question about dysplastic dogs

[RiverKayleesMuM]

both of my girls have hip dysplasia. Normally they don't show signs of pain. Jaegger does seem to limp more often than River(River's are worse though) Both girls get plenty of exercise everyday and still run and jump like young puppies.
My question is that when they are hurting, should I keep from walking them? Even if it is a short, easy walk? River seems to be having a good amount of trouble today. She seems very uncomfortable, but because of the weather they have not walked in the past two days so I wanted to take them on a walk today. I am afraid to push her though. Is it better to let them sleep it off?
Also the vets have been no help with answering my question. I am starting to question their degrees now!

Also what is a good brand of glucosamine and what amount do you give to a 34 and 45lb dog?

[shadowfacedanes]

Originally Posted by RiverKayleesMuM

both of my girls have hip dysplasia. Normally they don't show signs of pain. Jaegger does seem to limp more often than River(River's are worse though) Both girls get plenty of exercise everyday and still run and jump like young puppies.
My question is that when they are hurting, should I keep from walking them? Even if it is a short, easy walk? River seems to be having a good amount of trouble today. She seems very uncomfortable, but because of the weather they have not walked in the past two days so I wanted to take them on a walk today. I am afraid to push her though. Is it better to let them sleep it off?
Also the vets have been no help with answering my question. I am starting to question their degrees now!

Also what is a good brand of glucosamine and what amount do you give to a 34 and 45lb dog?

As far as supplements go, I found shark cartigilage and Flexicose (msm/glucosamine/chondroitin) to be the most effective. I can send you a link for Flexicose if you're interested, and the shark cartilage can be bought at most any drug store.

Do you have any where River could swim? It's a great form of exercise for dysplastic dogs.

[borzoimom]

I like the glyco flex 3. And maybe add the missing liink plus. ( if really bad.)

[RiverKayleesMuM]

Originally Posted by shadowfacedanes

As far as supplements go, I found shark cartigilage and Flexicose (msm/glucosamine/chondroitin) to be the most effective. I can send you a link for Flexicose if you're interested, and the shark cartilage can be bought at most any drug store.

Do you have any where River could swim? It's a great form of exercise for dysplastic dogs.

Please send me the link! I will look into anything that is advised!

As for the swimming, no. That is the number one thing I wanted to get was something that she could swim in because the only place I can take her is to the lake, but we only go a few times in the summer, so that is no good.

If you know of anything that is deep enough for a dog to swim in please let me know. I asked my mother about a small above ground pool, but she didn't like that idea.(it kills the grass and will be in the way.)

[borzoimom]

Shark cartiledge works well. Sharks do not get arthritus and it does seem to help. ( people too).

[RiverKayleesMuM]

Originally Posted by borzoimom

I like the glyco flex 3. And maybe add the missing liink plus. ( if really bad.)

I really don't know how bad their hips are. I got them x-rayed and I saw the x-rays myself, but the doctors were of no help explaining to me just how bad they were. I believe that River's are a bit over moderate, but aren't severe and Jaeggers are moderate.

The main thing with River's was that she had no 'neck' to her hip bone. There was no dip, it was just completely flat on both. It looked pretty painful. Jaegger's was more of the actual joint itself, but I can't remember the details of the x-ray. Just that it wasn't as bad as River's.

[~WelshStump~]

So far the only thing I've found that has worked for me is Adequan. Maddy we never found help for her through many different kinds of G/C supplements and NSAID pain meds, so when Jinjo started having the same mild arthritic trouble in his shoulder/elbow area this is what the vet suggested after G/C/MSM weren't helping him. Like a lot of things, this wont undo major damage already done, but it will help reduce further damage and inflammation. Since using it Jinjo no longer limps like he was and only lightly a week or so before his next due shot.

[FairyDogMother]

Pheobe has terrible square bones sitting in her sockets. I found out when she was 2 on accident so I've always kept her walks slow and easy and given extra glucosamine to her along with hip massages.
She's almost 6 years now and you can't tell she has it. The bones in her sockets at 2 looked like childrens blocks they were so square. Most don't think she's even that old. She hates swimming too so it's not an option for her.

I was told no power walks or any hill hikes, nothing strenuous for her and have obided by that and it's been successful so far I'm guessing.

I do agree with the above suppliments too.

[RiverKayleesMuM]

what do you do for a very high energy dog like an Australian shepherd? Normally they get an hour walk around the neighborhood. If I have time then I will give them another hour to two hour walk and if I still have time or choose to do this instead of the second walk then I will run then on flat roads alongside my bike. River is extremely high energy and I have yet to tire her out. I have given her two walks and a run all in one day and she will still going strong during fetch when we got home that evening. (she is like the energizer bunny!)

I have always been afraid of hurting her with all the exercise, not to mention our neighborhood is nothing but hills. I just don't know what else to do for her since there is no where to swim her and she is crazy without her daily dose of exercise.

[borzoimom]

If you do not know how bad the hips are start with simple glyco flex 2 or 3. Then maybe add the missing link plus.
If you are not seeing pain yet, I would not shark cartiledge yet. ( I was not sure either and why I did not suggest it to start with.