Hip dysplasia in dogs

cocker5

Just wondering if anyone had anyone experience in the above?

Long story short my guy has recently been diagnosed with Hip dysplasia, he is a 12 year old cocker and is on the following for his joints:

Loxicom (anti inflammatory) - only recently started this.
Salmon Oil - On this for a number of years
Yumove advance - On this for a number of years
Luposan Pellets (was on these for years, not for the last 6 months ordered some new ones today)

He has an Orthopaedic Dog Bed too for extra comfort both in the kitchen and living room.

So over the last few months we've noticed his back legs aren't as strong as they used to be, on tiled floors etc he can find them a bit slippy etc. this slight weakness is a new thing to be honest and i suppose I'm concerned is could be something worse.... no he is not falling all over the place or anything like that just a small bit of weakness. not too keen on stairs etc which i know this is to be expected.

6 weeks ago he had loads of xrays on his hips etc....

So i suppose I'm just looking to see if anyone else had the same issues and if the weakness is normal?

I just really want to know what to expect and what i can do to help him?

sorry guys i know ive been asking tons of questions as of late.

tk123

No HD here but for slipping we have runners/mats down on the wooden floors. We had them after Bailey's surgeries years ago then got rid of them.. then at some stage somebody did a bambi skid so off to Ikea for new runners lol. Another thing to try if you don't want runners is babies socks if he'll wear them - they have little non slip dots on them. I gave a pair to my friend to try for her old girl and she was able to go into their kitchen again when she had started to slip and slide due to muscle wastage from being weak from kidney disease and not being able to go out on walks. She went and got girly ones for her lol - the ones I have had were boy colours

I split the supplements between their meals too - there's only so much they can absorb at once?

Hydro is brilliant too for building muscle and keeping them strong if it's an option for you. Swimming in the sea/river etc is great but you just get better results in a pool!

Bells21

Not hip dysplasia but other issues with joints/arthritis etc. The dog had conventional treatment which was also supplemented with reiki. I was extremely sceptical the first day I watched the vet wave his hands across the dog without touching him but after each of those sessions he was moving almost like a puppy again and the air of calm that comes over the dog had to be seen to be believed. The feral cats that frequented our garden from time to time assumed he would be as slow moving as usual which was not the case!

Millem

Our oldie dog had it.....along with arthritis and bridges on her spine (can't remember the name) but was on metacam every day. We put arthriaid in her food too. Can't remember what else we did sorry!!
She used to LOVE swimming!!!! We used to rent dog pool in Kildare for her! I have videos of her literally doing lengths!

cocker5

Thanks Guys appreciate your replies.

TK123 -yes the runners and baby socks are a good idea ill def try them anything to make life easier for him.

he's on loads of supplements (for his heart, joints and liver) i do split them between morning and evening to try and break it up for him etc

He does a fair amount of swimming, we live a mile from the sea but as its cold he is reluctant to go in but i will google hydro therapy for him in South dublin / wicklow etc and see what comes up.

Bells21 - thank you ill try anything at this stage to give him the best quality of life - i will google that thanks!

I suppose im trying to finds ways to make his life better (and longer if possible)... not hugely confident in my vet (long story) so i am just trying to see if anyone else dogs went through the same with HP.

Thanks

cocker5

Millem wrote: »

Our oldie dog had it.....along with arthritis and bridges on her spine (can't remember the name) but was on metacam every day. We put arthriaid in her food too. Can't remember what else we did sorry!!
She used to LOVE swimming!!!! We used to rent dog pool in Kildare for her! I have videos of her literally doing lengths!

Thanks!

Do you mind if i ask how bad did her walking / mobility get? did she get worse over time or were you able to keep it under some level or control...

or did she die of other causes (sorry dont mean to be moribd) im just worried Codys hing legs will go and he will be otherwise in ok health and id hate to be faced with that :eek:

Millem

cocker5 wrote: »

Thanks!

