Treacle has Hip Dysplasia

10848 Views 51 Replies 35 Participants Last post by Val23, 2 mo ago

Nadhak

Discussion Starter · Apr 19, 2012

Treacle has been at the vets today for x-rays and tests to establish wether she has Hip Dysplasia.
Sadly it has been confirmed that her right hip easily dislocates [luxating Hip] as the socket is not rounded over the top of the femur.
It is thanks to Mick from this forum and CCGB [A1 K9's] that I had this investigated - Treacle has been loving agility training but sometimes has been reluctant and Mick noticed her Gait was not straight! I had noticed that after long walks followed by a sleep at home that she was stiff and wobbly when she first got up but being relatively inexperienced dog owner, I thought she was just tired. Mick asked me to get her checked out and so here we are!
the fact that she has been diagnosed so young opens a window of opportunity for corrective surgery - very young dogs [I think it is up to 15 months] can have this as long as bones still pliable.
Treacle's X-rays have been sent to Orthopeadic Vet surgeons at Newmarket who will study them and decide if she is a candidate for surgery - then we have to make the decision as to wether we go through with it or just manage the symptoms as they appear - obviously worsen as she gets older if no surgery.
Presently, Treacle shows no sign of pain - just uncomfortable at times, so it is hard to say what the future will be like. She loves her walks - running fast through fields - playing with Clyde and I want her life to be full of these happy things!
As you can imagine I am devastated that Treacle has to go through her life with this condition or undergo major surgery but i suppose it is just one of those unfortunate things.
As the vet says - most owners would not realise their dog has this problem until much later in life - as i would not have done had it not been for Mick and his keen eye and experience.
I will let you all know the decision we make next week if surgery is offered.
Thank you for all your support x

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21 - 40 of 52 Posts

JoJo

· #21 · Apr 20, 2012

Nadine ... so very sorry to read this ... sending you lots of love

Nadhak

Discussion Starter · #22 · Apr 20, 2012

Thank you everyone - it is slowly sinking in! I knew I could rely on your support x
My aim is to ensure that Treacle has a life free of pain and she can run and play as she does now. If the surgery is suitable and we are offered it and that will guarantee [understand that it would not be 100%] quality of life then we will go for it. I don't want to look back in 10 years time and regret not going through it and watch Treacle struggle with arthritis!
Donna - you made me cry [again] yes we do have a lovely bond, but I think Cockapoos are so adorable and we all have that special bond - you have to have one to fully comprehend.
I have a friend who just despairs of me and says Treacle is a dog not a human - I feel so sorry for her thinking in that way!!

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colpa110

· #23 · Apr 20, 2012

Nadhak said:
Thank you everyone - it is slowly sinking in! I knew I could rely on your support x
My aim is to ensure that Treacle has a life free of pain and she can run and play as she does now. If the surgery is suitable and we are offered it and that will guarantee [understand that it would not be 100%] quality of life then we will go for it. I don't want to look back in 10 years time and regret not going through it and watch Treacle struggle with arthritis!
Donna - you made me cry [again] yes we do have a lovely bond, but I think Cockapoos are so adorable and we all have that special bond - you have to have one to fully comprehend.
I have a friend who just despairs of me and says Treacle is a dog not a human - I feel so sorry for her thinking in that way!!

I completely agree - I get lots of ''she is only a dog'' but I get so upset with her scratching and believe only another poo owner can empathise.

I truly wish you all the best with Treacle.

curt3007

· #24 · Apr 20, 2012

bigs to you and Treacle. I am worried now as Treacle came from same breeder as George, need to read more about it xxxxxx

DONNA

· #25 · Apr 20, 2012

Dont worry Jayne i think its just one of those things x

Nadhak

Discussion Starter · #26 · Apr 20, 2012

curt3007 said:
bigs to you and Treacle. I am worried now as Treacle came from same breeder as George, need to read more about it xxxxxx

hi Jayne

this problem can arise from two parents who are hip scored highly - it is just the luck of the draw!
i will let the breeder know in case it is genetic but please do not worry - take a look at George - if he wobbles a bit or bunny hops - appears stiff when rising but I am sure he will be fine x
I have gone through everything - she had the trauma of being thrown over the fence by our crazy neighbour when she was 6 months old - did this contribute?
Did we walk her too hard as a puppy? Was her diet [never been the best eater] to blame?
No point looking back - just got to look forward to keeping her happy and pain free!

