I have a 14.5 year old bitch who has moderate hip dysplasia and for the last year I have had her on NSAIDs. I agree with Connie regarding the bloodwork. Tessa had a blood panel before starting the NSAID treatment and gets an updated blood panel every 6 months. At her age it is a quality of life issue so I was willing to put her on NSAIDs.

 Quote: Ingrid Rosenquist

I have a 14.5 year old bitch who has moderate hip dysplasia and for the last year I have had her on NSAIDs. I agree with Connie regarding the bloodwork. Tessa had a blood panel before starting the NSAID treatment and gets an updated blood panel every 6 months. At her age it is a quality of life issue so I was willing to put her on NSAIDs.

I have one on a daily NSAID too.

Even though we started thinking it was short-term, it was not. And regardless, serious GI issues can and do happen even with a short-term protocol.

At least the O.P. knows now some of what to watch for.


ETA
Like many people, I find it disturbing that despite the FDA warning (extremely clear) and the warnings in vet manuals, as well as the actual package insert from the manufacturers*, some vets fail to explain the possible side effects and how to watch for and minimize them.

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ProductSafetyInformation/ucm055434.htm

Here is a vet whose experience with Rimadyl has been 100% positive, who still states: "I agree wholeheartedly that it is my 'duty as a veterinarian to inform ... clients of the dangers of Rimadyl,' which is why I dispense the full package insert with every prescription of every NSAID we dispense."

at http://www.mypetsdoctor.com/rimadyl-safety-questioned-then-explained



*
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/Products/ApprovedAnimalDrugProducts/DrugLabels/UCM050404.pdf
(Rimadyl insert)



Edited by Connie Sutherland (03/26/2012 05:14 PM)
Edit reason: ETA

This is the human form of gabapentin, but it's the powder form. Does that make any difference? I've only given it to him a couple of times when his pain looks really bad, so I hope it's nothing too serious.

The liquid is the problem.

But you'll want to report the runny eyes to the vet.

How is the dog doing? The NSAID should be making a significant difference if it's going to (it's been three weeks). NSAIDs are classified as fast-acting drugs.

He's doing okay. He seems slightly more comfortable, but not by much. He still starts to limp after about 20 minutes of walking and his right hip is still significantly larger than his left. There's only two days worth of pills left on the NSAID, so I'm not sure how much more it can do.

He's an extremely energetic dog, and he's going crazy since he doesn't get his long walks or playtime anymore. I can't seem to get him to stop running around the house. I have to find another way to keep his brain stimulated without having him run around or walk for too long.

My approx. 3 year old has "mild" hip dysplasia. He goes through periods of time when it's worse, and I think it must be more weather related than anything. He is on Synflex, fish oil and Rimadyl "as needed". (I am so thankful to Connie for bringing my attention to the possible side effects so I could be sure to get regular blood panels done!)

I could be completely wrong on this, but I still make sure Ollie gets plenty of activity...just at his own pace. We don't do much structured walking. We go in and out (a lot), and he may play fetch if he's feeling frisky, lay in the sun, get up and walk the perimeter, chase a bird, lay back down ect. He just sort of follows us around while we do our outside chores. When he doesn't get enough activity I think he gets stiff.

There are some treat puzzles on the market that I bought that really helps stimulate both my dogs when the weather is bad. I felt very silly when I bought them, but they have come in handy.

Hi Ali!

So sorry to hear about your dog's hip problems. I wonder if he was in some weird position on the table during his surgery, or if he was moved improperly while under anesthesia; it seems unusual for this change to have occured so quickly. I even wonder if they dropped him... (R hip is bigger than L). Having worked in the ICU for a number of years, I have seen this happen with people. Or, was he on rest for a week or two after surgery? When dogs with hip dysplasia decondition, hidden weaknesses can show up. Have you considered getting a second opinion?

My last GSD had severe hip dysplasia by Xray at 1.5, but did not really show symptoms until she was about 7. (Apparently xray and clinical presentation do not always match.) WE replaced her R hip at Ohio State U (had great experience) and she had great function until she was 13, at which time her other hip was so osteoporatic from not being used (she carried it but did not really bear weight on it), we put her down... she had a mild injury from falling after developing vertigo, and the vet said the L hip could easily shatter, leaving her in agony. I wished I had treated both legs... it was so hard to put her down when she was healthy but everyone we checked with thought she was at high risk for a terrible injury and we could not get the vertigo under control...

Anyways, we had a couple fundraising parties, many people knew her and wanted to help us, and rasied about 1000$ over 6 months. This was about 15 years ago and the cost was about 4000$. SHe was a new dog after that surgery, so it was really worth it!

A few suggestions for mental exersize, besides obedience work- I hide small pieces of steak or liver in the house or yard and tell Bella to "find it!" or hide her toys. At first, make it easy and your dog will catch on quickly. Additionally, "nosework" games (see leerburgs new video)and toys have become really popular, if you need more variety.

I exersized Gillian for about an hour a day, before and after her surgery. We did long jogs on leash and a lot of swimming that last year or two before her surgery. After her surgery, she was running easily again, which lasted until she developed the vertigo.
Good luck and hope her feels better!






As for exersize, once you are sure this is not an acute injury

deleted duplicate post

Edited by Connie Sutherland (03/28/2012 10:23 AM)
Edit reason: duplicate

deleted duplicate post

Edited by Connie Sutherland (03/28/2012 10:23 AM)
Edit reason: delete

Thank you Connie! Too bad you could not also spell check my original post!