course, she's up and down the stairs in our home all the time and has no problem jumping up on our relatively high bed.
With supplements recommended by the vet and physical therapy, as long as she is showing no signs of pain, would you continue to allow her to do agility?

 

[corbinam]

Does your vet know a lot about the sport? Is there a performance dog vet anywhere near you? I don't know a lot about arthritis in dogs, but I would consult with a vet with a lot of experience both with dogs and one who knows a lot about what we ask of our performance dogs.

 

[HopeShelties]

You mention hip dysplasia in the title but not again in the post. Does the dog have hip dysplasia?
With arthritis, and hip dysplasia, it would depend on the severity. I have a friend who has two bcs and both have mild hip dysplasia. The vet is known for treating performance dogs and advised her that both dogs staying active so long as they aren't exhibiting signs of pain is better for the dogs than retiring them to a more sedentary lifestyle.
As far as arthritis, there is a lot that can be done for a dog who has it. I would guess most performance dogs who have done it for several years have some arthritis. There are various things that can be given to them to help. Basic joint supplements can help. Adequan injections offer even better results but aren't something I would switch to until the dog is showing signs of discomfort. There are also natural supplements that act in the same way as an nsaid except without the long term side effects.again, only something I would use if there is a level of discomfort being shown.

 

[labgirl]

My friend has a lab with hip dysplasia. She runs her Luna at agility on a veteran course, so low jumps, no weaves, and low contact equipment. Also they try to avoid tight turns on the course. Luna loves it and while she sometimes has to take a break if things flare up she is still enjoying herself. Funnily enough it is normal walks with running around that seems to flare her problem more than agility.

Another friend has a 7 year old border collie Poppy who has recently been diagnosed with arthritis in her front wrist joints. After a six month break, she has been allowed back to agility as long as she runs the course on low heights. There is another dog, also 7, a musterlander (?) called Barney who was at the same time as Poppy diagnosed with mild hip dysplasia and arthritis. He also took a break and is back running low heights. They also do no more than 4 rounds in a lesson. They are doing ok, I know Barney was on metacam at first. I think you need to judge how bad your dog is and adjust accordingly.

 

[Caro]

IMHO I wouldn't continue with impact sports. But it will be your call.

When Deska was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia and arthritis/joint disease I was told by specialists that he could keep doing sports but it would reduce the longevity of his joints. I did keep going for a while, keeping it lower impact, but I wish I hadn't as it did get worse. And now he's cleared for a small amount of sports after surgery last year I've decided I would much rather have him around for longer and not in pain that it's just not worth the trade off.

I would have a serious talk with your vet about how bad the arthritis is. And also decide whether your dog's love of the sport is high enough to outweigh the possible reduction in longevity from continuing. It is also worth investigating lower impact options for agility.

Keep in mind arthritis is the next stage of dysplasia. So while dog's can run with dysplasia - which means they have an incongruity in the joint - having arthritis means the joint is already degrading. Both hips makes it harder because the options for when it becomes advanced are much more limited.