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kendal

· #27 · Apr 20, 2012

I'm very sorry to hear about this, my trainers GSD was diagnosed with hip displazia at 6 months old he didnt to have the opp but he uses a magnetic collar which has had an amazing effect on him he is now 8 or 9. he has never had the speed but he has comped very well and came on long walks with us up Ben lomond etc so i wold definitely suggest a magnetic collar.

i know another dog with hipdisplasia she had one hip done but her owners are not going to get the other one done as they feel the operation was not worth it as she spent most of her puppy life crated she is almost 6(was in the same puppy class as my Gypsy) and to be hones for a good year after the opp she looked worse than she did before. she is now coping well but they just monitor her exorcizer.

hydrotherapy is also an option. that can help dogs, and most insurance companies will cover it.

hip displazia is a tough one and cant always be predicted, i know yet again another GSD from an accidental breeding of 2 young dogs they have horrendous hips and we were panicking about this dog but so fat (touch wood) his hips look fine, he has a nice gate so all going well we hope he wont have any problems.

hope ever thing goes well and you find a way to manage her condition.

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Dexter1011

· #28 · Apr 20, 2012

Hi sorry to hear about Treacle. A lady I walk with has a cockapoo called Max with the same problem and he had it early he goes to hydrotherapy and I remember her saying it has really helped him.

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Pollypiglet

· #29 · Apr 21, 2012

Hattie sends big hugs to her "sister" and tells her she is in good hands and her mum will look after her. Difficult one if she is coping and not in pain she may well be fine, may be a case of wait and see, sometimes think surgery is an easier decision if the quality of life has deterioated but with preventative measures for arthritis you may never need to worry. No good telling Treacle to take it easy!!

Mogdog

· #30 · Apr 21, 2012

So sorry to hear this Nadine, what a shock for you. At least it's been discovered early so hopefully you will have more options about how to help her. xx

mariag

· #31 · Apr 21, 2012

Poor Treacle, so sorry to hear this Nadine but as others have said you have an early diagnosis & more possibilities for treatment XXX

Happyad

· #32 · Apr 22, 2012

Hi
Sorry to hear this.
I'm a hydrotherapist and I have to say most dogs live a normal life, it will come down to
1) exercise control in the young
2) weight management is essential
3) NSAIDs used. ( non steroidal anti inflammatory drug )
4) physio suited to the dog ( hydro is great!!!
5) the right vet, someone your comfortable with and is experienced in this area.

It's amazing how your dog will cope and how much you will learn about your dog.

Have you told the breeder?

Cheers
A

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DONNA

· #33 · Apr 22, 2012

Good advice Adam!
Im sure Treacle will have no trouble with weight control which is good news.

Nadhak

Discussion Starter · #34 · Apr 22, 2012

Thank you Adam for your good advice - maybe you should not have shared your hydrotherapy experience

As far as weight - Treacle is not a big eater so as Donna says - her weight will be manageable.
Exercise control - this will be the tough one - she loves running over the fields and we go on long walks most days - i am sure the vet will advise but I know I will find this so difficult especially as Clyde will need exercise too.
Yes i have emailed the breeder and just waiting to hear back but she is reputable and I think we have been just unlucky [I would still have my Treacle for her wonderful personality and temperament ]
Next week we may or may not be offered an operation which will reset her hips and rid her of the problem. The operation is invasive and major and recovery slow [and painful?] but she will be restored to full physical health and will not go on to develop problems as she matures.
Adam, have you met any dogs who have had the surgery - do they recover fully? Sorry to ask this but the Vet said we will have to move quickly due to her age - the upper limit is 15 months - she may be already too old - I think it depends on the bone maturity.
I would love to know of any experiences with dogs who have had the surgery [Thank you Kendal for yours - it does make you think]

