Hip Dysplasia

[S Kay]

our 9 month old doodle is looking at hip replacement surgery this week. Her ball and socket joints don’t even connect- no painful grinding, but no strength in back legs. They have atrophied from disuse. She has difficult time standing when she is laying down.

We are a bit concerned re growth plates, but surgeons say the sooner, the better. Looking for others who have been through this, hoping for an improvement to this wonderful girl’s life.

Halloween 2017 picture!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm very sorry to hear this. 

If you haven't notified your breeder, please do. This should be covered under your health warranty. It's also important to notify the breeder, because this is genetic, and your pup's parents should not be bred again.

We do have several members here whose doodles have been diagnosed with HD and who have undergone surgery. Penny's Beemer had both hips done at a young age, you may want to check out her blogs about it. She really takes you through the whole process. Beemer has gone on to run and play pain free and do very well living a happy life. She would be the first to agree that sooner is definitely better. 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/beemer-update-week-1

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/beemer-update-week-2

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/beemer-update-week-3

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/beemer-update-week-4-good

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/beemer-update-week-1-second

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/beemer-update-week-2-second

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/beemer-update-cause-for

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/8400-hair-cutand-thats-w...

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/beemers-buns-of-steelfinal

[S Kay]

Thank you for your reply. I will read her comments!

[Ginny Nightingale]

That is so helpful Karen--so glad you are still part of our group despite the tragic loss of Jack-- Good luck to your pup S Kay. Sounds like she will be running around in no time! And yes, any good breeder would have guaranteed the hips as healthy...however, some breeders will not pay for the surgery, they just tell you to return the pup for another one--and who could possibly do that? Too in  LOVE!!

[S Kay]

Lucy did not have her surgery on Thurs. The surgeon, who has done over 2000 hip replacements looked at the X-rays taken that morning and said she had no neck at top of femur. We went home with Co Sequin, nsaids and a recommendation to start a water therapy program to build up her weak rear legs. She’s a happy girl and we will hope for the best! Thanks for all kind words.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I'm so sorry your pup is having hip problems.  I wish her every success in building up her back legs.  One of the techniques we used to help strengthen our Springer's back legs after his CCL surgery was to walk with him so that he had to step up and down from the curbing on our street. I don't know if this technique might help you, but wanted to mention it so that you could ask your therapist about it.  We didn't have water therapy available to us and really wish we had.

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

If the water therapy is like water aerobics, maybe you'll both have a fun time!  Wishing you all the best.   

[Leslie J]

Sending healing wishes your way!

[Stella]

If you take her for water therapy, try to find somewhere that has an underwater treadmill rather than a pool. Walking on an underwater treadmill is much more functional and will probably give you better results. Swimming is an 'open chain' activity (the foot never stands on a surface) which is generally not recommended for dysplastic or unstable joints, as it can increase the stresses placed on the unstable joint. Swimming is a totally different way of moving than walking, they use different muscles or the same muscles in a different way, which will not translate well into 'dry land' or real'world activities.