Hip Dysplasia - is it time?

Meredith

My Golden Retriever, Bailey, is now 10.5 years old. She was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia when she was 5 years old (the vet told us that her Hip Dysplasia was so bad that she was surprised Bailey was still walking and also that she must have been born with it) and has been on Rimadyl since. Her health has been yearly monitored and the doses of Rimadyl have steadily increased (now at 100mg daily).

Bailey struggles to get up and down and cannot sit on her haunches (she sits directly on her butt). She walks to and from the backyard to use the bathroom and eats well (when she does not feel well, she doesn't eat as well). We cannot take her for any kind of walk (I could see the pain in her eyes when we did). She tends to limp and often collapses.

X-rays show that her hip sockets are almost completely worn away and the vet has told us that her hips are pretty much dislocated.

Her life involves walking to and from the back yard for toilet runs, eating, sleeping and struggle... is this fair? How far should I let this get before I do what is kindest?

She is still bright eyed and has a playful personality, but her struggle, pain and discomfort breaks my heart.



My beautiful Bailey

LDMomm

I have no advice as I've never been there. She is absolutely beautiful!

Maybe you could get a big wagon so she could still come along on "walks."

pawzaddict

My goodness she is the most gorgeous golden I have seen in a long time!

I am sorry to hear of the news has your vet said her pain is too much to manage? If its just while walking I agree the wheelchair or cart is a great route to go! If she is always in pain you may need to seek out a specialist to see what their opinion is as well as see if there are ways to help (warm baths, swimming, the wheelchair/cart option, more pain management or even physical therapy). I hope you get the answers you are looking for
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Meeka

Hi,I am so sorry to hear...if you want my honest opinion...I think that as long as she is still eating,drinking,is still able to walk etc...maybe you should keep going..I'm sure there is a way that you could keep her.I hope there is!She is a beautiful,I am sure you are a very proud mum! I hopr you find these links helpful..I'm sure you know all this though...
5 Best Exercises for Old Dogs
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Please remember to keep us posted!Best of luck with everything!

Dawnben

I would add a good dose of glucosamine and see if it would help, it did wonders for my Rottie she also had hip problems. Maybe try the (pet restore ) that is on this site people seem to say good things about it. I used the pet glucosamine from Trader Joes. I used 1500 mgs morning and night to start.

Meredith

Thanks everyone

I have been playing a gentle game of fetch with her and she seems to really be enjoying herself.

Her appetite is getting worse and worse... she is eating less than a cup of food a day and is looking thin. Really bad.

I am taking her to the vet tomorrow morning, will update shortly after.

pawzaddict

That is not from HD...have your vet run some bloodwork. They may need to do an ultra sound to look at her organs if anything comes back off the scale. Fingers crossed she's ok
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Meredith

Thanks. I was told that lack of appetite can be due to pain?

Mikey

Yes dogs and most animals will slow or stop eating (anorexia) when in pain.

If she can't walk and isn't eating-that to me would say it's time. However if she's eating with zest and can toodle around (albeit less then before) perhaps she still has some time?

It's a personal decision and no one can make it for you-give it lots of thought. Remember-it's quality not quantity.

I do wonder if:
pain management (a long term pain killer-one she can have every day)
+ a joint lubricant (like glucosamine)
and a wheel chair could give her more time?
If her mobility is managed (wheelchair) and she is pain free-that sounds good to me.

Meredith

Thanks

Bailey has been on Rimadyl (pain killer/anti-inflammatory) for 5 years - she is currently on 100mg daily. I also mix some liquid glucosamine/chondroitin into her food every meal (she usually eats the part where I put it).

I have thought about a wheelchair, but do wonder if I would be doing it for me or for her at this point...

[edit] Also, just thought that I would mention that Bailey has been collapsing daily. She tends to trip with her front feet and her back legs give way. I hope the vet can give advice.