Do you mind if i ask how bad did her walking / mobility get? did she get worse over time or were you able to keep it under some level or control...

or did she die of other causes (sorry dont mean to be moribd) im just worried Codys hing legs will go and he will be otherwise in ok health and id hate to be faced with that :eek:

No she was grand with metacam. In bad weather her legs would shake you would notice it took her longer to sit down or lie down then our other 2 dogs. She never cried in pain though.

she went downhill with old age. She lost her sight after getting her cataracts done and developed incontinence which was managed with medication but then after a few years it stopped working. The main thing was dementia.....it was heart breaking. It was no big deal cleaning up her toilet troubles we moved over to vet bed but she got very distressed near the end where she wouldn't know where she was. She would get "lost " in rooms. We agonised over her being PTS. Tbh we prolonged it by a good few weeks because we weren't ready to let her go.

tk123

cocker5 wrote: »

He does a fair amount of swimming, we live a mile from the sea but as its cold he is reluctant to go in but i will google hydro therapy for him in South dublin / wicklow etc and see what comes up.

There's a new one in Churchtown : http://thecaninecentre.ie

Report back if you use it!

cocker5

Millem wrote: »

No she was grand with metacam. In bad weather her legs would shake you would notice it took her longer to sit down or lie down then our other 2 dogs. She never cried in pain though.

she went downhill with old age. She lost her sight after getting her cataracts done and developed incontinence which was managed with medication but then after a few years it stopped working. The main thing was dementia.....it was heart breaking. It was no big deal cleaning up her toilet troubles we moved over to vet bed but she got very distressed near the end where she wouldn't know where she was. She would get "lost " in rooms. We agonised over her being PTS. Tbh we prolonged it by a good few weeks because we weren't ready to let her go.

thanks for your reply.

His legs do quiver from time to time but not badly. I dont mind the getting old bit like you i will deal with it, i just want him to have the best quality of life he can for as long as he can. His eyes are a little cloudy (vet checked and said just old age not cataracts), when he is sleeping his hearing isnt great - slow to wake up etc, nothing major to be honest I suppose all of this stuff is only fairly recent thats why im just double checking everything. I suppose i just didnt think in my mind 12 was old.... i know its getting on but was hoping to get to 15 / 16 with him.

If poor cody does develops dementia i will make the decision to let him go... it will kill me but ill do whats best for him.

Really sorry to hear about your dog

cocker5

tk123 wrote: »

There's a new one in Churchtown : http://thecaninecentre.ie

Report back if you use it!

Thanks for thats ill def check it out

Millem

cocker5 wrote: »

thanks for your reply.

His legs do quiver from time to time but not badly. I dont mind the getting old bit like you i will deal with it, i just want him to have the best quality of life he can for as long as he can. His eyes are a little cloudy (vet checked and said just old age not cataracts), when he is sleeping his hearing isnt great - slow to wake up etc, nothing major to be honest I suppose all of this stuff is only fairly recent thats why im just double checking everything. I suppose i just didnt think in my mind 12 was old.... i know its getting on but was hoping to get to 15 / 16 with him.

If poor cody does develops dementia i will make the decision to let him go... it will kill me but ill do whats best for him.

Really sorry to hear about your dog

Yeah tbh I wouldn't bother doing those cataracts again. The cone drove her mad and the drops!!
The dementia was the worse thing.

The hips didn't really seem to bother her tbh, she had metacam every single day for years. I think she had blood tests done as she was on it so long? I am sure wasn't great to be on it long term but needs must! She needed it after cataracts anyway as developed glaucoma. She had pet insurance so we literally did everything vets suggested.
She was so so happy before she got dementia.

She was diagnosed with the hip problems during the bad snow whatever year that was? Someone stopped us in park to admire her and suggested hip problems as legs were shaking. When she ran she kind of hopped. She was pts oct mid term 2014. So literally was on metacam years.

DBB

Hi Cocker5, have you considered buying a wetsuit for Cody for his sea swims? They are fab for giving a bit of extra buoyancy, but more importantly they keep the dog (and joints) seriously warm until you get home.
How come he was so late in life being diagnosed with HD? To the best of knowledge, it's not a condition that spontaneously develops in older dogs... Or is it?

Millem

Dbb are they the life jacket things? The place in Kildare makes you put them on the dog and my husband wore dry suit in pool. The had a blaster I think it's called? Like a dog hair dryer thing to dry off after shower for her.
That's a fab place actually it's a pity my other two aren't swimming mad!!
Can't remember name of place but it has kennels too.

