If this is a really sudden decline I guess I wouldn't wait around for a week. Blood can be drawn, tests begun and you can consult with your favorite vet next week. The thyroid panel, if the dog needs that, will take a few days.

Not sudden as in overnight.

Everyone started noticing that he was moving like "an old dog" over the last few months. It started getting cooler and I saw a pretty sudden decline in his activity.

They haven't called me back yet...I'll call again.

Betty makes an excellent point about a blood draw immediately. This, of course, can be done by the tech, and time can be saved when you do get in to see the vet.

I just want to say that I have had a dog on Synthroid for life, and I have had several dogs who needed OA support for life. Both were doable, and my dogs had good quality of life once they were diagnosed. (Of course, you don't know what the diagnosis is yet, or, if it's HD/OA, how severe it is.)

There is much that can be done to make a dog with moderate OA comfortable. I know that if that's the diagnosis, several members here (including myself) will have practical and experienced suggestions.

I'm getting him in for a blood draw. I think the receptionist thought it an odd request. Oh well. I'll see the other vet this time and keep the appointment with mine. It may sound silly, but I've had bad experiences with several vets around here. Mine is great.

Yesterday evening, he was feeling kind of frisky. I tossed the ball around and noticed that when he ran, (and I will do my best to describe this), both back legs sort of shot out together and the right one would push out to the outside. We quit with the ball right away. I don't remember noticing this before. I hope I didn't miss something.

I know it's all just speculation until I get test results, but I can't help asking...is this common with any of the issues already discussed?

Also, thank you Connie for the encouragement. If he can be comfortable, I'll be happy. I'm sure when I find out what's going on, this will be the best place for advice from experienced dog people.

Janet, I've never seen that specific kind of leg spread and don't have anything useful to add but just wanted to let you know that I hope all goes well with the vet and thinking about you guys.

Thank you, CJ.

Ollie has mild hip dysplasia. Dr. Flemming says it does not require surgery and can be managed with medication...and he wants him to lose some weight. That will be a challenge since I'm already careful about what he eats.

I'm gonna wear out the search engine on Leerburg today. Any advice would be appreciated.

I'm so relieved that it's not serious.

I'm so glad you got a diagnosis!

The vet saw OA changes? What medication? An NSAID? What one?

Weight - yes - is critical.

What is his diet? (Weight management IMO is first a matter of reducing the food. Yes, he needs exercise, and yes, the food needs to be be highest quality -- but that said, reducing the amount that's keeping him overweight is Job 1. I don't remember what his diet is. Fill us in.)

How much fish oil (and E) does he get?

Did the vet mentions the GAG (Glycosaminoglycan) supplements?

THey didn't do the ex-rays yesterday because of scheduling. I took him this morning for that and he had to be sedated. I'm picking him up at 4 to get the full details from the doctor. He just called me after seeing the ex-rays this morning, so I'll provide the exact info after we talk.

I feed Wellness Core grain free. He gets 2 cups a day. On days when he gets goodies, (stuff that I trim from chicken, fish ect. when I'm cooking), it's less, and sometimes totally replaces his evening meal. His treats are usually carrot sticks which he loves. The kids may be throwing some stuff his way. They'll get lectured about that this evening. I train with cut up hotdogs, but a whole session would only be one hotdog cut up in tiny pieces. I add Nutrivet Alaskin Salmon oil, just a squirt. I'm going to look at the calories on his food and see if it's too much for him.

I guess I'll have to revamp all of it.

This is all new to me, so all suggestions are welcome. I've switched his food around several times. I know raw is the best option, but it's difficult for me to do right now and do it right. However, I've always fed him premium kibble.

Ollie weighs 40 lbs. right now. He doesn't seem overweight to me. He has kind of a cobby build but still has a waist. I'm sure the vet will recommend a goal weight when we talk.



Edited by Janet Foley (11/18/2011 10:32 AM)
Edit reason: to add weight

 Quote: Janet Foley

THey didn't do the ex-rays yesterday because of scheduling. I took him this morning for that and he had to be sedated. I'm picking him up at 4 to get the full details from the doctor. He just called me after seeing the ex-rays this morning, so I'll provide the exact info after we talk.

Great! And don't worry; you have a good basis in place there. It can be revised a bit very easily.