Hip dysplasia

Rcfslp

New member
My eight month old Newfie, Phoebe, was just diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia. I am devestated. There is no way I can afford the surgery. What should I do? I'm thinking right now to return her to the breeder (who I am LIVID with). Please help.
 

MMtnmom

New member
Dont panic...who made the diagnosis? Many dogs live lon g and happy lives with hip displasia and NO surgery...the phrase often heard around here is...Dogs don't walk on their xrays! exercise and weight management with judicious application of medication when necessary has kept many a newf out of the surgeon's hands. Have you gotten a second opinion? Many more knowledgeable newf netters will chime in here, but, as I said don't panic. And of course talking in a reasonable manner to the breeder is a good thing. I could go on, but myhands are tired!
 

DAWNMERIE

Active member
Ok, deep breathe....I don't think you have a full picture at the age of 8 months. Your newf will grow up to the age of 3/4. Did you have the x-rays done by OFA standards?

http://www.offa.org/hd_procedures.html

Is your vet familiar with giant breed dogs? Do you have the ability to post the x-rays? Why did you do x-rays?
 

Rcfslp

New member
I had the x-rays done by an orthopedic specialist who specializes in giant breeds. He said she would definitely need surgery in the future and I can't afford that. The breeder also wants her back, which I'm leaning toward, but I'm pretty upset with her too. It is a very reputable breeder, it's just upsetting.
 

Murphy

New member
If you love her... then you need to keep her with you no matter what.. everything else can be sorted.. The main thing is she doesn't know she has a problem.. So I'm guessing no one meant for this to happen.. Maybe a bad breeder.. maybe not.. but please keep your Phoebe front and center.. :grouphug: Edited to add.. there are no guarantees .. even with a good breeder... you need to be prepared to afford unforeseen illnesses.. Before you buy.. I hope it all works out..
 
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nowhavethreebears

New member
If Phoebe is getting around without obvious distress I would definitely wait a good while before I did anything. Eight months is very young. Too young, in my opinion to be thinking surgery..Unless of course she is obviously crippled.
Why does the breeder want her back? Were you planning to show her? Do you know what the breeder plans to do with her if you send her back?
 

DAWNMERIE

Active member
Ok, being upset is one thing and asking for help is another. You need to find out what's best for the both of you....so put your anger aside (even though it sounds like you've made up your mind) Anita, that was going to be my next question...are you giving her back to the breeder just to be put down or does the breeder have special people that are willing to take on any of her special issue pups? As for your ortho specialist, most are surgeons and that's what they do, not saying it's not to be the case with your girl but without seeing anything, it's impossible for anyone to say anything or give opinions.

Once again, if you have the ability to post the x-rays and want honest opinions and help then please post the x-rays. My first newf's hips were so bad one popped out of socket, no surgery and he passed a few years later (different issue), so those that say they don't walk on their x-rays couldn't be more correct. You need to share more info to order to get info.
 

victoria1140

Active member
Hydro,massage,tens sessions and cross country walking to build muscles really help in HD dogs.
Also there are supplements, and injections to control problems.

Need more info
I have an elbow/hip dysplastic dog and much as we had the surgery l knew there were other options but I would never give him back.l chose him,l love him and he is my furkid and that means doing the best lcan for him.

Is there another problem that is making you think of giving him back.
 
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Whybu1

New member
I know how horrible a decision you face. Crycket tore both ACLs at less than a year and the breeder offered to take her back. We were lucky and although it put a crimp on other things we could afford the surg. If you return her you might end up with a better puppy. Or you might have the same problem a second time. Are you prepared to find out the breeder put her down? That is a possibility. You could keep her and enjoy her as long as she is not symptomatic but know that one day you will have to make the hard choice to put her down. No easy answer to this tough choice.
 

Angela

Super Moderator
Please can you give us a bit more information, is she symptomatic? What would the breeder do with her? Sometimes hip dyslasia and other diseases turn up even with the best breeders.
There are other options apart from surgery in some cases.
My first and third Newfs had hip dysplasia and I went to an Holistic vet who inserted gold Beads under a general anesthetic. They both did really well afterwards.

Please give us a bit more information so that we can try to help you.
 

Rcfslp

New member
Hey there! I've made the decision to definitely keep Phoebe! The vet put her on supplements and she's doing GREAT! I freaked out at first but then I had to think...are you giving back Phoebe because it's what's best for her or what's easiest for you? Decision made. She is the best and loves everyone and everything! She's laying on the live seat now and sighing and I know she's happy!😊
 

NinaA

New member
Ditto Angela. And, if she does have a problem she's with you because she needs you. No doubt about it.
 
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