Young Doodle with Early Onset Arthritis

[Tina McNerthney]

Hello everyone:

My doodle, Baxter, who is about 1 year 8 months old, has had episodes of hind leg limping on and off since July. At first, we thought maybe he overdid it running at the dog park. However, the limping has become a frequent problem that takes a long time to heal. Our vet recommended we get x-rays of Baxter's hips and knees. He had to be sedated and it was a costly procedure (another reason I am so glad I purchased Healthy Paws pet insurance when Baxter was 8 weeks old as he is covered for hip issues since the symptoms appeared after the one year waiting period for hip dysplasia). The radiograph readings show early signs of arthritis, very likely attributed to hip problems.

I am frustrated and we're taking Baxter to see a specialist who may do a PennHip test and will discuss options ranging from painkillers and antinflammatory medications to, potentially, something more radical like hip replacement sooner than later.

Baxter's parents both tested "excellent" for hips, but genes can be unpredictable.

Wondering if anyone else has had a doodle with early onset arthritis and hip issues and would recommend any supplements, treatment or thoughts on "wait and see" approach with some supplementation vs. surgery. We love Baxter and feel bad that, at such a young age, he's dealing with these issues. I want to do whatever I can to help him. I've heard there are some good supplements that can really help, but I also imagine that they will only help so much.

Thanks for your advice.

Sincerely,

-Tina

[Stella]

I find it odd that the research in humans is coming up with different results than canine research, after all we are all mammals!! Anecdotally, my human clients do tell me it works and that they often didn't realize it was helping until they stopped taking it! Most ortho vet specialists will start canines with mild HD on a loading dose of glucosamine, and then continue with maintenance dose onwards. I figure it can't do any harm, except to my wallet!!

[Stella]

I would go see an orthopaedic specialist for their opinion, and make sure your breeder knows what his opinion is - it may be the parent dogs shouldn't be bred again. Also, find a canine rehab practitioner in your area and go for an assessment - can be done before you see the specialist if you want. They will assess and teach you an exercise programme to carry out with him to strengthen the muscles that stabilize and support the joints, work on his balance reactions, and advise you regarding appropriate exercise for him. If he needs surgery down the road, strengthening him up ahead of time will lead to a better outcome post-operatively.

[Tina McNerthney]

Stella,

This is exactly what I am going to do. Baxter's mom is no longer breeding. She was retired after her third litter this year.

I will research working with a canine rehab practitioner. Thank you for the recommendation!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Tina,  I saw your post about the vet's interpretation.

Just FYI, our breeder required actual copies of the X-rays and a statement from the vet AND she required that the OFA review the X-rays and issue a second unbiased opinion.  I submitted the paperwork to the OFA and my orthopedic vet sent the X-rays and his part of the paperwork directly. The OFA has a panel review the X-rays (not a single vet) and sends you back a diagnosis of excellent, good , fair, borderline, mild HD, moderate, or severe.  SInce Baxter is under 2 years old (like FInn was), the findings are "preliminary" and you can resubmit for a final decision after 2 years of age. Both the vet and I wanted to do this because, even with his experience, our vet was unsure if Finn would be diagnosed as fair, borderline, or mild.  PennHip is a more accurate test eliminating any "subjectivity" but we did not have to go that additional step (although I contacted Penn about treatment).

Our breeder was also very supportive throughout the process and once she had the OFA documentation (for insurance purposes), she refunded Finn's purchase price in full although we both wished it was otherwise.  Both his parents had already been retired but they had been a very successful breeding pair that had produced many wonderful healthy pups with no sign of HD.  HD is so random as you know. The best of hip clearances minimize but don't eliminate the risk.  I sometimes wonder if all dogs were x-rayed at 2 years, how many would show some signs of structural HD with no physical symptoms.  I'm sorry to hear that Baxter is showing soreness and hoping that once you get the inflammation down and the Dasaquin has a few weeks to take effect, things get better. Hang in there.  I know how upsetting it is.  

[Tina McNerthney]

Thank you, Cheryl, for all the good information and kinds words.

I figured there would be a significant paper trail involved in this process and did not realize you have to wait until a dog is two years old to get the official OFA diagnosis. Interesting that the breeder's chosen vet claims to have done an "OFA like" test - and that they were trying to use his diagnosis as a ruling diagnosis when that's not the way the OFA review works. I will contact OFA and ask them how to properly proceed.

Yes, HD is pretty random and I am glad the breeders seem to be doing their best to be supportive, although I might have chosen a breeder that had been in business for a longer amount of time in hindsight. 

Baxter is actually hopping on one foot right now - it's very sad and getting him seen and diagnosed properly will take some time and patience. He has an appointment with an orthopedic specialist on Thursday and we'll take if from there, one step at a time. 

Aside from Rimadyl, are there any tips you have for getting inflammation to decrease? We're taking the Dasuquin twice a day and I hope it will help in a few weeks time.

Thanks, again to you and to everyone who has offered advice.

Best,

-Tina