Need advice on "surprise" genetic issues with our dog - Page 4

A few questions still -

What about allowing him to ride in a truck bed (covered with an opening window to the cab)?  He has a bed in it, but prefers to walk around and checking outside the open cap windows.  There are few straight, flat roads in this area and I'm concerned that the side by side and bumpy movement is going to stress his hips and legs.  We have a large cage that would restrain his movement (but cramp his style significantly... he hates being caged and just about tore it apart when we first got him).

Also, his nose has turned pinkish.  Is this a sign of stress or a nutritional problem?

Finally, he makes panting "sounds" a lot when he gets excited or anticipates going outside.  It isn't related to heat or exercise.  Personally I think he is trying to talk, but I've never had a GSD before.  Is this typical of them?  He is very smart and has figured out how to open the back door to let himself back into the house if it isn't locked.  Unfortunately he isn't motivated to close it behind him... LOL.

@DebSue - we will be getting a second opinion on Wednesday from the ortho vet.

@Ramage - we don't have any intention of PTS... not a remote option until he is obviously in serious pain that can't be corrected.  In the meantime we are giving him the normal supplements... glucosamine, MSM, etc. plus a homeopathic remedy and visiting the ortho vet for a consult.  I agree with you about the HD surgery.  However I think we will have to do the stifle surgery unless the ortho vet presents another option.  It just isn't healing.  Unfortunately he has HD on the right and an injured stifle on the left.

@Brandi - I'll try to get a video in the next few days and try to figure out how to post it. Failing that, I'll take some stills as he is walking away. He has an obvious limp but he still puts weight on that leg and continues to be very active. Thank you for your encouraging words.  Yes, Blitz is a gorgeous dog with a superb temperament.

@Hutchins - Yes, the breeder has been very responsive and her offer was very generous.  I'm in conversation with her to help her make decisions in her breeding program and sent her the xrays.  Her focus is to create champion grade dogs with great temperaments.

I'll let you all know the outcome of the ortho visit next week.  We are fortunate to both be able to afford this and the time to make it happen... it means a 10-hour round trip and a few days staying near their office in Oregon!  We will also explore alternative med options.  We are fortunate to have a Reiki and acupuncturist vet nearby. (Yes, we are in California)

I so appreciate all the posts.  It has helped to sort out our options and get a better perspective on Blitz's prospects.  

Saroj

Sort of off topic, but you can go to a Tractor Supply Store and buy the horse MSM for $15 and it will last forever for a dog. 

Sometimes the equine supplements can be a lot cheaper in the long run. Just thought I'd share the idea :-)

Saroj,
My friend's GSD banged his stifle on the edge of the jeep and chipped it.  He had to have surgery as well.  Whatever you do, follow up with PT to make sure he recovers as much movement as possible.  Hank still has a "catch in his get along" do to no follow up PT.  He is no longer in pain but I'll bet the ortho is going to recommend that be corrected first.  Also, on the hip surgery...I would not recomment total hip replacement.  Go for the hip resection where they remove the head of the femur.  Much less costly and if done where the muscles are not cut, very short recovery time.  They can't do a total hip replacement without doing major cutting and reattachment of muscles and ligaments.  Difference in cost is approximately $4000.00.  Total hip replacement also can result in rejection of the implant and you would end up with the resection anyway only at 5 - 6 times the cost.  When you opt for hip surgery down the line, talk to your vet and make sure he is willing to put in the extra effort to move muscles rather than cut them.  If he is not familiar with that option or doesn't do it...find another vet.  It's also nice if you have a vet that allows you to witness the surgery.  My vet has a viewing window and will actually let you scrub up and take part if he feels you won't faint on him.  Gotta love a vet that has nothing to hide. 

Good tip.  We have a lot of farm stores around here.  I'll check around.

We'll check on dog-friendly swimming holes too... as long as we're going cross-species, I remember growing up near Del Mar race track seeing the handlers take the race horses out into the ocean for swimming.  Not sure if it was only for the aquarobics or also for the healing salt water, but I'm sure it would be good exercise for Blitz once he is cleared for it.  Probably not in the surf which is pretty wild around here but in one of the many brackish lagoons.