Hi There; Our dog, Bud, started having difficulty getting up after exercise and the vet suggested glucosamine (liquid) and medicam for the pain. He has been on these drugs since September and has improved greatly. Our vet did suggest xrays and possible surgery, which we declined, and we have no regrets. Good luck
Jan 10, 2010 Rating
Thanks everyone by: Nikki
For all your good advice. Hopefully she wont have Displasia, just creaky joints like the rest of us!!
She does seem to struggle after shes been resting/sleeping after exercise.The last couple of nights ive been sleeping on the sofa as she couldnt get up the stairs, but in the mornings she doesnt seem so bad.
I will carry on the glucosamine for now and then see what the vet has to say.
I will let you know she gets on!!
Nikki
Jan 09, 2010 Rating
Springer Spaniel Hip problem by: @MrKiplingwoof
We had Springer Spaniel with severe hip displacement. Went through two hip replacements, one of which had to be done twice and a back leg/knee which required rebuilding
Can offer following advice/tips that helped us:
Get your vet to take X-rays and give you a copy.
Before making any decisions go and talk to at least 2 of UKs top orthopedic veterinary surgeons for advice.
Can personally recommend Gary Clayton Jones (London & Tenterden) Tel No: 01580 766377 (great chap, brilliant and has had Springers)
and two of our friends just had great success with Noel Fitzpatrick www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk
Consequin (Glucosamine) did not work for our dog
NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory) Rimadyl and Metacam fantastic
Acupuncture had fantastic results, useful website: www.robertwoodsdvm.com
Adequan injections had quite good result
Lots of swimming rather than walking really helped (we live at Beach), there are hydrotherapy pool facilities in London.
If you need surgery:
Only use a top specialist surgeon and one who has special sterile operating theatre. (infection is a problem with hip replacement).
(Check surgeons experience, success rate, infection rate)
Most surgeons discharge pup 3 days after surgery, keep dog at facility for a least one week to make sure no problems like loose screws.
Pups will require to be confined for 6 weeks after surgery. Almost impossible with Springer so highly recommend negotiating with hospital to keep dog in their care for the 6 weeks (works out cheaper than having the hip pop out and repeating surgery).
If your Springer is prone to skin and ear infections do a 4 week programme of antibiotics, medicated baths etc. prior to surgery.
Jan 09, 2010 Rating
Springer Spaniel Hip problems by: @MrKiplingwoof
We had Springer Spaniel with severe hip displacement. Went through two hip replacements, one of which had to be done twice and a back leg/knee which required rebuilding
Can offer following advice/tips that helped us:
Get your vet to take X-rays and give you a copy.
Before making any decisions go and talk to at least 2 of UKs top orthopedic veterinary surgeons for advice.
Can personally recommend Gary Clayton Jones (London & Tenterden) Tel No: 01580 766377 (great chap, brilliant and has had Springers)
and two of our friends just had great success with Noel Fitzpatrick www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk
Consequin (Glucosamine) did not work for our dog
NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory) Rimadyl and Metacam fantastic
Acupuncture had fantastic results, useful website: www.robertwoodsdvm.com
Adequan injections had quite good result
Lots of swimming rather than walking really helped (we live at Beach), there are hydrotherapy pool facilities in London.
If you need surgery:
Only use a top specialist surgeon and one who has special sterile operating theatre. (infection is a problem with hip replacement).
(Check surgeons experience, success rate, infection rate)
Most surgeons discharge pup 3 days after surgery, keep dog at facility for a least one week to make sure no problems like loose screws.
Pups will require to be confined for 6 weeks after surgery. Almost impossible with Springer so highly recommend negotiating with hospital to keep dog in their care for the 6 weeks (works out cheaper than having the hip pop out and repeating surgery).
If your Springer is prone to skin and ear infections do a 4 week programme of antibiotics, medicated baths etc. prior to surgery.
Jan 09, 2010 Rating
Glucosamine for Gimp by: Anonymous
We use the glucosamine chondrotin which also has MSM, which is a safe pain med in it too. It is for humans as well, and can be expensive, but they are always having buy one, get one free ads at one drug store or another. The pills are big, so I grind them up with some gravy or peanut butter, but that parts up to you. They really help my 8 year old boy. As does keeping him lighter (always a challenge for spaniels) which is important because due to their limp they aren't getting the excersise enough to burn calories.
Alas, we all get creaky. I hope hers is something with an easy fix though.
Best luck
Cathy and Winslow
Jan 09, 2010 Rating
useful advice by: Hayley
Bazil suffers with stiffness in his hips if he's been sleeping for a while, so thanks for the tip. However, he is 12 years old now, so is it inevitable?
Jan 09, 2010 Rating
There is lots you can do by: Anna
Hi there
Sorry to hear Penny is having Joint trouble, it happens to all of us!!!!
Well first let me start by asking your first question about Glucosamine. Personally as someone who suffers from joint problems and is a runner I swear by it, after about 6 weeks of taking it, I can really tell the difference. Therefore I am a huge advocate of its use in Springer Spaniels.
As for Hip Dysplasia, it could be. Many of the Working breeds are prone to this condition but there is so much you can do.
Check out my guide to Hip Dysplasia. It tells you what you can do such as keep their beds in a draft free area, keep their weight down by feeding them the right Diet and keeping their excercise to short bursts. Supplements can also really help.
Let us know how you get on at the Vet and what the outcome and advice is. Good luck and hope this helps
