Vet help for my White Shepherd

[Polar Bear]

My 12 year old female white shepherd has just been diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia :sad: A friend at a dog park has mentioned that there are some Vet's who do "shot's" that can help our girl.

Does anyone know anything about this? Also, our Vet does not seem pro-active on Hip Dysplasia care and has told us we have few options due to her age. Does anyone have a Vet in the Burlington/Hamilton, Ontario area they would recommend or have had good experience with. We have no idea where to look for such help. I would hope there is some help somewhere out there, we feel helpless.........

Thanks for any help............

[Tommysmom]

I'm not sure my regular vet would do much at that age either, but have you considered a holistic vet who might be able to help through acupuncture, etc? If you're interested, I can give you the name of ours, she's located in Millgrove which is kind of north of Burlington/Hamilton.

[Polar Bear]

Thank you, I would appreciate that........

[Tommysmom]

Her name is Lisa Burgess, (905) 690-4557. She's really wonderful and has helped us out with several issues. She's a mobile vet too, but I'm not sure exactly what her range is - we've both gone to her and had her come here.

Good luck!

[Polar Bear]

Thank you so much!!

[hazelrunpack]

Is your dog very symptomatic, Polar Bear?

I know that HD can be a devastating diagnosis, but it really isn't a death sentence. It can be managed, even in older dogs like your girl.

We've had very good results with glucosamine/chondroitin supplements for joint problems.

Also, watch her weight--a little on the light side of normal is much easier on the joints than being overweight or even on the heavy side of normal.

Moderate exercise is good--and if you can find a low impact activity (like swimming, if she'll tolerate water), that would be very beneficial.

And anti-inflammatory drugs can be used when she overdoes it or seems particularly painful. There is one that can be injected--but for the life of me, I can't remember the name. Senility rears its ugly head again someone who remembers it will jump in soon. However, it's not a cure for HD, just a drug to mitigate some of the symptoms.

Best wishes for you and your girl, Polar Bear