Is there anything I can do or give my 11 year old Aussie Shep? Her hips hurt, it is hard for her to get up anymore AND she is overweight. I know the weight needs to come off, but in the mean time is there anything I can give her to relieve the pain? Thank you! Shari :)
2007-04-11 07:58:13 · 12 answers · asked by Blondie 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hip dysplasia is common, and treatable with meds and supplements, other than in extreme cases.
Ask the vet which are suitable supplements - presumably she's on anti-inflammatories from your vet, this is the best treatment.
Massaging (gently) and warm baths can help too, as someone said - just like with humans aches and pains.
You're very right about the weight loss - do not underestimate how much this will help! I always recommend changing to a diet or at least light food rather than cutting down on the current diet, so your pet can lose weight withut going hungry.
Good luck, keep in touch with your vet for advice and support!
Chalice
2007-04-11 08:10:34 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 2 yrs. Old German shepherd has this hip problem. He never played as a pup. I was told nearly $5,000 for one hip replacement and he would need both done. Found a vet here that xrayed him and now has me giving Tank this: I aspirin, 8-1200 mg, fish oil pills, 1-1500 mg. glucosamine pill, and 1-1000mg MSM pill a day. Sure that is 11 pills a night he takes. One of those fish oil for every 10 pounds. No surgery. Tank runs with his girlfriend Harley all the time and they run over each other. He can jump over the lawn chairs and jump in the truck which he never could before. We had him a year before he could ever jump on the couch or the bed! Try it!! Later when he does get worst the vet says no replacement but a surgery to remove the hip ball in that joint. This vet is amazing and has done this surgery for years. He swears by it. And I have seen dogs recover from his ideas.
He has saved my Tank's life. And my pocket book!
2007-04-11 15:41:07 · answer #2 · answered by Lonecowranch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to slimming her down and pain meds from the vet, you can try supplementing her diet with glucosamine and chondroitin with MSM (should be able to get this at WalMart, Meijer, or any drug store or you could also get it from your vet) and also ester-C (vitamin C, also available at any drug or major box store). Both of these supplements can create a significant improvement for both mobility and pain relief. My puppy would consistently limp on one hind leg. Glucosamine helped a little, but the limping disappeared entirely once we added the vitamin c. Vitamin E can also be helpful because it has anti-inflamatory properties which will help with pain management. Below are two websites, one on glucosamine and the other on ester-C, that have more in-depth information on how and why they work for some dogs.
2007-04-11 17:05:45 · answer #3 · answered by ainawgsd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hip Displaysia is a very real possibilty...you will need to see your Veterinarian about pain meds for your dog-
Human products can kill your pet. Do not self medicate!
As your dog is geriatric, it should have blood work done anyway- that way the Vet will know how your dogs liver and kidneys are functioning.
Most canine joint medications do have an effect on
organs, so it is trade off on comfort and liver health.
2007-04-11 15:07:06 · answer #4 · answered by Patti G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My English Bulldog has the same thing(hip-displacia) I sometimes rub her hips down with witch hazel, and I give her a warm bath. I fill the tub up to her back and pour in ebson salt. I also put a heating pad out for her to lay on, and I give her baby aspirin. I sometimes massage her, and it seems to help.
2007-04-11 15:04:14 · answer #5 · answered by Cresha B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has she had x-rays to defiantely diagnose hip dysplasia??
You are right the weight does need to come off. My guess would be your dog doesn't have dysplasia but rather arthritis..I suggest talking to your vet and let them recommend the appropriate pain medication for your dog and their particular problem.
2007-04-11 19:56:44 · answer #6 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I heard that Fish Oil is good for arthritis and joint mobility --Also Glucosaime/Chrondrotin, and bone meal... (Preventative measures yeah, but may still help the 11 year live a little more active without pain).
2007-04-11 15:37:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Discuss this with your vet, but a friend of mine had a large dobie/lab mix and was advised to give him an overthecounter supplement you can find at your local drug store along with glucosimine. The other supplement started with a c I believe, but it wasn't condroitin. If you can give your vet a call they can probably advise you of some supplements to give.
2007-04-11 15:05:06 · answer #8 · answered by Meggz21 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Osteo Bi Flex, and if you search on the internet you can find a lot of things. Also see if there is any dog physical therapy places around you becase that really does help...I know it sounds wierd.
2007-04-11 16:43:02 · answer #9 · answered by carly385057 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hip displasia can be very bad & painful, your vet would have medicine suitable for her needs !
2007-04-11 15:02:08 · answer #10 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