Hi Everyone
First of all I just want to say a big Thank you to all of you who replied and gave me and my family such good advise about Rosie.

Since coming home from the vets 2 weeks ago she has been having a pain Killer called Zubrin, I cannot believe the change we have seen in her, she is like a new dog!!, she jumps up on our laps which she wouldn't even attempt to do before, she runs for the ball and is generally very happy which is wonderful.

We spoke to the Specialist in Devizes, who did say that her hips were bad, but never bad enough to put her to sleep!! (needless to say we are changing vets and I have written a very snotty letter to the head vet!).  He did also say that she may be to small to have a hip replacment, but has suggested having an operation which basically makes a space between the femur and something else to stop it rubbing which causes the pain (sorry, wrote all info down, but haven't got it with me). It only costs £500, and he is 99% sure it will work.

I asked all the questions about are we being cruel to her etc, and like he said if she was unhappy she wouldn;t eat, run etc. Another thing he said, which lots of you mentioned was that just because an x-ray shows that the hips are very bad it doesn't mean that the dog is in so much pain.

We are soooooo happy, and so is Rosie.

Also I have been walking Rosie and Dolly seperately and what a difference in their behaviour, it's strange how much they must feed of each other, little minx's!!! :)

Anyway, thanks again

Jo
xxxxx

Jo, You sound much happier now. :) Glad things are looking up for you and your girls.  I chuckled when I read "It only costs £500", lots of folk would complain at how much it was going to cost.  Good on you. ;)
Sally

Hi Sally
I know what you mean, I did get a bit of a shock when they said £500, but it's better than £2500!! :)

Jo

That is so great to hear :O), I am sure Rosie will have a happy painfree life :O)

Great news, sounds like she has a load of love to keep her strong!  Obi has his XRays tomorrow, let's hope we are as happy as you after! :)

Great to hear that guy in Devizes came up with some better options for Rosie.
I've heard great reports about him, and as I live in Wilts too, would use him if I needed to.

Sam

That's great Jo. I think you're talking about a femoral head osteotomy, where they remove the 'ball' from the top of the femur. For a smaller dog it is apparently a very good option, and one that you can keep 'in reserve' for if you ever need it, and maybe you never will. What's important is that you have good options and know that you can resolve the problems. My old shepherd with her hip replacements was fantastic. The best £3500 we ever spent!

What is the new drug, is it a non-steroidal anti inflammatory? My old mongrel girl has arthritis (in her knees) so am really interested to hear of different treatments.

Such good news, so pleased for you all
Kat