Canine Hip Problem

[Guardian]

Re: Distressing Vet trip

I'm pretty impressed you will swim in the lake

Why? You mean because of the bugs and stuff?

I would miss the ocean too much.

Oh I do! So very, VERY much!

so maybe seasonal swimming would be enough to build his muscles. that would be something to consider before getting a pool.

Well, it's already getting cooler here at night. Currently it's 64 degs, so only a few more degs and we can go night swimming :)

 

[Guardian]

Re: Distressing Vet trip

Although your doggie is a pup, and may not need anti-inflammatory type help,

Not yet, but I'm putting all the pain/inflame info in a special folder just in case he (or a friend) ever needs it.

Thank you!

 

[sairie]

Re: Distressing Vet trip

Guardian, have you seen and read about this joint support supplement. It might be of a higher quality grade. Another good possibility: adding a CoQ10 to Bryn's diet ?

 

[Olesya]

Re: Distressing Vet trip

Maybe, it's just a matter of the simple spine adjustment, especially because Bryn is so young and he's not in pain? Do you know his history, Guardian? Maybe, before you got him he suffered some kind of trauma at birth or later on? I'm asking because, while looking at the X-ray picture (I'm not a doctor, so I'm not qualified to tell what is it), I've noticed two things: a loss of symmetry in some places along the spine and the dark dot/ball on the spine right along on the line where the balls are. Maybe, someone on the Forum can take a look?

In "Holistic Therapies for Canine Hip Dysplasia" (overall useful article to read, osit, with many suggestions that were already given for hip problems) _http://www.dogchannel.com/holistic-dog-care/article_hip-3.aspx it says:

Chiropractic care is a system of therapy that attempts to restore normal movement and nerve function to the body by adjusting the articular facets (joints) of the spinal column. The basis of chiropractic is that a subluxation (misalignment) of the spine will create a chain reaction of events. If a vertebrae is even slightly out of kilter, it will affect the nerve it houses by causing direct or indirect de-generation of the nerve, its function, and the blood supply to the nerve. When this occurs, the nerve does not respond normally. An abnormal nerve response can cause pain, muscle tightness, loss of mobility, and a decrease in flexibility.

[...]

Many holistic veterinarians believe that if a puppy predisposed to hip dysplasia is enrolled in a program of regular chiropractic adjustments that continue throughout the dogs life, he may never develop the symptoms of hip dysplasia. In young dogs with emerging symptoms, chiropractic adjustments have been shown to slow or halt the process in many instances. And with aging dogs who have been suffering from hip dysplasia for years and whose hip joints are substantially degenerated, chiropractic care can serve as a sort of damage control, potentially preventing further progression of the disease and affording the afflicted dog some relief.

Effects that are attributed to chiropractic careand that are important to a dog suffering from hip dysplasiaare increased range of motion, a strengthened and balanced neuromuscular system, and an improved immune system.

[...]

Preferably, you should seek out a veterinarian or a chiropractor who is certified by the AVCA to perform animal chiropractic. If a chiropractor who isn't also a veterinarian is being used, the patient (dog) must be under the care of a licensed veterinarian. The veterinarian should perform a complete musculoskeletal and physical exam prior to chiropractic care in order to determine if chiropractic is a safe and effective modality for the animal.

 

[Lirpa]

My rescue Pug, Henry, that I adopted last year was diagnosed with moderate to severe hip displaysia by the Vet that the Shelter took him to when he was initially surrendered to the Shelter by his previous owners.

The vet recommended surgery. Henry would not even use his left hind leg at all. He was a mess with skin issues. I chose to not do the surgery. I switched him to a homemade diet, gave the Now Brand that has Glucosamine, Chrondrotin and MSM formula. He uses his left hind leg all of the time even when running. He never holds it up all all. When I first got him it was not even touching the ground so this is a vast improvement. He does hold it a little bit forward when he is standing still but he lets his paw touch the ground and uses it for weight bearing.

I think the MSM really boosts the Glucosamine and Chrondroitin. Henry is 8 years old this year (I think) and he is doing spectacular. He is a big, sexy healthy beast now! He runs up and down two flights of stairs with no problem at all. Runs around on our daily walks, etc.

So I agree with others in reference to how veterinarians will advise you that it is worse than it is. They have to do that to meet the Standards of governing Veterinary Association that oversees Veterinarians. I am just glad that my local vet here is on the same page as I am.

 

[Voyageur]

Re: Distressing Vet trip

interesting, swimmers itch. must have been awful! I did some generic searches ; one article would seem to imply Bryn would be safe if if the water temp is below 60.

Swimmer's itch produces the same inflamed welts, though from a different source. When the water temperature reaches about 60 degrees, cercaria (flat worm larva) are released from snails. The parasites then begin to search for a host. Because they cannot swim, they rely on wind and currents to transport them.

The natural host of the cercaria are birds and waterfowl. They will also try to attach to humans if they come in contact with them.

there should be a time of year --before and after winter-- that you would get this water temperature 50-60 range. That's a bit cool for humans, but I think a dog with enough fur could enjoy that.

This is the only place on the forum that discusses "swimmers itch" (SI); in my mind it was never a word that was horrifying sounding, although I now know first hand it's not fun. Last week, had the two dogs over in the next valley - there were two lakes. The first was very cold, the second had cold thermals, yet the water was generally warm. It is a large lake, not commercial, so relatively clean. The weather was very warm +38c, so I went swimming as did the dogs. They fared well, and I thought I did too, until last Sunday when it was noticed that my left ear hurt and was slightly inflamed. I thought perhaps I had been bitten by a insect while sleeping. Tried a mixture of vinegar, baking soda and rubbing alcohol. By Tuesday i had to see a doctor, not our vet - she diagnosed it as SI and prescribed Tobradex eye drops, except it is to be used in the ear. I must say that this is an experience I would like to forget, so it would be very discomforting for a dog.

The tip-off for the lake and SI might be as described above, in retrospect, there were Canadian Geese in the water and on shore. Sleeping in very hot conditions with this moisture and bacteria likely brought it on. For me it was/is deep in the outer ear canal and it feels like needles. The inflammation has mostly abated, yet there is still, similar to electrical shocks, pain that comes and goes.

I did some reading and using colloidal silver may have been a good or better option. Also, using a few drops of mineral oil in your ears prior to swimming is useful as a protective measure.