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Post by martint16 on Apr 28, 2013 13:57:10 GMT
Can anybody help me out!!! I have a 2 1/2 yr old chocolate Labrador who up to last week was fine other than being slightly over weight . She started to lag behind on walks so I assumed she had picked up an injury or was just being lazy. I took her to the vets on Tuesday to find out what was wrong and was told she had smaller muscles on her right back leg so X-rays were suggested. This is when the vet said had a slight difference in her hips with the right hand side havin a slight straight edge to it. This is when I asked the question is it hip dysplasia? He said if he had to call it something then yes but it is only slight grade 1. Was told to start hydrotherapy and to loose some weight. Any suggestions on building back muscle in 1 leg
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Post by BorderTerrier on Apr 28, 2013 14:00:22 GMT
I suggested on SW's pasted thread that swimming WITH YOUR VET'S APPROVAL and with support in the water by a human would be a good way to give the muscle strength.
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Post by scallywag on Apr 28, 2013 14:07:03 GMT
Im off to delete that thread now as promised now you have re posted from yourself
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Post by martint16 on Apr 28, 2013 14:14:23 GMT
Thankyou scallywag
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Post by caz2golden on Apr 28, 2013 14:32:22 GMT
Sorry no direct experience here! Very common problem in retrievers though!! Have no advice on building muscle in one leg. I would have thought good honest sensible exercise will always be a good thing. Do any change in exercise regime slowly to allow dogs body to adjust. Friend at works lab has hip dysplasia but after getting dog on good diet and good quality supplement you would not know when you see dog playing out on walks (I occasionally see my friends husband walking the dog) I think you need to get advice from your vet as to how much and what form of physio / exercise should be done, Hydrotherapy sounds ideal . I would be careful with things like chasing balls as this is always a strain on the joints. Does your vet do complementary treatment, thinking massages and acupuncture may help to loosen up the muscles to allow the muscles to strengthen equally when future exercise takes place. I can remember someone coming and realigning a horse body (wish I could remember what it was called!) by certain stretching exercises (some of which looked like impossible movements) which helped to release certain muscle groups. The horse became significantly more supple after the treatment (done over a series of sessions) allowing the following exercise regime to build it up slowly but equally. I know the same can be done on humans so assume that someone will have transferred this to dogs by now! If shes overweight work at slowly reducing the pounds as that will really help with anything joint related. Get a good quality joint supplement going (to aid keeping joint supple and healthy) (get vets advice on dosage and then shop about, don't buy at vets its always cheaper online) Forum members like Rubyroo are probably best to advise on what components are best in a joint supplement above and beyond MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin (and not forgetting omega 3 and 6!! )!
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Post by charlottte on Apr 28, 2013 14:41:25 GMT
Canine Massage could also help. Ttouch case studies are said to help arthritis so if there's any pain it might help slightly. Your vet might be able to refer/reccommend you However, losing weight will probably do the world of good Let us know how you both get on
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Post by martint16 on Apr 28, 2013 14:50:00 GMT
Thanks caz2golden the vet did mention most of the things you have mentioned but did not actually referre her for anything. Other than saying loosing weight will help and so will hydrotherapy.
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Post by martint16 on Apr 28, 2013 14:51:43 GMT
Thanks Charlotte will defiantly look into canine massage thankyou
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Post by Rubyroo11 on Apr 28, 2013 15:00:04 GMT
Sorry to hear about your dog...I have a dog that has elbow dysplasia but no experience of hip dysplasia.
I looked into physiotherapy for my dog and hydrotherapy but this has to be done by yourself...google local physios or hydrotherapy centres in your are...most have a form that you hand into your vets which you then give to them before your first appointment at either physio or hydrotherapy.
The best advice is to keep your dog as thin as you can as this does ease the strain, give good supplements and increase omega 3s as our dog will suffer from osteoarthritis now.
Do you live near the coast or any shallow rivers...even allowing your dog to walk through water is very good exercise for building up muscle whilst being gentle on joints...I live on the coast and regularly walk bmy dog in the water as a DIY hydrotherapy session...he then comes home and puts on his jumper to keep warmth in his muscles and this seems to help keep him mobile and ease stiffness/reduce lameness
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