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Alternative Medicine for Pets/4 mon. old American Bulldog hip dysplasia?

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Expert: - 3/4/2009


Question

Our Baby Roxie
I just bought an American Bulldog puppy. Her dad was a champ. and her mother was beautiful. She is supose to have a very good bloodline. When we first got her we thought she possibly had parvo because she laid around alot. We have kept a very close eye on her but we are seeing alot of problems with her back legs. When she sits her back legs just fall open,  when she trys to turn from a sitting position her legs don't turn with her, she usually falls over. She can't climp stairs very well and we only have 2 stairs on the back porch. She can't jump up on the couch with her front legs because her back legs won't suport her body, they are very week. I haven't taken her to the vet yet, but plan on doing so next week. She is such a good girl and so smart, it just breaks my heart she is so pitafull. We are so worried she might have displasha. Do you have any sugestions on this puppy problem?

Answer
Oh, little Roxie looks so cute!  Yes, have the vet check her out... HOPE she doesn't have Hip troubles but only a good exam will give you the answers you need.
Also, there are many levels of Hip dysplasia - many can be controlled with medications and supplements.

BEST wishes on this!

Marie Peppers LPN MA

Let me know what the vet says...

My private e-mail is :
mtnmom@gci.net




http://www.recoverysa.com/hip_dysplasia_pro.htm#02

Etiology of Canine hip dysplasia (CHD)
The breeding of dogs that already have hip dysplasia is one of the primary reasons canine hip dysplasia (CHD) continues. A dog that has canine hip dysplasia (CHD) in one socket is prone to having a problem with the ligaments of the knee in the other leg (anterior cruciate ligament tear).

Many factors promote the onset of canine hip dysplasia (CHD); these include:

Genetic inheritance of canine hip dysplasia (CHD)
Overfeeding high protein and high calories
Excess calcium (usually due to overfeeding)
Prolonged inactivity and conversely prolonged or intense activity
Obesity
Predisposed breeds
American Bulldog
American Staffordshire Terrier
Beagle
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bloodhound
Bouvier des flandres
Boykin Spaniel
Briard
Brittany
Bulldog
Bullmastiff
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chow Chow
Clumber Spaniel
Coonhound (Black and Tan)
Coton de Tulčar
Curly Coated Retriever
English Setter
English Springer Spaniel
German Shepherd
Giant Schnauzer
Golden Retriever
Gordon Setter
Irish Water Spaniel
Kuvasz
Neapolitan Mastiff
Newfoundland
Norwegian Elkhound
Old English Sheepdog
Otterhund
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Portuguese Water Dog
Pudel Pointer
Pug
Rottweiler
Shih Tzu
Spanish Water Dog
St. Bernard
Staffordshire Terrier
Sussex Spaniel
Welsh Corgi
Welsh Springer Spaniel
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Symptoms and diagnosis of hip dysplasia
Early diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia (CHD) affords veterinarians the best opportunity to address the problem as soon as possible, thereby minimizing the secondary arthritic changes that can occur in the hips. The following symptoms are indicative of canine hip dysplasia (CHD):

Rear limb lameness, particularly after exercise.
Difficulty or stiffness upon rising or climbing uphill.
A "bunny hop" gait
Rising using front legs only and dragging rear end.
Waddling rear limb gait.
A painful reaction to extension of the rear legs resulting in a characteristic short stride.
A side-to-side sway of the croup. Tendency to tilt hips down when pressure applied to rump.
Reluctance to jump, exercise or climb stairs.
A puppy with canine hip dysplasia (CHD) usually starts to show signs between five and 13 months of age.

Symptoms of canine hip dysplasia (CHD) range from mild discomfort to extreme pain when the affected dog uses the hind limbs and will occasionally be seen following prolonged activity or when the dog gets up or lies down. Later in life the signs become more consistent and occur daily regardless of activity levels. Adult dogs that are in severe pain will usually decrease their activity. They are unwilling to run or climb stairs and, with decreased use, the muscles of their rear legs weaken. Some dogs learn to alter their gait and posture, often showing little or no signs of discomfort even when bone changes are severe.

A diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is based on a history of weakness or lameness to the rear legs, physical examination and x-ray confirmation.

Orthopedic evaluation After watching the dog walk and performing a general physical examination, an orthopedic evaluation should be carried out in order to determine the best course of treatment for the dog.

Flexing and extending the hip joint will provide some clues. Dogs with canine hip dysplasia (CHD) usually tolerate hip flexion but resent hip extension. Abduction is also painful.

Conditions that may resemble canine hip dysplasia (CHD) Several conditions may mimic canine hip dysplasia (CHD), making radiography essential for diagnosis. These conditions include:

Lumbo-sacral spinal problems
Osteochondrosis
Ruptured cranial cruciate ligament
Panosteitis
Degenerative myelopathy
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy  

Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie)

Experience

Nurse for over 17 years,,, Trained in Holistic Pet Medicine... Supplement and Vitamin certifications; Worked with Vet for over 25 years; Many CEU credits on Holistic and Natural Health; Licensed Nurse for over 18 years;

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***My comments and answers to your questions or any information in my articles is not to be used "in lieu of" veterinarian's advise, diagnosis, or treatment.**

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Education/Credentials
Licensed Nurse - Shattuck Hospital School of Nursing 1989 ***My comments and answers to your questions or any information in my articles is not to be used "in lieu of" veterinarian's advise, diagnosis, or treatment.**

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