Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Looking for Advice...

Hi, it's Maryann hijacking the blog. I posted on the Bone Zone, but I know not everyone checks over there. I'm looking for some help with Tucker. I found out today that he has a serious case of Hip Dysplasia along with his arthritis problems. I don't have any experience with this and I'm freaking out a little (a lot). He's only 8 and I want to try to do everything I can to slow down the process.

Dr. Bill is going to start his Adequan loading dose over the next four weeks but I'm wondering what else I can do. From what I'm reading daily exercise is good and Dr. Bill said to let him do what he was comfortable with activity wise. I am going to order orthopedic beds for the house (which I probably should have done ages ago anyway). If anyone has any suggestions for supplements, food changes, holistic ideas, vitamins, ANYTHING please let me know. I'm going to keep on the internet research and see if I can find any books on it.

Like I said over at the Bone Zone he's always been the healthy one so this along with the bladder stone surgery he needs has me really worried. Thanks in advance for any help.
-Maryann

12 comments:

Kerrio said...

My mum's Newfie, Suvi had this pretty bad and went on a course of shots that really woked - I can't rremember what it was - I will ask. The effects were not permanent - but I remember her saying it varied from dog to do.

Also - our cildhood ridgie, Simba was diagnosed very young and we were told we would not live beyond a year, he was fine and lived to a ripe old age.

I guess the usual joint meds can help and do no harm, glucosamine, chondritin, green lipped muscle, omega-3s

But over all - DON'T PANIC! I've known several dogs with this that have lived happy and full lives.

Big hugs

Kerrio

Lacy said...

hi maryann!!! claudette here, i will b checkin on the net for u also..lacy, cant jump like she use to could, so we took the bed springs and mattress off the frame and put it on the floor so she could jump up better, mayb those pet steps might help? hope someone can help u out...

b safe,
;)lacylulu

wally said...

Oh no! Poor Tucker. I have a friend with dysplasia--he started acupuncture and it really helped with the pain and slowed deterioration (he thinks). And also he goes swimming every week! Lucky duck. He goes to a doggy therapy center to do the swimmables and then he gets a massage! And there's also glucosamine/MSM and Sam-E for supplementables.

Also, Tucker, if you get anti-inflammatories, don't take them all at once. I did that and it didn't help my back pain. I just had to eat a charcoal cocktail.

wally

ps. Smoochies to my Samantha!

Ferndoggle said...

Poor Tucker Doodle! The only thing I know of for HD is surgery. But I will check with my more experienced friends & email you what I find out.

Is he taking Glucosamine/ Chondroitin? I started giving this to Sherman this past year and have really noticed a difference in his mobility (he was getting creaky). I use a human grade blend of G/C & MSM (I think I got it at Whole Foods) and he gets an adult dose. It couldn't hurt.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Jen

Gus said...

Maryann: We have no real experience with this, but do know that more and more vets are using a combination of acupuncture and therapy like Wally's friend. Poor Tucker! Don't forget to increase his dose of love and affection! (We know you won't forget, but had to throw that in.)

kissies to all
Gus

The Husky in the Window said...

Oh Tucker, we hope you feel better. Missy has the arthritis in her back hips, and she takes Rymadel once a day. Mom also put her on a very strict diet and she lost 10 pounds and that seemed to help. But the diet thing is really hard at first b/c Missy wanted more food. Mom also changed her diet to ground turkey breat loaf, brown rice and veggies. Maybe that helped too. If we can find out anything more, we'll let you know.
Husky Hugs, MayaMarie
Oh, mom's ready to order the beds, she left a message on your cell.

Luckie Girl said...

Hi Maryann,
I'm afriad I'm not much help here. But I did hear about Glucosamine working for such problems. Mom and I just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you and Tucker and the rest of the pack!

Dakota said...

No experience here, but have you tried gimpydogs.com? Check out Meeshka's blog, I think there's a link there. Meeshka's human woman has a TON of info on lots of dog health problems.

Kien said...

Hi Maryann.. this is really a heartache news.. and i know how u feel.. cause Rossi was suspected HD when we was so so young at age of 5 months only.. he already showed sign of limping on his hind legs.. and having difficulties in getting up.. we have him x-ray and it does show an early sign of HD.. but not that severe..

Anyway.. at current i can't advise much.. but i did do lots of research.. which we can do prevention at early stage.. since Tucker already at age of 8.. i think u can maintain his mild exercise (not to over exercise him).. just a mild walk.. and swimming will be very good.

Also, u might want to try glucosamine - Flexicose brand. Rossi is taking it since last 3 months ago.. and the result is great.. i have never seen him limping ever since.. u can check on their website.. www.flexicose.com
I found this product good cause 1st they are in liquid and better absorption than pills.. and they have the highest in glucosamine sulfate and HCL which is 1500mg. Even human are using them.. u can read the success stories and experiences from the website.
I can't find it here in malaysia therefore, i ordered it through website..

Also.. dun let tucker take too much of grain form of food.. it's bad for his hip.. try to change his diet with free of grain..

Hope the above help.. if you need anything at all.. and am permitted to help.. i will surely gladly to help u.. meanwhile.. just take it easy.. and have a clear mind what to do next for tucker..

Love
Kien

Pugsley, Buster, Cricket & Daisy said...

Awe, poor Tucker, we keeping our paws crossed for you.

Four Pugz

Deanna said...

The Legacy people HIGHLY recommend Glyco-Flex as a supplement for joint problems.

Be sure to follow the instructions about loading them up at first.

Nessa Happens said...

Cosequin DS! Ester C vitamin powder added to food! We got those as a preventative measure every day, but my girlfriend Eloise has severe hip dysplasia and her mama said the Cosequin DS has made a HUGE difference.

And lots and lots of swimming to build up his muscles which will help take the strain of his joints. No jumping up and down out of the car - get a ramp or build steps for him.

National Canine Cancer Foundation