Hip dysplasia
My corgi Gus was just diagnosed with hip dysplasia. We had noticed he wasn't putting much weight on his right rear foot, and took him to get checked out. They took x-rays, and the vet just called with the bad news. Gus is only 4, and I feel so sad about this, espcially after just losing Sandy to a long, debilitating illness. Does anyone out there have tips on coping with this? They are going to put him on glucosamine, and an anti-inflamatory. Any food and/or supplement tips? Thanks so much.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Katie on
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How heart breaking! I am so sorry Wynne. I don't know much about treatments, but I would recommend the following supplement called Cetyl M. Please check out the reviews. I know many horse people that have put their horses with joint and arthritis problems on this supplement and have experienced amazing results. --horses and dogs go together doncha know?! :) http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=5f7e20b3-8889-48ef-9...
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Permalink Reply by CorgiLover on
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Im so sorry for you Wynne! I found a site about hip dysplasia. Here is the part about supplements:
Other Oral Supplements
Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM): MSM is a natural, sulfur-containing compound produced by kelp in the ocean. MSM is reported to enhance the structural integrity of connective tissue, and help reduce scar tissue by altering cross-linkages which contribute to scar formation. MSM has been promoted as having powerful anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties.
Creatine: Creatine is an amino acid derivative formed in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas from the amino acids arginine, glycine, and methionine. It is found in red meat and fish. Creatine is not a muscle builder, but aids in the body production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a fuel, for short, intense bursts of energy. In humans, it builds lean body mass by helping the muscle work longer, allowing one to train harder, lift more weight, and have more repetitions. It is the increase in exercise which results in building muscle, not creatine alone. Creatine may be helpful in dogs with muscle atrophy associated with osteoarthritis.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and is an important nutrient in the synthesis of collagen and cartilage. Because dogs and cats can manufacture their own Vitamin C and do not require it in their diet like humans do, the efficacy of using Vitamin C in the management of osteoarthritis in dogs remains unclear. Supplementing with Vitamin C at a reasonable level will not result in a toxicity and may prove to have a beneficial effect.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are often used for the management of the signs of atopy in dogs. Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, some have advocated their use in dogs with osteoarthritis. Research studies are under way to determine their effectiveness in the management of osteoarthritis.
Duralactin: Recently, a patented ingredient obtained from the milk of grass-fed cows has been studied and marketed for the management of musculoskeletal disorders in dogs. It is called Duralactin, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is a non-prescription product. It may be used as a primary supportive nutritional aid to help manage inflammation or in conjunction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids
I would go get fish oil asap. Many people give that to their dogs if they are healthy as well.
Here is the site with lots of info; http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1569&arti...
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Permalink Reply by Wynne Phillips on
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Thank you-I am going to be doing some research on all of this. Thanks for the great info!
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Permalink Reply by Sam on
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The biggest recommendation I can make is make sure to keep him on the lean side. Many corgis seem to experience much more pain to hd when overweight and many corgis are overweight. I use a glucosamine/MSM supplement and salmon for my senior dogs. Depending on the severity of the hd you may need more help. Long term anti inflammatories are generally pretty hard on the liver. In some situations surgical intervention is an option.
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Permalink Reply by Gizmo on
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my dog is on Glucosamine (vet recommended) for 8 months,I can tell that it works well.
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Permalink Reply by Stephen on
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Maybe you could cheer Gus up with these...
http://www.breeders-choice.com/dog_products/avoactivedog_biscuits.htm
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Permalink Reply by Shepdog on
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Oh, I'm so sorry... but on a good note, I think it's far more easily managed in a Corgi than some other breeds. It's more common than most people know, strangely enough.
I would for sure get him on the Glucosamine/MSM and you might even consider a product with Hyaluronic Acid in it as well. You may find that you are able to control the discomfort with just that. I actually had my 13 year old Shepherd on it for years and it made all the difference - to the end of her life I never had to use one of the prescription anti-inflamatories. (She was not dysplastic, she just had arthritis later on.) I also use one of these on my old rescue horse (he has major arthritis issues in his knee) and with the supplements, he can flex his knee about six inches more - enough that both the farrier and the vet noticed a dramatic difference in a few months.
On a good note, I will say that the Corgis tend to have less issues with this than other dog breeds as far as getting around. The hip joint is better supported by their body style and the way they're constructed, compared to a Shepherd.
You do want to stay on the lean side, though, and make sure that they keep muscle and condition. That said, we have a Corgi here in agility who has mild hip dysplasia in one socket, and you would never know.
Hope that helps. :)
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Thanks-that encouraged me a lot!
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Permalink Reply by John Wolff on
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Hey Shepdog, do you know how important the MSM is?
Costco discontinued the product we got there once. I just bought some human stuff that is glucosamine only. I give then 1/4 daily.
If I take 1 on an empty stomach, it gives mild nausea.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Hart on
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My heart goes out to you and Gus. I hope nothing but the best for you both.
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Permalink Reply by Becky on
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Our border collie/lab/shepherd Ziggy was diagnosed with beginnings of hip dysplasia when he was 4 and he did really well on Cosequin. There are a lot of glucosamine supplements out there but Cosequin has done independent testing to show its effectiveness. I also use it on my horses with excellent results. Ziggy was also exercised on a regular basis which also helps to keep the joints healthy as they get older. Keeping your guy at a healthy weight is VERY important so the joints are not stressed with excess weight.
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Thanks! We just started Gus on Cosequin, and I already see a difference. Now our next task is to get him to loose a few pounds!
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