Question:
My 2 1/2 year old Airedale has hip dysplasia and possibly elbow dysplasia. She had been on Rimadyl for over a year and did great on it. I had heard it could be bad (or deadly) but my vet insisted it was fine as long as we did 6 month blood tests. Although her blood tests continued to be fine, I stopped giving it to her about a month ago when I read more info. about it and freaked myself out. (The vet still insists it is fine for her.)

Since then she has been on Liquid 5000.
http://www.liquidhealthinc.com/prodI....php?prodID=12 (if you want to see what's in it.)

Although she has seemed like she might be a little sore, she has not been limping or acting like she was in much pain. She has been active and still wants to walk and play ball (although less than before, but it's hot now.) Today I've noticed a slight head bob when she walks and it appears the her right front leg is hurting. :(

My question is: What pain meds can I give her that will help and NOT be dangerous to her health? I don't mind prescription meds if they're safe but I'm not sure I can trust my vets opinion of safe. (I know...I need a new vet...I'm working on finding a good one.)
Should I try Ecotrin? If so, what dosage? She's about 60 lbs. What else can I use????

Thanks for any ideas!

Answer:
I don't have experience with hip dysplasia. My previous poodle had arthritis in his later years (lived to 18) and was on Rimadyl for two years. Another friend's elderly Golden Retriever also was on it. For both dogs, Rimadyl provided a noticeable relief from the pain. For younger dogs over a longer period of time, I can't say.

If you don't have full confidence in your vet, you should always seek out another vet's opinion.

Answer:
The thing is, the meds you may give an old dog who is painful are not necessarily the meds you want to give a 2 1/2 yr old dog.

In an old dog, old age will kill it before side effects from meds will.

The best fix for a very young dog with HD is surgery.

You've contacted the breeder of this dog?

Answer:
Thanks for the replies. I'm glad to hear of some dogs that did not have adverse reactions to Rimadyl, although it still scares me having read all the bad reports. Glasslass, can you tell me more about your experience with it and if the medication seemed to play a part in the dogs' ultimate death. As LuckyRescue pointed out, those dogs were much older then my 2 1/2 year old. I feel like it's a catch 22: I either give her the meds to help her feel better now and deal with possible illness or death OR not give them to her and watch her suffer now. Either way, its not good.

As far as HD surgery, I would be willing to do it if that's what I have to do. However, yesterday and today it is her right front leg that is really hurting. She has a more pronounced limp today than yesterday. The vet suspected elbow displasia in the past, but did not X-ray for it...yet. The front leg is troubling me most right now, although the hips are always going to be a problem. Luba recommends Metacam, but I was hoping to hear a little more about it from others. Hopefully, more people will share their experiences so I can make an educated decision for Maddie.

Thanks again for your replies. I look forwar to reading more.

Answer:
I had my terrier on metacam when he was a senior and suffered no ill side effects from the drug itself.

I would seek the opinion of a ortho specialist if you haven't already done so. In particular since your dog is so young, it's certainly worth it

Answer:
Thanks Luba. I will talk to my vet about that tomorrow. I appreciate all your advice and opinions. I think I might consider trying Metacam.

If anyone else has an opinion, please respond. I'd like as much info as I can get.

Answer:
My old dog was on Metacam, and a few other meds, for his arthritis.

But arthritis due to old age is not HD, and I doubt if taking Metacam for the 10+ years your dog may live is a realistic option.

You need to find out how bad the HD is from X-rays. If the hip (or hips) are really dislocated, surgery is the only fix.

Where did you get this dog and have you contacted the breeder?? Was there no guarantee against genetic defects?

Answer:
As I mentioned earlier, my dog lived to be 18 and was only on pain medication 2 years. At the end, he was also on medication for congestive heart failure. I can only say that Rimaldyl eased his arthritis, but at his advanced age, side effects weren't really a big consideration. He lived a long happy life. I had a friend who had a wire-haired fox terrier with HD and had surgery that was very successful. Bogie always had a slight limp, but didn't seem to be in pain. He lived a long life as well. My friend with the golden also bought an orthopedic bed for him which seemed to provide comfort as well. You can also buy food and water dishes which are raised higher for the dog's comfort.

Answer:
Luba, Glasslass and LuckyRescue- thanks again for all your information. I greatly appreciate it!

I think I have some good news. We have an appointment on Wednesday with a world renowned veterinarian. Her name is Dr. W. Jean Dodds if anyone has heard of her. If not, you can do a search and find all kinds of info. She works extensively in blood research, analysis, etc. but is also an exceptional vet as you can read at this website.
http://www.foxfirepublishing.com/doddsbio.html

I found her through my sister who owns a pet supply store. The lady who does her shot clinics has a daughter who happens to be working as an assistant for Dr. Dobbs. I called the daughter last night, hoping she might know about medications and give me some advice. Instead she said she would try to get me an appointment with Dr. Dobbs! She just called me back and we're going at 4:00 Wednesday!

I'm so excited to be going to a vet that "knows her stuff". They are already calling my "old" vet to get blood results, etc. I'm praying that we can get Maddie back to normal soon. I will keep you posted on her limp and hips if you're interested.

Thanks again for you help!

Answer:
- I'll say I'm sorry now for the bad spelling - I know I'll slaughter this - but hopefully you'll get the point

I have a Rotti with hip problems - not HD, just bad hips - the vet thinks arthritis, and my mother's dog has a ton of problems, mostly hip and elbow, and has from a very young age. Both these dogs are helped greatly but Glucosemine products. I was giving a Glucosemine & chondrotin supplement (just one people pill per day); but tried one with MSM as well and I've switched over... my Mother swears by one called Liga-joint (her and the dog are on that one ) also one pill a day.

If my Rosie is not on the pills, when she gets up from a nap after any type/amount of exercise she yelps... with out the MSM, she would still do that occasionally, after a particularly long walk or hard hike. But with the MSM it doesn't happen any more and I can now take her with me when I ride the horse... which is finally getting some weight off her - she's always been a little... ummm fluffy

So I would suggest adding one of many joint supplements to your dog's diets and see if it helps - it can't hurt and I don't think it reacts to other meds - though check with the vet on that.

Answer:
Yes, I am already using those supplements. In my first post I mentioned Liquid 5000 and a link to it. It has glucosamine, MSM, shark cartilage and other "stuff". I agree that it can't hurt and I give it to her everyday, but it doesn't seem to be enough. We'll see what this new vet thinks on Wednesday.

Answer:
Regarding Pain Meds. My 12 year old GS suffers for DJD and has for a few years now. About two years ago I started her on Adequan injections (glycosamine base) and she has done extremely well. Adequan targets the underlying cause of the disease by protecting the joints from further damage and helping them heal. The only draw back is the inital start up. I believe the injections were three times a week for about 3-4 weeks and now she is down to once every 4-6 weeks. The cost is roughly $25.00 per injection (80 lbs) but, truly I believe it has extended her abilities to join in on family activities.
My GS now suffers from Fibrocartilaginous Emboli. I'm at a loss now on what to do. However, she has shown signs of improvement. I guess it's just wait and see!!!

Answer: