Any help for a 12 year old German Shepherd Dog w/ Hip Dysplasia?

Question

Cheyenne has had problems for the past year and is getting progressively worse. He is on meds and at one point they did seem to slow the progression of the disease. Now he can barely get up to take care of 'business'. He is not a candidate for hip replacement due to his age. We love him very much and he is doing well in every other aspect of his health.
To even consider having him put down is an unbearable thought at this time. This wouldn't be so difficult if he weren't so alert and content in other aspects of his life.
I have hopes for a miracle I guess.

Answer 1

Hello, I have a 14 year old shepherd and lost her litter mate 2 years. both had hip problems but there is product called Cholo-Gel that helped them even more than the regular meds. I get it through a rescue group in Iowa. www.fluffybutts.com. I also got a foam bed that was about 6 inches thick so getting up to do the business was easier Good luck

Answer 2

12 years is a really good innings for a large dog, be happy in the knowledge that you had him for so long. Unfortunately Hip Dysplasia is all too common in German Shepherds. However ALL IS NOT LOST!
If he is even slightly overweight, get it of him, reduce the size of his meals, or change what he eats, there are many good alternative diets available. Introduce fish for the omega 3 component, helps many arthritis sufferers.
You may have to increase his medication or change it.
Take him swimming, even if you have to carry him there. the weightlessness will not only help him move his legs, but he'll enjoy it.
There are also many herbal therapies to try, including accupunture, which I am told has surprising results. Also massage (plenty of it) gentle physio, even when he can't move, gently rotate his legs, with warm hands. Warmth, keep him of the cold floor, if you don't have a electric heated blanket, a piece of foam, or a sheepskin rug, anything that holds the warmth in.
At the end of the day if nothing works, you have to remember him. Do what is best for him, even though it will break your heart. The world nor he will condenm you for it. He has given you a lot of love, and you will always have him.
To ease my pain, I have had all my babies cremated and are in a special place in my home, where I can see them when ever I wish. It was really heartbreaking each time I had to make the decision, 3 in one year, all so much a part of my life. But although I still feel very sad, I know I did what was best for them.

Answer 3

I am also wondering if he has hip dysplasia or just arthritis. What meds was he on? If he were my dog, I'd be taking him to a vet certified to do chriopractic and acupuncture treatments. If your dog does have dysplasia, they can't help that, but what they can help is the rest of his body. His body will be compensating for the pain in his hips and his spine and possibly neck will be out of alignment, adding to his pain. They can correct that. Chiropractic treatments for dogs are totally pain-free. I know because I've had 2 of my dogs for treatments and the results are totally amazing.

They may not be able to help your dog but all it would cost you is the price of a vet visit. It think it's worth it. Good luck!

Answer 4

12 year german shepherd dog hip dysplasia

Answer 5

Is your vet giving him anything for the pain? Hartz makes an Enteric- Coated aspirin under the name Health Measures that is designed to be given to dogs. Aspirin also reduces inflammation, so it will give him some relief in that area as well.
The groomer who suggested the joint complex gave you very good advice. We use one for our Arthritic beagle that has given her a great deal of relief. We purchase it at Pet Smart, it's called Excel Tr (for time release), and it comes 120 to a bottle.
You might also want to look for a harness that will help you support his weight when he needs to take care of business. If you can't find these at your local pet stores, try Ryans Pet Supplies or Pet Edge on line.

Answer 6

This is a terrible question to answer. You say that "due to his age" he is not a candidate for hip-replacement. Who on earth told you that? Is it too LATE for Cheyenne - and if so, why?

Unfortunately, Shepherds are extremely intelligent, and he's probably embarrassed by what he sees as 'letting the pack down' - i.e. it will take you more and more time and love to keep him going (in several senses of the word).

My then-wife, still-now-best-friend, would not, 17 years after we acquired her, countenance our ***** being 'put down'. Yoko (seriously, she was named after Ms Ono) was ailing fast: blind, could hardly crawl let alone walk, wasn't eating well, and incontinent. She died in Cathy's arms and was, literally, buried at the bottom of the garden.

One is left to ask who benefitted from the protracted death: Yoko, Cathy or, indeed, both?

I sincerely hope that the answer is both. See, Yoko still had acute hearing. She could hear me on a visit and still wag her tail or indicate a need for personal contact.

It doesn't answer your question but, I hope that it indicates to you that your love of Cheyenne is not unusual. We are offered unconditional love by our fellow-travellers/companions and they trust us to offer same.

Good luck and may you all 'live long and prosper'.

Paul

Answer 7

well, my thought is that this is just arthritis,, if your dog had hip dysplasia, it would have been noticed LONG LONG AGO,, most shepherds do not live til age 12 so you are very lucky.. the vet has many new improved pain relieving drugs for precisely this problem.. i would simpy give your dog these meds when his back end is bothering him

Answer 8

I have a solution. And it will work wonders.... purchase a product called NuJoint Plus. Order it by calling 800-474-7044 AND GIVE REFERENCE # 41206G. I highly recommend this product. It will work!!!

Answer 9

NO "miracles"!!!

If it's in pain,it's your DUTY & responsibility to END IT!!
It's selfish not to do so!