UPDATE: NO FHO or Hip Surgery for Bryan

BryanAndLarrysMama

BryanAndLarrysMama

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So we had a great consultation with the ortho vet and here is what he said:

Bryan is not a candidate for FHO (or THR) at this time. They consider it last option surgery. So here is what they want to do:

- Fish oil and glucosamine supplements
- Exercise continues but walks are 4 x 15 or 2 x 30 per day, but no long long walks at once and no free running at the dog park
- Cartrophen - 1 shot per week for 4 weeks and then once every 2 months.
- Meloxicam (NSAID) as needed (after the Cartrophen initial 4 weeks)

He had his first needle on Wednesday afternoon, and yesterday he threw up at lunch and the little bit we gave him at 11pm overnight. This morning I gave him just a little scrambled egg to see if that helps and he's kept it down. Apparently any adverse effects do include incontinence and vomiting in the first 24-48hrs and yep, he peed on the rug (which of course is horrifying to him as he never does that and he's guilt tripping himself to pieces, poor guy. Like I'd ever yell at him? Never!). So I'm hoping he feels better tomorrow. I can tell he feels pretty crappy. We'll see how it goes. I hate the idea of him feeling bad for 2 days after each shot for the remaining 3 weeks, but if he needs it ok.

I told the doctor I was willing to spend the money on FHO so not to think he can't suggest it. I'll do whatever it takes! But he said no, he does not think it is needed just yet and he wants to try a lifestyle method to prevent further deterioration and help improve his situation as much as possible first. He said let's give this a fair shot until spring and then re-assess with new xrays and so on.

So...no surgery.

P.S. Oh how I hated giving Bryan his shot - but he was so good he just stood there and let me, and then toddled off with his cucumber spear to munch on.
 
I have never heard of Cartrophen. Is that the new one like Librela which stops arthritis pain via the nerves?

The one thing I would highly recommend, instead of fish oil, is green lipped mussel supplement. It is Omega 3's like fish oil but much more effective in my opinion. Lots of folks on the Forums use it. It is not expensive and can be sprinkled on food. My vet now recommends it after I told her about it years ago. I use Super Snouts joint powder, can be purchased on Chewy . I started with a double dose daily for "loading" and then went down to one scoop daily.

Whatever brand you get, make SURE it is cold processed. The cheaper ones use steam to open the mussels which kills the omegas.
 
Sharon7 said:
I have never heard of Cartrophen. Is that the new one like Librela which stops arthritis pain via the nerves?

The one thing I would highly recommend, instead of fish oil, is green lipped mussel supplement. It is Omega 3's like fish oil but much more effective in my opinion. Lots of folks on the Forums use it. It is not expensive and can be sprinkled on food. My vet now recommends it after I told her about it years ago. I use Super Snouts joint powder, can be purchased on Chewy . I started with a double dose daily for "loading" and then went down to one scoop daily.

Whatever brand you get, make SURE it is cold processed. The cheaper ones use steam to open the mussels which kills the omegas.
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I've been reading about the green lipped mussel supplement and you're right, seems everyone is saying it is better than fish oil. I think I'll go this route. Whatever it takes to make him feel better!
 
Totally understand; I would feel that way myself. It's beyond hard to watch your dog, especially a young active one, be in pain. I hope his new regimen helps a lot. Please let us know. By sharing info, we ALL can take more informed care of our pups. Good luck.
 
You've made the best decision given your options for Bryan, and that's all you can do If the new regimen doesn't help, perhaps your vet will revisit surgery. I've never heard of that particular med either, I wonder if it's a new one. But I totally agree with Sharon on the green-lipped mussel. All my seniors get the SuperSnouts she recommends and it's been wonderful for their mobility. They do also get glucosamine/condritin as well. They are two completely different supplements, so you might want to consider that.

I hope your boy continues to improve! Do keep us posted on how it goes.
 
quick google gave me this:

  • Cartrophen
    The veterinary brand name for pentosan polysulfate, which is derived from beechwood hemicellulose. Cartrophen is a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) that can help with non-infectious and traumatic arthritis. It can stimulate cartilage production and improve the quality and quantity of synovial fluid. Cartrophen is available in Australia, Canada, and Europe, but is not yet available in the United States, though the manufacturer is seeking FDA approval. In rare cases, dogs may experience side effects like vomiting or being quieter than usual for up to 48 hours after the first injection.
I hope and pray it works for him!
 
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