I am the owner of a six year old chocolate who was diagnosed yesterday with advance hip dysplasia (both hips). Her weight is excellent, however, she has slowed in the last six months. We decided to have her x-rayed after meeting up with the owners of her sister who advised us that she was her hips were a disaster. Needless to say we are quite upset and are wondering what the best route to take is. The doctor recommended vitamins (MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin). Because she has dealt so well with the pain, he seemed to steer us away from surgery. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Hi so sorry to hear about your dog and yes put her onto glucosamine-chondroitin this will help also find some one that has a Hydrotherapy pool as i know this works really well as i worked at on for a few years and we had a lot of dogs in with hip problems best of luck which area are you from? there are lots of pools around regards Jackie

Jackie,
Thanks for the response. We are from Burlington, Vermont.

My 17 mth old newfie has one bad hip but has been symptom free since being on glucosamine, chondroitin, shark cartilage and Ester C tablets.

I agree, It is worth a shot. I bought an import Rotty from excellent bloodlines and tested parents. She was having difficulties getting up by about 7 months, we knew the signs nd took her for xrays. The vet said of scale of 0-10 (10 being the worse) she was about an 8 for 'bad' hips - he suggested steroids, operations etc, etc.
We decided to try her on the glucosamine/condroitin. She hd it over the one winter. She is now 6 years old and can clear our 5-bar gate without a care in the world. She has never had the steroids or operations and is fine - of course we have 'old age' to come, but we are so very pleased that she is still with us and extremely healthy and painfree.
I am not saying that this will be the effect on your dog - but it must be worth the benefit of the doubt. :) She also loved the hydrotherapy pool.

I have been looking at Arthrix for a long time which contains all of the below:

ARTHRIX for Dogs and Cats' Improved Formula Contains
Five Important and Beneficial Nutrients

ARTHRIX® (100 mg/tablet), is our proprietary extract from tropical wild nutmeg (Myristica kombo). Arthrix is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory compounds found in nature. The extract contains long-chain fatty acids, and works much like the omega fatty acids found in fish and various plant seed oils (flax, soybean, etc.) The extract is stabilized to ensure that it doesn't degrade over time.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane, 500 mg/tablet) is an organic form of sulfur commonly found in nature. With increasing age, the amount of sulfur in joints decreases, and supplementation with MSM is highly desirable. For example, the sulfur content of arthritic cartilage contains only one-third of the concentration of sulfur in healthy cartilage. Sulfur is recognized as the third most important nutrient found in the body of all mammals, and MSM is frequently referred to as "nature's miracle healing nutrient". More information about MSM can be found on KALA Health's MSM web site (www.opti-msm.com). The amount added is equivalent to a human dosage of 4-5 grams of MSM, the recommended amount for people.

GLUCOSAMINE (150 mg/tablet) is essential for the maintenance and proper functioning of cartilage, and the production of new cartilage. A shortage of cartilage can cause painful joint movement. ARTHRIX contains the human equivalent of approximately 1,500-mg glucosamine, and no further supplementation of glucosamine is necessary. Glucosamine is an important building block of many GAGs (glycosaminoglycans), which form the matrix of cartilage. Glucosamine is an important regulator of GAG-synthesis. Glucosamine is derived from chitin, a substance which is responsible for the strength of the exoskeleton of crustaceans, insects and spiders. KALA Health's ARTHRIX formula contains the primary glucosamine HCl salt because it is easily assimilated by the body and yields more glucosamine per unit weight than glucosamine sulfate.

ESTER-C® (50 mg/tablet) Ester-C® is patented, non-acidic vitamin C and its metabolites. It does not cause the stomach and digestive problems of ordinary vitamin C. Ester-C is different from ordinary or buffered vitamin C because:

• It is processed in purified water instead of solvents which makes it a purer form of vitamin C;
• It contains calcium threonate, which makes this form of vitamin C four times more bioavailable than other forms of vitamin C.

In comparison with ordinary vitamin C, Ester-C is much better taken up by the body, stays in the body longer, and is used more efficiently by cells and connective tissues. ARTHRIX contains the human equivalent of 500-mg Ester-C, which may be considered the same as 2 grams of ordinary vitamin C.

TRACE MINERALS (10 mg/tablet) are essential for maintaining the correct mineral balance in the body. Most commercial foods contain insufficient essential minerals and trace elements. This shortage of minerals may contribute to joint problems in older animals. ARTHRIX for Dogs and Cats contains all the needed minerals to provide a strong foundation for balanced supplementation for your pet's diet.

HEALTHY TASTE ENHANCING INGREDIENTS, including the latest taste enhancers specially designed to make these treats attractive for dogs as well as for cats. You can give them so easily any time during the day, even as a training reward for good behavior. They'll love it!

I am very inclined to go for this for my 6 yr Old GSD what does anyone else think

Hi, Sorry to hear that your dogs has hip trouble.

You have in the States a wonderful company who sell Synflex, which is a liquid formulation of glucosamine, chondroitin, shark cartlidge & other stuff. My oldest Lab (also 6) has been on it for a year now, and is significantly better for the 3.5ml every other day that I give him.

The liquid version is better utilised by the body than powder. Taz only took it for a week before I saw a result.

I think shipping to you would be free. They are on [link] http:\\www.activexamerica.com[/link]

Good luck

Julia & Hooligans

Hi Julia

I ordered Synflex for my old Goldie after it was recommended on here, she's almost 14yrs old, and it does seem to have helped her overall mobility. Can't remember if they charged shippig or not

liberty

Hi Liberty

There is shipping to UK, but Canusa is in Canada so may not get charged.

Julia & Hooligan

I too have a dog(sicillian mastiff) with hip dysplasia. SHe was diagnosed at 6months. She now is 5. They instructed me that at 6 mo., I could have her hips broken then "sanded down" to be placed in the ball joints correctly, or treat her with the before mentioned pills, then once her hips go, get hip replacements at $2500 a hip or opt for euthanisia. She tends only to have problems in the winter, and seems to be doing fine otherwise. They can go on without any problems. Best Luck with yours!