Hi everyone, Aika went for a regular check up yesterday and we ended being told she shows signs of hip Dysplasia. Today she was seen by a specialists in orthopedics and radiology. He had me walk and run her and noticed her left hip looked stiffed. He noticed she did a bunny hop, and when he tried to examined her hips he said he heard a grinning sound. But he said that unless we put her under, he would not be able to examine her well. He also said she needs X-rays to be 100% sure. She is 9 months and 91 pounds (41.1 kg), she swims regularly and plays fetch outside on soft grass often. Recently, I have not noticed any source of stiffness or pain. She is a happy, active girl. But when she was about 2/3 months old she would let us pet her head and nip us if we petted her hips. I thoughts she was just being a puppy. At about 6 months, I noticed stiffness while lead training but it was only for a week and than I never noticed it again. The vet gave us a supplement called Rejuvenate and said she should take it for the rest of her life. It has glucosamine, bovine collagen, chondroitin , etc. anybody know of a giant breed ortho specialist in the Raleigh area? I also need to check on pet insurance for her.
Hip Dysplasia on Puppy Help
- Thread starter Aika
- Start date
do not rush into surgery...many newfs live long happy lives with moderate hip dysplasia. Dont let her get overweight and discourage her from high jumps. And supplements are good. My first newf had some moderate degree of hip dysplasia and lived until she was 13, the world's best dog.
victoria1140
Active member
Don't rush into surgery ,we had the triple pelvic osteochtomy done on Max as his specialist told us he had bad hips,we think it contributed to his cancer.
Weight control,supplements are all good and controlled activity.
Does he think she has cartilage in her joints due to the sound.specialists as l have found are only too quick to jump into a surgical procedure whereas you can do a lot to maintain through alternative management
Weight control,supplements are all good and controlled activity.
Does he think she has cartilage in her joints due to the sound.specialists as l have found are only too quick to jump into a surgical procedure whereas you can do a lot to maintain through alternative management
Sound Bay Newfs
Active member
A pup's joints are loose at this age, so don't rush into anything now. Supplements are important. Getting insurance now won't help with this issue as it would be considered pre existing.
jane
New member
Way too young to determine anything like that. Keep her active to build good muscle, and good range of motion. Many newfs live normal lives with hips that aren't perfect. It's all about good rear muscle and good range of motions. Like the others said...A good joint supplement should be given.
newflizzie
New member
I agree with the above - don't rush into anything, keep up the swimming and supplements. Dr. Gallagher is an excellent ortho surgeon in Cary. A lot of Newf experience, including knee surgery on one of mine. He will give you an honest opinion and not rush you into anything. He can refer you to someone in the area as well for rehab etc if needed.
http://www.vsrp.net
http://www.vsrp.net
Update: Aika went to a diagnostician today who has experience with giant breeds. He was not at all concerned about her hips or felt she has HP. He asked me questions and since she has no signs of HP we agreed to have her get X-Rays in 3 to 6 months to give her some time to grow and mature. I will be taking her to this vet from now on. Thank you for all your advice and concern, it has been helpful reading what you have to say.
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mrsnamsherf
Member
Yay for Aika! So glad you found an expert with giant breed experience. Glad the news is good. 
Marie
Marie