Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

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audrey22
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Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

Post by audrey22 »

Hi all,

I am thinking about adopting a 5, soon to be 6, year old chow chow in need of a good home. His foster has been very forthcoming that he has hip dysplasia on one side, though it has never been treated and doesn't hamper the dog's mobility. Sometimes when it is sore he has a hard time getting up says the foster, but it doesn't seem to cause him much pain day-to-day she says.

Do all cases of dysplasia require surgery eventually? I am going to take him to the vet to get him assessed, but was wondering if anyone here had experience with this.

Thank you!
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Laura
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Re: Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

Post by Laura »

I have an almost 9 year old with severe bilateral hip dysplasia. She was diagnosed at age 5. We have not had any surgery at this point except when she tore her ACL. There are basically two options for surgery at her age. She can have total hip replacement surgery or FHO (removing the head and neck of the femur). After a lot of research I decided I wasn't comfortable with hip replacement because I read so many stories about the complications and problems with it. FHO surgery sounds awful to me but both my regular vet and her surgeon are very confidant in the success and pain relief that it provides. These are last resort type deals. Pain management, weight loss, getting stairs out of their life, different types of rehab, water therapy, supplements, etc. are the first lines of defense. Chloe is now on pain management (Tramadol and rimadyl)and supplements and we wait and watch. Walks are shorter,(she not going to be going on hikes and such) we built a ramp off the deck so she didn't have to do steps, and for the most part she is just a lazy girl. She doesn't limp or show pain and until she does I don't plan to do any type of surgery. My vets agree and use surgery as last resort. All dogs are different and some require surgery earlier in life and some manage it throughout their lifespan. Complications such a torn ACL's can occur as they compensate for one bad hip for example. Pain management will be required at some point. Dogs do not show pain until it is really bad so difficulty getting up, limping, etc means bad pain. I'm in no way trying to talk you out of adopting this Chow. In fact I encourage you to do it but I want you to be informed and understand some of the issues and costs that may be involved. If he hasn't had X-rays I highly suggest getting those for a definitive diagnosis. Otherwise I spend around $100.00 per month for pain meds and supplements. The Fho surgery will be a couple grand probably with a lengthy rehab but I started saving for that and other issues years ago. It is my hope that she never needs surgery though, especially the older she gets. Hip dysplasia is unfortunately very common and tons of people manage it everyday.
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audrey22
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Re: Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

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Laura wrote:I have an almost 9 year old with severe bilateral hip dysplasia. She was diagnosed at age 5. We have not had any surgery at this point except when she tore her ACL. There are basically two options for surgery at her age. She can have total hip replacement surgery or FHO (removing the head and neck of the femur). After a lot of research I decided I wasn't comfortable with hip replacement because I read so many stories about the complications and problems with it. FHO surgery sounds awful to me but both my regular vet and her surgeon are very confidant in the success and pain relief that it provides. These are last resort type deals. Pain management, weight loss, getting stairs out of their life, different types of rehab, water therapy, supplements, etc. are the first lines of defense. Chloe is now on pain management (Tramadol and rimadyl)and supplements and we wait and watch. Walks are shorter,(she not going to be going on hikes and such) we built a ramp off the deck so she didn't have to do steps, and for the most part she is just a lazy girl. She doesn't limp or show pain and until she does I don't plan to do any type of surgery. My vets agree and use surgery as last resort. All dogs are different and some require surgery earlier in life and some manage it throughout their lifespan. Complications such a torn ACL's can occur as they compensate for one bad hip for example. Pain management will be required at some point. Dogs do not show pain until it is really bad so difficulty getting up, limping, etc means bad pain. I'm in no way trying to talk you out of adopting this Chow. In fact I encourage you to do it but I want you to be informed and understand some of the issues and costs that may be involved. If he hasn't had X-rays I highly suggest getting those for a definitive diagnosis. Otherwise I spend around $100.00 per month for pain meds and supplements. The Fho surgery will be a couple grand probably with a lengthy rehab but I started saving for that and other issues years ago. It is my hope that she never needs surgery though, especially the older she gets. Hip dysplasia is unfortunately very common and tons of people manage it everyday.
Laura -

Thank you SO much for this detailed and thoughtful response. While I am a bit wary about the costs and implications of the hip dysplasia, after reading all that this will entail long-term, I feel now that I am probably this dog's best bet for a good, comfortable life. He needs someone with an understanding of the breed, as well as the time and means to help him manage his injury.

His "foster", who means well but is kind of loopy and really shouldn't ever have taken him in the first place, is desperate to get him into a good home within the next week or so. He's apparently currently being kept in a very "unstable" (her words) environment - at her acquaintances/friend's house, because he doesn't get along with her 2 dogs. I'm becoming very concerned for his well being, he seems to be being just bounced around. The woman is desperate to re-home him very quickly, and unless I adopt him, it looks like he'll probably end up with a non-Chow knowledgable owner with no understanding of dysplasia or worse, in the pound. The situation seems quite urgent. Apparently the other folks who applied to the want ad the woman put up are sketchy and wouldn't likely have the means to pay for treatments like surgery in the future. The idea of him ending up in the wrong home and just suffering without proper treatment makes me sick. I was chosen as the first choice to adopt him, and I feel that now it's probably my moral responsibility to do so. And my pleasure, of course.

