Hip Dysplasia in small dog

Beekay

Hi, my small yorkie has just been diagnosed with hip dysplasia so we are trying to get as many things as possible to make her comfortable.

She is only 4 and very light(2.25kg) but we want to help her as much now to make her future more manageable.

We've ordered some memory foam to make her a better bed and will also be getting some steps for getting up onto our bed.

Does anybody have any recommendations for supplements and where to get them? We were advised to get glucosamine from the vet.

Any other advise you have is very welcome!

I've attached a photo if anyone wants to see her size and cuteness!

tk123

I was going to suggest hydro but her size is to your advantage - you could maybe do a session and have the therapist show you what exercises to do and swim her in the bath at home!

DBB

I've recently been through the orthopaedic mill op, was with one of Ireland's leading vet orthopaedic specialists.
He advised that there is no evidence to support supplementation with glucosamine or chondroitin.
However, he stressed the efficacy of both Omega 3, and hyaluronic acid, as there is evidence to support their use in the treatment of joint issues.
As tk said too, hydrotherapy and physio should help build up muscle to support the hip joints... If the worst comes to the worst, surgery on such small dogs is usually very successful.

cocker5

Beekay wrote: »

Hi, my small yorkie has just been diagnosed with hip dysplasia so we are trying to get as many things as possible to make her comfortable.

She is only 4 and very light(2.25kg) but we want to help her as much now to make her future more manageable.

We've ordered some memory foam to make her a better bed and will also be getting some steps for getting up onto our bed.

Does anybody have any recommendations for supplements and where to get them? We were advised to get glucosamine from the vet.

Any other advise you have is very welcome!

I've attached a photo if anyone wants to see her size and cuteness!

She is gorgeous OP. Sorry to hear she has Hip Dysplasia – my cocker spaniel (now 12) was diagnosed with the same in February of this year (he is 17kg).

Here’s what I have done… he has an orthopaedic bed (has done for years now), he is on Luposan pellets, Salmon oil – both of which are great for his joints. He is on Glucosamine supplements (not too sure if they help but sure I’ll give them a shot anyway).

http://www.zooplus.ie/shop/dogs/supplements_specialty_food/bones_joints/luposan/129097

http://www.zooplus.ie/shop/dogs/supplements_specialty_food/hair_skin/more_skin_and_coat_supplements/139892

Is she on any anti-inflammatory? Tumeric Paste is a great also

Does she slips on your wooden floors / Tiles? If so get her some off these they help hugely for my guy slipping on my floors (I only put them on his hind legs). They are expensive but excellent and give huge grip.

https://www.dogquality.co.uk/collections/dog-socks

Try and prevent her from using the stairs… jumping too much this will cause further damage. She is so small lift her up.

I also do hydro therapy twice per week with Cody...

boomerang

DBB wrote: »

He advised that there is no evidence to support supplementation with glucosamine or chondroitin.

Anecdotally I think they do help, though! Certainly noticed a difference in my dogs once they've started such supplements. And my dad swears by them for his elbow, lol.

Beekay

Thanks everyone for all the advice.

Hydrotherapy is something that I have also considered. I am unsure of any benefits at this time though as the hip dysplasia does not seem to cause her any daily problems. Can it also help prevent the hip dysplasia from getting worse?

The only reason we brought her to the vet for an x-ray was because she was a bit fearful of people picking her up too close to her back legs.

@cocker5

Thanks for the links, I'll order them tonight.

The vet gave us some anti-inflammatory to give her if we notice she is not doing well.

tk123

Beekay wrote: »

Thanks everyone for all the advice.

Hydrotherapy is something that I have also considered. I am unsure of any benefits at this time though as the hip dysplasia does not seem to cause her any daily problems. Can it also help prevent the hip dysplasia from getting worse?

The only reason we brought her to the vet for an x-ray was because she was a bit fearful of people picking her up too close to her back legs.

@cocker5

Thanks for the links, I'll order them tonight.

The vet gave us some anti-inflammatory to give her if we notice she is not doing well.

If the dog has a hip/knee/joint problem their gait is off so it'll effect their muscle tone.. and you need the muscles to keep the joint in the right place so as not to cause more damage etc etc Hydro will help build the muscles and get them to the state the should be to hopefully slow the progression without having any impact on the joints. It's like if you had a car with one tire not pumped up enough or the wheel alignment is off - the car will drive fine but you'll eventually wreck the tyres.