OP they do hydrotherapy in loads if places my parent's dog got it after her operation. Pet insurance cover it it some of it anyway. She maxed out her policy that year!!!!

DBB

Millem wrote: »

Dbb are they the life jacket things?

No, they're an actual neoprene wetsuit
Shooting folk use them on their dogs when duck shooting, because there's a lot of sitting around in the cold air with the dog soaked from going in and out of water to retrieve ducks... These wetsuits make a world of difference to the dog! I bought one for my elderly Cocker x because she loved to swim but got so cold very quickly. Great yokes!

eg https://countrymun.com/neoprene-wetsuit.html

DBB

Damn... Now I've spotted these on the same site...
https://countrymun.com/towelling-rug-dog-coat.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwzd3GBRDks7SYuNHi3JEBEiQAIm6EI-gqgiDk74kSaaLDrPtL_JliyzDkaTKemrUlKJRxqykaAra68P8HAQ

Step. Away. From. The. Debit. Card.

cocker5

DBB wrote: »

Hi Cocker5, have you considered buying a wetsuit for Cody for his sea swims? They are fab for giving a bit of extra buoyancy, but more importantly they keep the dog (and joints) seriously warm until you get home.
How come he was so late in life being diagnosed with HD? To the best of knowledge, it's not a condition that spontaneously develops in older dogs... Or is it?

Hi DBB thanks for ur reply ! Yes a wet suit works be a great idea! Was thinking of contacting the place tk123 recommended above and bringing him
Once a week for starters?or would he need more? My vet isn't very forth coming with this information.

On the HP he was only diagnosed 6 weeks ago , he had numerous X-rays while getting some other health tests done. He's has shown very little signs up until now., the odd limp here and there over the years - hence the supplements I mentioned above but I thought it was due to me running with him when he was younger etc

I'd say honestly he's had it years - more than likely genetic (think that's 95% of cases) .. but hadn't really come to light until now. He has never cried out in pain or anthing ..

He's been slow at getting out of his bed for the last year - hence the ortho beds etc... but no other major signs.

It's the slight weakness now (only recent) that worries me I thought it was this:

http://pets.thenest.com/causes-back-leg-weakness-dogs-4626.html

Which scares the crap out of me but my vet assures me it's HP..

Now he's not slipping badly or anything just really on wooden floors / tiles - not while out normally walking etc.. so I just don't know

cocker5

Millem wrote: »

Yeah tbh I wouldn't bother doing those cataracts again. The cone drove her mad and the drops!!
The dementia was the worse thing.

The hips didn't really seem to bother her tbh, she had metacam every single day for years. I think she had blood tests done as she was on it so long? I am sure wasn't great to be on it long term but needs must! She needed it after cataracts anyway as developed glaucoma. She had pet insurance so we literally did everything vets suggested.
She was so so happy before she got dementia.

She was diagnosed with the hip problems during the bad snow whatever year that was? Someone stopped us in park to admire her and suggested hip problems as legs were shaking. When she ran she kind of hopped. She was pts oct mid term 2014. So literally was on metacam years.

Thanks again for ur reply.

Yip thank god we have pet insurance!

Going to look in to booking him into the hydro therapy sessions.. do u know how many per week?

Millem

cocker5 wrote: »

Thanks again for ur reply.

Yip thank god we have pet insurance!

Going to look in to booking him into the hydro therapy sessions.. do u know how many per week?

Sorry no clue! She got everything done in ucd. She has a plate (and screws) I think in one of her back legs it's not HD. Don't ask me what the injury is called but only a handful of vets do operation. Dad was up and down to ucd like a yoyo. Ucd was handy as he didn't pay anything until she reached her €4k as he had paid excess already. They claim off Allianz. He actually pays no attention to vet bills.
They have them hydrotherapy places all around though as there was one closer but he just wanted to stick to the one place for everything!