I'm concerned at how advanced his dysplasia might be, but am heartened to know that there are options and that you, and others, are managing it. A couple thousand dollars is a totally feasible fee for a surgery should one become necessary at some point, I will start saving a fund for it right away. I am fortunate to have a good job and have enough to cover any vet bills and medication in the meantime.

God knows what will become of the poor guy if I do not give him a home. I feel like maybe he crossed my path for a reason.

I am going to meet him again tomorrow. Thanks again for your help, I'll keep you updated.
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Laura
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Re: Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

Post by Laura »

Awwww I'm so glad you are willing to give this guy a home. I'm certainly no expert on hip dysplasia but when Chloe was diagnosed out of the blue I freaked out and did a lot of research. I love my vet but found an ortho specialist because just like our MD's, regular vets don't know everything and I wanted someone who treats it all day, everyday. (Both surgically and non-surgically)
There is tons of info on the web and a lot of dog sites with info from people with dogs who have it. It's very common in German Shepards for example.
Hopefully he is fine at this point and who knows, maybe he doesn't even have dysplasia but only a vet and X-rays can tell you that for sure.
Please keep me updated and of course we will need a pic of your new guy!
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Re: Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

Post by FurParent »

Hello! I'm so sorry to hear about your new dog having hip dysplasia! Glad to hear that you decide to adopt than buying from the other breeders. Hip dysplasia also known as a form of degenerative arthritis. I know there's a supplement to this disease hope you find what the best for your chow, keep us update about the progress of his treatment.
audrey22
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Re: Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

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FurParent wrote:Hello! I'm so sorry to hear about your new dog having hip dysplasia! Glad to hear that you decide to adopt than buying from the other breeders. Hip dysplasia also known as a form of degenerative arthritis. I know there's a supplement to this disease hope you find what the best for your chow, keep us update about the progress of his treatment.
Kida is home now and settling in nicely, his hip is obviously causing some discomfort though. We'll be taking him to the vet this week.

He is the sweetest, most personable Chow I've ever met. I'm so thrilled with my decision to adopt him, I'll let you know how the vet appointment goes.

Here he is!
WhatsApp Image 2016-07-25 at 8.53.46 AM.jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2016-07-25 at 8.53.46 AM.jpeg (247.95 KiB) Viewed 8885 times
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Laura
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Re: Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

Post by Laura »

Awwwwww I've been wondering what you had decided. What a handsome boy! I'm so excited for him and for you. I hope you get answers and good news at the vet to help that sweet boy feel better. Let us know!!
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Re: Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

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audrey22 wrote:
FurParent wrote:Hello! I'm so sorry to hear about your new dog having hip dysplasia! Glad to hear that you decide to adopt than buying from the other breeders. Hip dysplasia also known as a form of degenerative arthritis. I know there's a supplement to this disease hope you find what the best for your chow, keep us update about the progress of his treatment.
Kida is home now and settling in nicely, his hip is obviously causing some discomfort though. We'll be taking him to the vet this week.

He is the sweetest, most personable Chow I've ever met. I'm so thrilled with my decision to adopt him, I'll let you know how the vet appointment goes.

Here he is!
WhatsApp Image 2016-07-25 at 8.53.46 AM.jpeg

Aww... look at that lovely dog. You're very lucky for having him, he definitely chose you! I hope he'll become better soon.
perriejinnie
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Re: Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

Post by perriejinnie »

I'm very to see that you are providing a chow your shelter. You are doing a great thing for a dog who needs a especial care. Thanks a ton from the bottom of my heart. If you need any suggestion regarding the dog grooming then PM me, or visit my website petsgroomingtips(dot)com. You will find free information about dog's health and grooming.
I love Chow Chow :P
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Laura
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Re: Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

Post by Laura »

Any updates?
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audrey22
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Re: Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

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Poor Kida. We took him to the vet and I guess he's had a bad experience in the past before I got him because my normally very docile and relaxed guy FREAKED out and wouldn't let anyone touch him. We couldn't get a muzzle on him or even get him on the scale. They gave us some sedatives to take before the next visit when we will try again.

I feel awful that he hates going to the vet so much, he has to go back for obvious reasons but honestly I'm dreading it. Also adding to the anxiety, he has such a high prey drive for small animals that it'll have to be scheduled at a time when there are no cats or other little critters around.

They'll have to do the exam and xray while he's under sedation. It will be anywhere from $600-$700. Yikes. And that's without any actual treatment, just to identify the problem we already know exists!

Anyone have any advice for nervous chows at the vet?
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Laura
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Re: Adopting a dog with hip dysplasia

Post by Laura »

I don't have much but sedating him prior, and /or placing a muzzle prior to arrival should help. I'm not sure if you have the time but when my two were little we would stop by the vet just to visit and get a treat. I wanted to them to think of it as a good place. He is probably beyond that help but you never know. Also picking a compassionate, patient vet who doesn't expect to just rush in the room, snatch him up and start the exam w/out spending any time winning him over.
They make cage type muzzles. I'm not sure if they are as safe as the tight ones that close their mouth completely but you might try one out and buy one to use for taking him in. They look a lot more comfortable and less traumatic but I'm not sure of their safety.
Make sure while he is sedated they do everything you need...shots, micro chip, whatever you need done(if anything) so you don't have to keep paying to have him sedated for misc things.
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