Vet: hip dysplasia confirmed - Page 1

Hi guys.

No, I don't have the x-rays yet (I'm picking up Shelby around 4:30 today from the vets), and will have a CD copy of them tomorrow, but the vet called and said she has hip dysplasia in her left hip (she didn't mention the right one). I guess once they put Shelby under anesthesia, her hips were so lax that her femoral head basically fell almost completely out of the socket 

They did take xrays to see if there was any indication of severe wear and tear or any arthritis, and she didn't mention anything about that when she called a few minutes ago. I guess her femoral head is not shaped at all properly. She said that we have 2 options: hydrotherapy and surgery. She's going to recommend us to an orthopedic surgeon so we can have a consultation with him and see discuss all the routes we can take.

We (as in my husband and I) are thinking we'll have her on hydrotherapy until she's at least fully grown, then if she needs the surgery, we'll do that. Not sure if we'll be able to go this route (as I'd want to talk to the surgeon first), but that's the ideal we're going to shoot for.

But needless to say I'm pretty devastated here. I'm glad I noticed her bunny hopping and how she started to move differently, but it just about breaks my heart to hear this kind of news for such a sweet animal. 

I would like to see a copy of your x-ray when you get it.  I just discovered 2 weeks ago that my 11 month old GSD has hip dysplasia as well.  I was told by the vet who took the films that he would need surgery.  But when I went to my regular vet, he strongly disagreed that surgery is needed at this point.  We are managing it with supplements, light exercise, keeping him thin and proper diet.  He does not grimace in pain.  Yes, he bunny runs (one of the signs I noticed as well) and at times favors his left leg.  But he is a very happy boy and gets his exercise and is doing great.  I was told by a lot of people on this forum not to jump into surgery so quickly, along with my vet, so I am taking that approach.  My vet told me "You'll know when it's time for surgery".  Of course, this is all my opinion, but something to perhaps give you a glimmer of hope.  Good luck to you!!

Sorry to hear this news about Shelby. There are great threads about successful operations, if it comes to that, so have hope for a good life for Shelby. She's lucky to have you looking after her. 

Some food for thought. Many times a dog can live a healthy active life without surgery. Just because a dog has dysplasia, does not mean the end of the world. A dog can run, jump (to an extent) to its hearts content. The absolute worst thing you can do is put the dog in a bubble and restrict activity. The ideal situation is to allow the dog to free exercise most of the day, outside. There are some supplements you can give to help build synovial fluid in the joint, and an aspirin if the dog is in pain. Many dogs are not bothered by the dysplasia until older, when arthritis sets in.

Melissa

Very sorry to hear the bad news. The orthopedic surgeon will know the best treatment for Shelby. No reason to think that your girl won't do well, most times it's just a matter of selecting the right treatment for her; that takes trial and error sometimes.  Dogs are very good at compensating.

UschiRun - please remind us:  how old is Shelby, currently ???

This news is always sad but does not have to be all or nothing. I worked a male that had mild HD but he did not know it. He lived to be 14 years old. when he became 11 we let him out of the house thru a door that only had two steps instead of the door with 7 steps. Keep the dog lean and allow them to exercise to increase the muscles. Good luck going forward.

Kyle

Shelby is 6 and a half months tomorrow.

I was able to upload the picture of Shelby's xray:

Dear, neither side is good, both are about the same IMO. I have to tell you that I have seen MUCH MUCH worse hips in 6 month old dogs. I was excepting far worse.  It's your dog, but there is no way I'd be doing surgery on this dog right now. Dogs with worse hips have competed in the Iditarod. Give her some time, limit her exercise, swimming is great,  and force her to rest a lot until she's no longer favoring her rear end. I'd walk her on a lead for now, no sudden turns, no frisbees, no jumping, just use your common sense. Keep her weight down and see what happens. I'm putting my money on a sound dog in another, 4 months. Her petite size is in her favor too.

BTW that's very nice xray, your vet did a good job positioning her.