Her leg is not great now in fairness she can't go for big runs etc anymore as they make her limp after. Dad needs to keep her slim as being overweight is not helping the matter!!!!

tk123

For the hydro you get a referral form filled in by the vet and then when you go they'll decide what he needs. It'll probably be once a week - you'd only need more if it was something serious like the dog being paralysed and also you'd be surprised at how tired he gets at first - it can take a while to build up their strength and fitness. Be prepared though because they might be booked up. Our old place in Coldwinters we went to for years was perfect for location and time wise but after the jaw thing and whatever way he was handled we had to stop because Bailey wasn't happy being handled at all. He was great in Kildare at canine country club but they're always booked up and only tend to have daytime appointments during the week so not really doable for me.

For drying off after swims I have hotterdog fleeces that I had zips put in - better coverage than the coats above

cocker5

Thank guys! I've just emailed the canine country club in sallins to see when we can get started!

I'll email my vet for a letter of referral today.

Thanks for all your help I just want to give Cody the best possible chance and quality of life I can.

Appreciate all your advice

tk123

Hehe will you get in with him? :pac:
I loved Sallins and so did Bailey. Hopefully we can get some sessions in for him when he's recovered from his surgery!

cocker5

tk123 wrote: »

Hehe will you get in with him? :pac:
I loved Sallins and so did Bailey. Hopefully we can get some sessions in for him when he's recovered from his surgery!

Might take a dip

Im going to try and get him started ASAP (as soon as they have space to be honest) - once a week or whatever they recommend!

Just anxious to get hims started now

Millem

cocker5 wrote: »

Might take a dip

Im going to try and get him started ASAP (as soon as they have space to be honest) - once a week or whatever they recommend!

Just anxious to get hims started now

I think that's the place we used to go to? Not actually far from south dublin at all. The hydro therapist was a lady with blonde hair? It has kennels too.
Fab place. You can rent pool out for fun too. Can't remember price maybe €20? That's what we used to do!! All 3 of our girls used to go in for a dip. Pool is lovely and warm.

tk123

Bring a pair of runners to wear into the pool - otherwise you'll have to borrow those weird wet suit shoe things!

cocker5

Ok just thought I'd give a little update..

Called (three times) and email the place in sallins on Monday.. spoke with a girl left a message.. nothing.

Called yesterday .. left voicemail .. nothing.

Emailed again today , got an email from Mick telling me the lady who looks after hydrotherapy would call me before lunch .. nothing

Just called there now.. she took my name and number told me she's get back to me... Ann was her name. So I asked when could I expect a call back to book an appointment .. a few weeks .. up to a month she said . Wouldn't even let me book in any dates 😡 So when she calls me I'll then have to wait further for an actual appointment , poor Cody

Found her quiet rude to be honest.

Don't know what to do now..

The place in church town doesn't open past 6pm or weekends.

tk123

Try Gareth at Sharpwells - he does evenings and weekends but might be booked up too(!) It's 2 mins from exit 5 on the M50.

https://www.facebook.com/Sharpwells-K9-Hydro-centre-116842325047111/

cocker5

tk123 wrote: »

Try Gareth at Sharpwells - he does evenings and weekends but might be booked up too(!) It's 2 mins from exit 5 on the M50.

https://www.facebook.com/Sharpwells-K9-Hydro-centre-116842325047111/

Thank you will try him today x

cocker5

tk123 wrote: »

Try Gareth at Sharpwells - he does evenings and weekends but might be booked up too(!) It's 2 mins from exit 5 on the M50.

https://www.facebook.com/Sharpwells-K9-Hydro-centre-116842325047111/

Got an appointment with Garth on Saturday! Thank you TK123!

He has to look at his schedule are he's pretty booked up but fingers crossed we can work something out. Xx

cocker5

Just a quick update - Cody went for his first Hydro therapy session today. Garth was really nice, great with Cody, you can really sense he cares for animals.

Anyway he is very positive that with regular sessions Cody can built the muscles he needs to stabilise his hip joints and help him reduce the slipping etc and stop the progression of the HP as best we can- so thanks TK123 for the recommendation. Fingers crossed it works. He says i should see an improvement within a month or so.

