Rescue Labrador Hip Probs?

Re: Rescue Labrador Hip Probs?

sammy-jane — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:29:37 GMT

I would get him xrayed, its better to find out in the early stages rather than later on in life.

I must say hydrotherapy all the way for young dogs with joint problems, that way you dont end up with a mad bored dog because you can use all that extra energy in a safe enviroment. I worked in a hydrotherapy centre for 2 years and about 70% of our work load was hip/elbow dysplasia animals. The dogs love swimming (once they get the hang of it) and it builds up all the muscles around the joint which supports it.

Re: Rescue Labrador Hip Probs?

Katy — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:15:13 GMT

Ooh see my post under Medical and Surgical care please!

Re: Rescue Labrador Hip Probs?

Suzanne Small — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:22:57 GMT

its possible he may only have dysplasia on one side. My dogs had signs of hip problems which included clumsiness, concious collapse (if they overdid it) bunny hopping etc and with the exception of my boy Jay, I have never noticed any limping either. However, both would grumble if you touched them around their hips when sleeping (not that I make a habit of this) and neither the pair of them would ever really go full out on a run (unless encouraged by another dog during play)

Did you get him x-rayed after all?

Re: Rescue Labrador Hip Probs?

Katy — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:25:56 GMT

Think that first owners got divorced, 2nd owners through LRNW discovered son was allergic to dogs, and then we got him!

Not got a clue if parents hip scored etc, but he doesn't limp when he walks or runs, just throws his leg out to the side.

He's on the RC Mobility Support diet already, he's been on that since we got him.

I'll chat to vet at work tomo and see if we can get him xrayed before or after we go on our hols.

Re: Rescue Labrador Hip Probs?

Fiona Leathers — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:37:10 GMT

No history from previous owner??? Makes you wonder why he's on his 3rd home........did the other 2 find out he had hip problems & decide they couldn't afford him?? God, I'm too cynical!!

Definately get him x-ray'd now, move him onto one of the joint diets, such as Hilld JD or Purina JM and keep going with the joint supplements.

Re: Rescue Labrador Hip Probs?

michelle moran — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:26:10 GMT

if he is insured xray him he shouldnt yelp when manipulated especially at his age then other options can be discussed as how to manage him if he has severe hip dyspasia ie little and often walks joint support or even total hip replacement if he is so young x hope this helps x