Hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi Sheba...thanks for your question!

I'm sorry to hear about Jasmine's situation. While this could be caused by the arthritis getting worse I am concerned that she may have a condition called Degenerative Myelopathy. This is usually seen in Shepherds and Shepherd mix dogs. It causes problems with nerves starting in the back of the body (hind legs, anus, etc) and slowly moves forward.

If this is degenerative myelopathy the good news is that it is not painful. However, the bad news is that there is no cure or treatment for it.

You can read more about it by copying this link into your browser:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2600

Regarding your question about hip dysplasia, hip dysplasia is basically severe arthritis in the hips. It is definitely possible that this is what is going on. The drugs that she is currently on are very good for any type of arthritis. The one change I would make is to give the Metacam daily rather than as needed. Even if you just give a half dose daily this can help.

There are other drugs that can be added on to this regime such as Tramadol but they can be expensive.

Some dogs with hip issues will benefit from swimming which helps the joints.

You can also talk to your vet about something called either Cartrophen or Adequan which is an injection that is given weekly for 4 weeks and then monthly after that. It often helps with sore joints. In my clinic it costs around $30 per injection.

However, if this is degenerative myelopathy there may not be much that can be done. There is no test for this condition.

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have more concerns.

Dr. Marie.


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Dr. Marie replied:

No need to be sorry! I can tell that you are really concerned for your girl!

While there is not distinct test for Degenerative Myelopathy, the way we usually diagnose a dog with it is to look for neurological symptoms. If your vet was to examine her they would try to knuckle her back paws to see if she places them back again. If not, this is a sign that her symptoms are neurological (i.e. more likely to be DM than arthritis).

Does she scuff her back toes when she is walking at all? If so, this is a sign that she could have DM.

DM is not really painful at all, it is just awkward for the dog. However, it usually results in paralysis. It can take many months for a dog to get to this point though.

If your dog is only about 5 lbs overweight I would not be too concerned about weight loss. It sounds like what you are feeding her is good.

Let me know if you have more concerns!
Dr. Marie.

Dr. Marie replied:

You're very welcome. It is my pleasure to help people and pets in need!

By knuckling, this is what I mean: Stand her up on all four legs and stand behind her. Put a hand under her belly to help support her weight. Then, take a back paw and try to place it so that her toes are knuckled over (i.e. all of her weight is on her toes). A neurologically normal dog will immediately place the foot back. A dog with neurological issues (such as DM) may keep it in this position. However, it is sometimes hard to do this test if you haven't done it before.

I hope things go ok with her!

Dr. Marie.

Dr. Marie replied:

You're very welcome! I pray she does well!
Dr. Marie.
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