Here he is in all is glory (Cody that is not Garth!)

tk123

Yoooooo well done Cody! Do you have a fleece for him? I find them great for drying the dogs off when they're wet - my two love theirs and want to keep them on for hours!

cocker5

tk123 wrote: »

Yoooooo well done Cody! Do you have a fleece for him? I find them great for drying the dogs off when they're wet - my two love theirs and want to keep them on for hours!

I had some large beach towels in the car for him BUT Garth being the gentleman that he is, rinsed Cody off with the electric shower, then blowed dried him for 15 mins! But i will get him a fleece for future trips... any suggestions on where to buy?

For the first few minutes Cody's eyes were massive, he was possibly afraid as he was swimming like mad but he wasnt getting anywhere IYKWIM... then he relaxed and was fine. I took some videos too (yes I'm sad).

Garth did say Cody's range of motion in his legs while swimming was pretty good, he was fully extended, which is something he doesnt do outside the pool, so he was pretty positive we can work with Cody, help his HP and improve his quality of life! so im delighted to be honest please god it works - Thanks again!

You know my "vet" never recommended the hydrotherapy so thank you to the posters on boards Cody will hopefully have a better quality of life... for a little longer

So from a very tired Cody and from me thank you

tk123

We have 2 kinds lol. We have older hotterdog ones that we put zips in - http://www.canineconcepts.co.uk/en/dog-coats/2872-equafleece-dog-jumper.html

And the newer ones are equalfeece tankies - if you're getting one I'd get the zip to make life easier : https://www.equafleece.co.uk/dogs/fleece/dog-tankie

cocker5

tk123 wrote: »

We have 2 kinds lol. We have older hotterdog ones that we put zips in - http://www.canineconcepts.co.uk/en/dog-coats/2872-equafleece-dog-jumper.html

And the newer ones are equalfeece tankies - if you're getting one I'd get the zip to make life easier : https://www.equafleece.co.uk/dogs/fleece/dog-tankie

Perfect Thanks so much!

cocker5

Just wanted to say i got these bad boys for Cody to help with the slipping

https://www.dogquality.co.uk/products/grippers

Only for use in my home when he cant be seen and only on his hind legs!

Will post pics if and when i can get him to wear them!

cocker5

Hi All,

Have just been thinking lately... has anyone gone down the surgery route with HP?

I know my guy is 12 but i really want to give him the best possible chance at a long and extended life (regardless of cost)

Any input is much appreciated...

tk123

Have you any experience of ortho surgery and recovery? We've done it 3 times and it's not something I'd want to do again for Bailey. At 12 I definitely wouldn't put him through it.

cocker5

tk123 wrote: »

Have you any experience of ortho surgery and recovery? We've done it 3 times and it's not something I'd want to do again for Bailey. At 12 I definitely wouldn't put him through it.

Thanks TK123.... no Ive no experience and i def don't Cody to suffer

I suppose im just worried that he legs will give out ad ill be faced with putting him to sleep and otherwise he's doing very very well.. i just don't know what to do... I will get him a wheelchair if the time comes ... but im at a loss as to what else i could and should be doing for him at this stage

Thanks for your input X

tk123

Honestly I think you have everything covered! Just keep doing what you're doing!

cocker5

Anyone recommend an acupuncturist that deals with dogs?

My hydro therapy guy recommended it today for Cody.. so will give it a try also

TIA

tk123

cocker5 wrote: »

Anyone recommend an acupuncturist that deals with dogs?

My hydro therapy guy recommended it today for Cody.. so will give it a try also

TIA

Our lovely vet does it - Mary Geary - she's in Primrose Hill Vets in Dun Laoire now (used to be beside us in Glasnevin ... we'll be seeing her for Bailey's next checkup because nobody is as good as her!)

cocker5

tk123 wrote: »

Our lovely vet does it - Mary Geary - she's in Primrose Hill Vets in Dun Laoire now (used to be beside us in Glasnevin ... we'll be seeing her for Bailey's next checkup because nobody is as good as her!)

Thank you so much x

ANGEM

Hi i go to Gareth with my dog you can ask him about Shep if you like he's had both hips done (fho) but he's only 2and a half. I don't know if I would have gone for the operations if he was older it's tough going a lot of hard work for the dog and owner