I agree that HD can sometimes be managed, However, that is not this dog's only issue- the allergies being just as pressing. A lot of us know how difficult and expensive properly diagnosing and treating allergies can be. Plus. it sounds like he is allergic to poultry but needs to eat raw.
For those who think considering PTS is to harsh, what about rehoming to a person who is in a position to financially deal with these problems - NOW? Kristi has already said she has no idea when he will even get to the derm vet, which we can ALL agree needs to be done.

 Quote: betty landercasp

IME many dogs (shepherds not so much) learn to cope with HD by carrying much of their weight with the front end. IME lots of dogs stop limping around 15 mos, can be managed with Ecotrin or Bufferin, can live meaningful lives as pets, guardians, housemates, can take leashed walks and participate joyfully for many years.
So I wouldn't be in a big rush to PTS this dog if he is a tail waggin sweet animal who mostly enjoys life. If his job required athleticism it would be different. But if his job is "pet and lover and bark at intruders" , he may surprise you. Give it some time. JMHO

Ecotrin and Bufferin (is that asprin?) I will have to look into those. Thank you. He really still seems happy, yes lazy and cant do as many things, but happy. He is excited the minute we get home, he LOVES to eat his raw meals (he was never excited to eat kibble. any brand.) he loves to play tug and is a spoiled member of the family. He is even allowed to sleep on our bed because it is the orthopedic memory foam mattress. Do you know how crowded it gets with a 90 pound dog, two adults and a toddler who sneaks in half way through the night LOL

Phaedra, I do respect that your priority is the dogs. I 100% get that. Most people don't care enough. And I don't take this lightly. But do you know what kind of people look to adopt pitbulls? Not usually financially loaded ones who want to take on a pupppy with severe health problems. Not to mention, in the financial crisis our economy is in right now, thousands of people are looking to re-home their dogs & shelters are stuffed full. It is a hard time for a lot of people right now. I haven't given up, He is on adequan injections, glucosamine supps, vit e, salmon oil, raw diet, pain meds, special baths etc.. I just ordered his food from my supplier but wrote her yesterday to see if I could switch my order and try something other than chicken. I checked his mouth this morning and it was back to regular pink, so I do believe it is the meat causing another allergic reaction.

With the help from everyone on this board, and my own research Capone's health has improved since we got him. He used to have major stomach problems on top of all of this. which are completely gone. Sometimes I do get sad for him and a little stressed out but please don't think I am not trying. i take everything I learn here into consideration and try my best to help him with whatever money we can afford that month.

 Quote: phaedra rieff

Have you read the other threads about this dog and this situation? Have you seen dogs suffering day in and day out because their owners make the wrong decisions, or ignore what's right in front of them, despite the best efforts of those around them? I DO.

I didn't say you were wrong, I said that they way you chose to communicate was a little mean. Even if unintentionally.

I think its funny that I lost a "star" for sticking up for somebody. Whatever.

 Quote: lauren jeffery

I think its funny that I lost a "star" for sticking up for somebody. Whatever.

That's ok, you'll get big gold stars from others

Thanks

I don't want to derail this thread anymore than I already have, but I would like to wish the OP the best of luck in figuring out what is best to do in the situation.

We all have to make hard decisions sometimes, but I personally wouldn't think too grimly until a better xray is taken. Given Capone's age and the quality of the films there could possibly be hope for him. I have met dogs with severe HD that live comfortable, relatively active lives. With management itis possible in some cases as Dr. Betty pointed out.

It is important to get the xray situation fixed asap, and to try and get a little more info from the vet regarding appropriate exercise. Knowing several people who have dogs with this condition, maintaining muscle mass is at the top of the list for keeping the dog as healthy and comfortable as you can.

 Quote: kristi molina

Phaedra, I do respect that your priority is the dogs. I 100% get that. Most people don't care enough. And I don't take this lightly. But do you know what kind of people look to adopt pitbulls? Not usually financially loaded ones who want to take on a pupppy with severe health problems. Not to mention, in the financial crisis our economy is in right now, thousands of people are looking to re-home their dogs & shelters are stuffed full. It is a hard time for a lot of people right now. I haven't given up, He is on adequan injections, glucosamine supps, vit e, salmon oil, raw diet, pain meds, special baths etc.. I just ordered his food from my supplier but wrote her yesterday to see if I could switch my order and try something other than chicken. I checked his mouth this morning and it was back to regular pink, so I do believe it is the meat causing another allergic reaction.

With the help from everyone on this board, and my own research Capone's health has improved since we got him. He used to have major stomach problems on top of all of this. which are completely gone. Sometimes I do get sad for him and a little stressed out but please don't think I am not trying. i take everything I learn here into consideration and try my best to help him with whatever money we can afford that month.

It certainly appears to me that you are doing your best for the dog as your finances allow, and that means you are doing without other things in your life to make this happen. You are asking a lot of questions on how else you can improve his health, and are implementing the advice given, which is not always the case on this forum. In a perfect world, sure, it would be great if every dog had access immediately to any and all veterinarian care - but that simply is not the case. As you said, many, many folks are having to "dump" their dogs because they honestly can't afford to feed themselves right now, let alone a pet. It is very sad.

I appreciate the fact that you are doing what you can do and working hard toward finding a solution for Capone, and not taking the knee-jerk reaction of "he's got too many issues - let's put him down". His behavior will tell you when and if he can't tolerate life any longer... to be premature with "ending his misery" when he appears to be a very content pup is in my opinion, completely unwarranted. IF he was lying around in pain all day, not eating, etc... my response would obviously be different.

Keep up the good work with your dog. He is lucky to have you.

Thank you Lauren! I really hope someone didn't take a star away because you offered an opinion different than someone elses. That just seems silly. I know some of us newbies here can be annoying with the lack of knowledge or endless questions but I would have to say that all of the active members here genuinly care about our pets, or we would never last on this board. It can be a little tough and clickish sometimes. Its hard being the "new girl" in any new group, leerburg included. But I know that most of u have so much I can learn from you, and appreciate all the help offered throughout these past couple months.

Thank you Barbara! I will

Kristi, just a thought about the chicken. Have you tried another supplier? Chicken can have additives and maybe he's reacting to an additive, not the chicken itself. Worth a try, if you don't know for sure...

Also, if you try a different supplier, keep the turkey out of the mix for now.