natural remedies for canine hip dysplasia

[ness1301]

hi.. my 3yr old black labrador Belle has only one kidney and the results for the one she has shows as a 12 yr old dog... we have just found out that she also has hip dysplasia even though both parents had a good hip score... we are distraught as she has a wonderful character and is full of fun. I am loathe to start her on medication from the vet in case it is detrimental to her renal problem, which at the moment hasnt deteriorated in 12 months. She is on a renal diet and is otherwise healthy. I have been looking for herbal treatment for an anti inflammoratory and have come across several i.e. dandelion, nettle, alfalfa etc but I have no idea whether these will be alright for her to take wihout any adverse effects to her kidney. I guess we will poss try homeopathy, but the costs will then no doubt soar. It wouold be appreciated if anyone has any views on this matter... thanks.

[kita1]

I give my dog Green Lipped Mussel tablets (for humans from health food shops). These are anti inflammatory and come from New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel's so are a natural food from shellfish. They are safe to give with any other medication, and I would presume that they would not harm your dogs remaining kidney in any way.

Tumeric is also an anti inflammatory (you can get these from health food shops).

Probably best to double check with your vet that anything you give will not harm her.

[lankeela]

You could also try a Bioflow collar. They are magnetic and work wonders for joint problems. Have a look on ebay.

[Ice.Maiden]

Hip dysplasia is a terrible condition, causing dogs - and cats - a lot of pain once the arthritic conditions set in. The best bet is surgery, but this is expensive and although your dog would be pain-free, she'd never be able to jump around as she probably does now.
Liquid glucosamine is effective, because it's known to help these conditions, but you have to hunt out the best ones, which often means the dearer makes. If you use herbal preparations, check with your vet first, as some can have unwanted side effects.

[lankeela]

http://www.amazinghealth.co.uk/magnets%20for%2 0animals.htm#pet

They are on offer here at 27.99.

[ness1301]

Thanks everyone... I have asked the vet and he says that green lipped mussels are ok... they contain more properties that just glucosamine so will prob try that. The magnetic collar is also a good one. We are willing to try anything to help ease her pain. The vet said that buffered aspirin is not good as could harm her kidney so will think again about that.

[kita1]

I usually get mine from Holland & Barratt when they have a half price sale on (I stock up 6 months worth!).

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product _detail.asp?pid=416

I would start off on the low dose and step up when necessary. At least you know they cannot do any harm.

My boy is now on 2, 500mg tablets a day (he is the size of a Great Dane) he is now 13 and I swear they have kept him going for the last few years. If I ever miss a day he refuses to go for a normal walk. The average lifespan for his breed is 11 years so he is doing well!

Swimming is really good as well (preferably in a dog swimming pool), being a Lab. your dog will probably love to swim. Worth checking out if you have a pool near to you.

[ruthann58]

hi yes the bioflow collars do work our dog had 1 when i found out what a difference it made to her i treated myself to 1 (a braclet not a collar ) also she was on a human dose of glucosamin 1500mg chroditon 1200mg and msm as recommened by our vet and it kept her going till she was nearly 14 i used to buy it from agestop online

[ness1301]

Thanks Ruthann58... I will invest in one of the collars too. Waiting for the vet to get back to me with what dosage to use for the herbal remedies. Belle loves swimming, cant keep her out of a puddle even so it looks like that will be the best way to exercise her.

[lankeela]

Find a canine hydrotherapy pool here:

http://www.canine-hydrotherapy.org/php/members .php

[ness1301]

We dont have a dog hydrotherapy pool near us so will have to be the river or the sea, bit cold now tho. I have been talking to several people about thisproblem and 3 have suggested total hip replacement. The best bone surgeon in the South West lives in the same town so am being referred to him to talk it over. I dont know if I want to put her through the op, but it will save the problem of worrying about her medication, just dont know how it will affect her kidney though. Guess the surgeon will have all the answers and at least it is an option seeing she is insured!!

[lankeela]

What is your nearest town, there are lots of bigger show kennels or racing kennels that have their own pools, I will enquire about one in your area.

[ness1301]

We live in Exeter