Found out my 3yo mix has it, vet treatment plan is just anti-inflammatory meds, slight weight reduction.
Been researching various surgical options, can any body recommend an ortho surgeon or relate experience outcome with the various treatments surgical and non
Re: Hip dysplasia, looking experiences with treatment
went through this about a year ago with my now 4 1/2 year old Golden cross. X-rays show pretty severe hip displasia in both hips. She was on anti inflammatory meds that made her very grouchy and didn't really help with the pain/ limping. Tried some different ones, no difference. Went to the ortho surgeon, who thought it's probably not the hip dysplasia that causes the pain, but her cruciate ligaments in the knees. He wanted to do surgery on that, but we opted for conservative therapy instead and kept her from running around for about 1/2 a year. Took her off all meds, only a Glucosamine supplement called Oste-o-3 and fish-oil tablets. A year later, she is running around like before. Sometimes I see a little stiffness when she gets up, but that's it....BTW, asked about hip displasia surgery, this surgeon said we could buy a luxury car for it Good luck!
Re: Hip dysplasia, looking experiences with treatment
My Labrador was diagnosed with it at 6 months. It was explained to me if I didn't due surgery he would be in a great deal of pain & unable to run & fetch by the time he hit 6 yrs. Worse pain in the senior years. I did the TPO surgery.... I think... Vaguely remember TPLO also... I got to do a surgery available to those who's growth plates had not closed yet. WORTH EVERY PENNY! Had it done at UC Davis.
My labrdork did agility, & ran & fetched his little heart out right up until the day we had to send him over the rainbow bridge (likely heart related) just shy of his 14th birthday. Without signs of pain or stiffness.
Depends on how bad it is. He also had it in the other hip, but very minor. Kept his weight down, swimming, walking & joint pills like a cult post surgery.
People commented right up until the end how good he looked. I have seen stiffer moving dogs half his age.
Best of luck.
Re: Hip dysplasia, looking experiences with treatment
I don't know where you are located, but there is an excellent ortho in Mill Valley, Dr. Sams. I am 3+ hours away and took my dog there for her TPLO and it was worth the drive to know I was dealing with one of the best.
"The only true voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but rather in seeing with new eyes."