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DeKneez

· #35 · Apr 22, 2012

Nadhak said:
Thank you Adam for your good advice - maybe you should not have shared your hydrotherapy experience
As far as weight - Treacle is not a big eater so as Donna says - her weight will be manageable.
Exercise control - this will be the tough one - she loves running over the fields and we go on long walks most days - i am sure the vet will advise but I know I will find this so difficult especially as Clyde will need exercise too.
Yes i have emailed the breeder and just waiting to hear back but she is reputable and I think we have been just unlucky [I would still have my Treacle for her wonderful personality and temperament ]
Next week we may or may not be offered an operation which will reset her hips and rid her of the problem. The operation is invasive and major and recovery slow [and painful?] but she will be restored to full physical health and will not go on to develop problems as she matures.
Adam, have you met any dogs who have had the surgery - do they recover fully? Sorry to ask this but the Vet said we will have to move quickly due to her age - the upper limit is 15 months - she may be already too old - I think it depends on the bone maturity.
I would love to know of any experiences with dogs who have had the surgery [Thank you Kendal for yours - it does make you think]

I think you have read about Oscar and his luxating knee, not sure. I would go for it and just follow the vets instructions to the Tee. Oscar was cage rest only for 6 weeks, wee on the lead and now short walks on the lead. I can only imagine it is similarly invasive xxxx Bless you both x

DB1

· #36 · Apr 22, 2012

Nadine I'm sorry I cannot give any advice, just wanted to say sorry this has happened to Treacle, I hope someone can tell you more about the op, have you tried googling to find threads on other dog forums about it, I'm sure there must be quite a few.

DONNA

· #37 · Apr 23, 2012

Nadine i truely believe Treacle will be a star after the op she is such a chilled out dog that even though it may be upsetting for you not walking her and taking Cylde out im sure Treacle will be 100% fine with it while she recovers.She is not the type of dog that would be bounceing off the walls if not walked and with Clyde being so young he would be happy with a quick 20 min walk.I think your very luckly Treacle has such a temperment and im sure you will all be fine if you decide to go with the op xxxxxxCant wait to see you all on Weds x

Nadhak

Discussion Starter · #38 · Apr 23, 2012

DONNA said:
Nadine i truely believe Treacle will be a star after the op she is such a chilled out dog that even though it may be upsetting for you not walking her and taking Cylde out im sure Treacle will be 100% fine with it while she recovers.She is not the type of dog that would be bounceing off the walls if not walked and with Clyde being so young he would be happy with a quick 20 min walk.I think your very luckly Treacle has such a temperment and im sure you will all be fine if you decide to go with the op xxxxxxCant wait to see you all on Weds x

Ah Donna - so glad I met you through our cockapoos! I am too looking forward to seeing you and the ever so gorgeous Buddy - be a bit of a test for me as trying to contain my emotions but seeing you I might just have a damn good weep!
Still waiting for the phone call from the vets - its stomach churning!

Happyad

· #39 · Apr 23, 2012

Hi nadine
What's the name of the particular op he may have? Yes the techie name lol
I have to say I'm lucky all the dogs I see, with the widest breadth of symptoms, and they are all doing great as they have owners that are on top of everything. Research, drug options, therapies, surgeries. Every dog has a different story and set of requirements.
I know it's not what u want for your dog but I always say how lucky the dog is to have a caring owner, not all dogs are as lucky as yours.
There endeth the first lesson lol, sorry for the preach 😊

Wizbus

· #40 · Apr 24, 2012

Just read this and so sorry to hear about Treacle. It's a blessing that you managed to get it diagnosed early and seem to have various options. xxxx

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