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Join the Discussion
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"Another way is something called an FHO. The ball of the hip is removed, eliminating the source of pain."
Ebsie
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If you dog has Canine Hip Dysplasia, there are a number of treatment options available to you, both surgical and medicated therapy. Let's have a closer look at the different types of treatments available.
Medicated and Non-Medicated Therapy
RimadylŪ is a popular choice of anti-inflammatories for medicated therapy for treatment of Canine Hip Dysplasia. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)that provides effective relief from pain. RimadylŪ comes available as a prescription tablet, and in chewable flavoured tablets from your veterinarian.
There is a lot of controversy regarding the regular use of RimadylŪ for treatment of arthritis. Serious liver and kidney disfunction has occurred in a number of dogs from the prolonged and frequent use of RimadylŪ. These days veterinarians who prescribe the use of RimadylŪ recommend liver function testing every four to six weeks, to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of serious side effects.
The use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatories is not recommended without a veterinarian's consultation. Some of the available non-prescription drugs might very well be toxic to your dog, and cause serious problems ranging from vomitting and liver failure to death.
Weight control is extremely important in dogs who are prone to hip dysplasia or other arthritic conditions. Keeping your dog on the slim side takes a lot of pressure off the joints affected and in turn reduces inflammation and pain.
Frequent, moderated exercise is essential to pain management. By keeping your dysplastic pet well-exercised without overdoing the activities, you will help your dog build up the muscle mass that will cushion his hip bones and provide more stability. Care must be taken to not over-stress the bones. Too much strenuous exercise at a young age can cause the onset of severe dysplasia, rather than preventing. Avoid jumping, either onto, or off of high surfaces, and limit the amount of hard running.
Pain management can be easily done at home as well. Warm towels wrapping the hips, fleece hip wraps for cold weather, and heated living quarters will help your dog cope in the cold. A soft, cushiony bed for him to rest in too is a great thing.
Part Two: Surgical Solutions
Part Three: Equipment and Surgery Recovery Options
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