Is it hip issues?

Maggiesmom

Maggiesmom

New member
Tily will be 7 yrs old this coming April. She has been having increasing difficulty in standing up from a lay down position, and shes just not moving well. I have noticed the following things with her
1-her hind feet are very close together when she stands
2-when she moves and any rate of speed above a walk (which isnt to often) she uses her hind legs together in 1 movement not one than the other.
3- she doesnt show any signs of pain when moving but she isnt as at ease with getting up and down etc as the other two (who are both older than her)

I want to start something to help her and know I'll need to explore more indepth options also. But I'm currently out of work so I cant swing everything right now.

THANKS for any and all suggestions.
 
Ginny

Ginny

New member
The bunny hopping and the slow rising do point to hip problems. Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin are often used with joint issues. You can do a search on NN for testimonials to this. I, personally, have never seen noteworthy results from them. Your vet may recommend aspirin or NSAIDS. Reasearch these on NN too. Adequan injections frequently help. I have a boy with shoulder problems who went the route of Adequan prior to surgery. It definitely helped. A vet will charge you about 350 - 400 for the inital loading series of shots. I got mine to write me a script which I used for purchasing online. Following the vet's instructions, I did all the injections and utimately saved about 200. In the Disease section, I recently posted about laser therapy for HD, arthritis and other conditions. I'm not yet convinced it works, but it's an option you may want to research. Once the weather gets warm, swim your dog. Strong rear muscles can really help the dog with compensation. Until then, I'd do regular walks on a soft surface vs. concrete or blacktop. Motion is lotion. Hope this helps.
 
BluwaterNewfs

BluwaterNewfs

New member
This can also be signs of back or spinal issues like arthritis. If it is arthritis, the things Ginny has suggested may help. And actually those things are about all you can do.
 
R Taft

R Taft

Active member
It seems that you girl may have the dreaded hip problems...............Once you have had a vet diagnosis a lot of things can help as you can see in Ginny's post. Newf often are too stoic to appear in pain.
My girl Abbey was unsuitable for Surgery, due to arthritis everywhere and heart problems.
She benefited greatly from a lot of the holistic care. We found some of the herbal mixes which contained devil's claw and mussle extract helped reduce inflammation. Also the massage, acupuncture and bowen treatments she had frequently in her last four years. She adored her Bowen Therapist and when she came Abbey would always greet her with her back-end and kinda say "hurry"..........Her favorite pastime was swimming.
I wish you good luck with Tily, take care
 
nowhavethreebears

nowhavethreebears

New member
Your description of Tily sounds just like my Sophie.
She is currently able to stand up on her own about half the time. The other I have to lift her up. Her rear legs are also very close together. When she was about 8 months old she actually cross tracked in the back. Thankfully with age she outgrew that.
She also does the bunny hop behind with the legs moving as a single unit. She also has bad knees and has finally torn both cruciates and is healing.
The holistic herbs DO seem to help. And of course, swimming when she is able.
Here's hoping you can find some relief for Tily. My Soph is only three and I don't know at this point what is going to become of her.....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top