Quote: Irene Romo

She can't jump and she runs funny. I noticed she does not have much indurance, not like my other gsd anyway. She does wimper sometimes getting up from her bed.

I'm a HUGE believe in pain management for dogs. Dogs tend to endure and not vocalize, and I don't think we can rely on them to express how much discomfort they may be experiencing. And pain running amok is not conducive to good healing.

So I do NOT say this from the POV of someone who isn't very concerned about pain management.

But I do think that trying other avenues before radical surgery is important. I'd give the proven aids a chance before making a decision (and in the meantime I would be getting those 2nd and 3rd opinions).

BTW, a few months ago I spent days researching the contents of all the major joint supplements, reviewing consumer-ratings guides, and looking up the recommendations of ortho vets. Syn Flex did indeed end up in the top couple for ratings and value. (I was trying to find the best value for an overseas forum member who was going to come back to the States and stock up before returning to her temporary home in Europe.)
http://www.leerburg.com/49.htm

I would also be reading up on all the alternative therapies Sarah mentioned, and definitely on Adequan (and all the injectable polysulfated glycosaminoglycan or GAGs).

And I would start tomorrow with fish oil and vitamin E, because long-chain Omega 3s have such a good anti-inflammation action (and Vitamin E is needed to process oil supplements) that it's just Step One with all inflammation-related ailments. JMO. Not that it will make the dog feel better after a day on it, but that it will give you the best possible base for the joint-specific supplements.

I would also get an excellent dog bed, regardless of whether or not you do end up with surgery. What a difference that makes.

I don't blame you for wanting to save the dog's pain. Me too.

I would do it the least invasive way, starting with lots of advice (from NON surgeons, too). And then if I ended up with the surgery, I would know it was the right thing.


And coming here and asking is exactly what you did. Good move!

Totally agree with Connie about pain management, Irene.

While I'm not wild about keeping dogs on pain medication long-term I do think these medications can be very helpful, even necessary, to get a dog through a painful moment.

I keep Metacam on hand now just in case my dog needs it. When he was younger and limping I found it helped get him through the painful days.

Deramaxx is another good anti-inflammatory/pain medication to use as needed.

Stay away from Rimadyl.

I have Metacam and Deramaxx too. I have used both in low doses, with liver and kidney bloodwork at the beginning and every six months during.

This is the first time to post here. We found out a few months ago through x-rays that my male GSD had severe hip dysplasia at 6 months old after hee woke up one morning and couldnt walk. The vet started him on Rimadyl. It helped his pain but made him verry thirsty and very hyperactive. He has an inside huge kennel that i got 2 huge king size pillows and layed in the kennel and covered that with a comforter. He sleeps really well at night now. But it has started to get cold here and it makes his legs really stiff. We give him the Salmon oil on his all natural dry kibble. We have stopped giving a lot of the Rimadyl and focused on comfort, low impact play and a good diet. He is doing well at this time. He is now 13 months old.

Welcome Sherry,

I'm glad your boy is doing well right now, do you have him on any type of joint supplements?

I have him on a suppliment that is a powder for his coat and bones. Cant think of the name of it. Its in a gold bag that has to be kept in the frig. He hates it. Will go without eating when i put it in his food. So i have not been giving it to him. GSD are already picky eaters. Any sugg?

One of my dogs was diagnosed almost 2 years ago with severe HD in both hips The x-rays are appalling.

The orthopedic vet did NOT recommend hip replacement as they are a last resort, may not last as long as the dog (then you have more problems), and may cause new problems. Your dog *may* be young enough to have the femoral head removed. In any event I would discuss with a canine orthopedic surgeon.

Right now you would not know, except for a bunny hop on the run, that she has the problem. As is, I have to snag her going into and out of the truck as I don't want her to make that leap but she still is capable of doing it.

I keep her lean, excercise her, and give her acti-flex 4000 (A horse product) 3mL twice a day. She has only needed 5 Deramaxx since her diagnosis. The only time she indicates pain is if she gets wet AND cold, so I make sure she gets good and dry if she gets wet on a cold day.

The acti-flex is a liquid and my dogs all seem to like it. (but they are in no way picky eaters). Another good supplement is Glycoflex III, but I do like the actiflex better and it is less expensive too.

Oh, we have not needed it but something that helped right away (she was diagnosed after coming up lame after a long weekend of water search training when the air temp was in the 40s and she got wet and cold) was going to canine physical therapy and the water treadmill. A canine PT can show you range of motion and stretching excercises to help keep the muscles in tone with low impact. NO Jumping or sharp turns are definitely indicated. Uphill walking is good. I retired her from trailing but she is still working on the boat.