Cosmolo Posted May 24, 2008 Share Posted May 24, 2008 (edited) Some of you may have read about the issues Dexter is having with his back legs and i would really like some information so i can be a bit better informed while we wait to see what is going on. He has been to the vet, is on anti inflams and joint fornula and will be re checked in another 3 weeks. What kind of joint problem could it be? I don't know very much about any joint issues as i have never experienced any before so would really like some information on what joint problems (in the hocks) are common, their cause and treatment. Would really appreciate anyone's contribution to this thread as i just don't know enough about any joint issues to not be driving myself crazy with awful thoughts Edited June 3, 2008 by Cosmolo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted May 24, 2008 Share Posted May 24, 2008 He is still growing isn't he? Could be something transient that you never see again and a combination of speed of growth + exercise. What does his diet consist of? Hock problems aren't particularly common and in my limited experience are often mistaken for knee or hip problems- perhaps the hocks are taking the force and compensating, hence why the hocks are painful. Is he any better on the NSAID's? I think often we can scare ourselves by doing too much reading on the net, if you are really worried now or he is no better when the NSAID's are stopped, get a referral to Charles Kuntz- if it's a hock problem chances are he's seen it- best to just go straight to the experts. Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted May 24, 2008 Author Share Posted May 24, 2008 Hi S&T, yes he is still growing- he is about 6-7 months old at the moment. He has been on the carprohen since Tuesday and today with very mild self exercise he still looked quite sore. How long should they take to see improvement? I just read something about hip dysplasia and the symptoms sounds almost identical.. I just hate not knowing about what it could be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted May 24, 2008 Share Posted May 24, 2008 What sort of rest did the Vet suggest? I know when Gypsy my Stafford saw Bob Cavey then Wing Tip Wong with her ED at 6mths it was 6 weeks crate rest- and they couldn't even see any abnormalities on Xray at that stage. Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormie Posted May 24, 2008 Share Posted May 24, 2008 Is there any swelling, Cosmolo? Has the vet suggested sending away some of the joint fluid to the labs to get an idea of what might be going on in there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted May 24, 2008 Author Share Posted May 24, 2008 Vet said to exercise as we have been- which is hardly anything but no crate rest. No swelling present at the moment. At this stage he said we'll just re check in 4 weeks and go from there- no x rays yet as he said its unlikely we wouold see anything to give a definitive answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InspectorRex Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 I agree with S&T- go to an orthopaedic Vet and at least you are dealing with a Vet who specialises in the area. Your normal vet is just the same as a Human GP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 go to an orthopaedic Vet and at least you are dealing with a Vet who specialises in the area. I agree as well... no use you worrying over what 'may' be.. get someone who knows their area to have a good look Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted May 25, 2008 Author Share Posted May 25, 2008 Who would you recommend in Melbourne? Will x rays show up HD now or should we wait until he is 12 months? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 Seriously- go to SARC you couldn't be in better hands than Charles Kuntz. He is an excellent surgeon and has the people skills to boot. HD will show up now, and there's a couple of surgical options that need to be done before 12mths for best prognosis. Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted May 30, 2008 Author Share Posted May 30, 2008 Took Dexter back to the vet today and he has been booked in for x rays next Tuesday. The soreness in his hocks seemed to have eased but the vet is concerned about his right hip AND his right shoulder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peibe Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Sorry to hear this Cosmolo I hope it is nothing nasty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 If it is a couple of joints then maybe it is growing pains or OCD. This link explains it quite well http://www.labbies.com/dysplasa.htm Hope he is ok Cosmolo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted May 31, 2008 Author Share Posted May 31, 2008 Thank you for your thoughts. I am very worried and don't know what to expect as i have never dealt with anything like this before. Will read through link- thanks Jules p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted June 3, 2008 Author Share Posted June 3, 2008 Dexter has hip dysplasia :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTD Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 I am so sorry to hear this. I know exactly how you are felling at this time. Maggie was also Diagnosed with HD at the age of 7 months. I remember I was devastated at this time , only thinking the worse. The specialist I saw was great. He explained everything and put me at ease saying that there are lots of nonsurgical treatments , yes surgery may be needed down the tract but there is no reason that she couldn't live a perfectly normal life. Dogs are great. Maggie has learnt to do a lot of things ,a bit differently so it obviously doesn't hurt . She knows how much she can do and what she can do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted June 3, 2008 Author Share Posted June 3, 2008 Thanks Mag- thats good to hear. We are looking at non surgical treatments at the moment- can i ask what you did with Maggie? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Bugger, that is a shame. Hugs to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTD Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Maggie started out with anti inflammatories and joint guard, Weaned her off the anti inflammatories , but she still has the jointguard, bowen therapy , hydrotherapy ( swim and treadmill ) and low impact muscle building excerises . I would suggest jointguard and hydrotherapy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CavsRcute Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 I also use acupuncture and trigger point therapy as other muscles can become tight. Also use traumeel which is a homeopathic anti-inflammatory. About to use myo fascial massage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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