Hip Displacia and the right food

[Marialh]

I know there are loads of threads on here about food and HD, but I was hoping for advice on the combination of the two!

Bracken was diagnosed with HD 4 months ago when he was 8 months old. At the time, the vet said we should move him to Hills J/D Prescription Diet (can anyone say 'BIG BUCKS'?!) I was so upset at the time, I just agreed, breathed deep over the bill and thought the food had all the supplements Bracken would need. However, now I'm thinking again as the ingredients don't seem to list any supplements!

Does anyone know if this is a good food for him to be on or if I should investigate another and add supplements? He has always been a fussy eater unless I'm using his food to play games/stuff his food ball/hide in the garden, so it's hard for me to say if he likes a food or not 

He's also on Previcox (the vet has just renewed his prescription for another 2 months worth), has hydrotheraphy and short walks. Our vet is not the easiest to talk to, but we've always found him good at what he does, plus the expense of a second opinion just to ask about food is a bit prohibitive at the moment.

Sorry for the long essay, I'm just really hoping for some advice, any advice!

[Sarah1985]

Might be worth asking the hydro theoropist as I imagine they'd see a high percentage of dogs with HD and may be able to point you in the direction of food that other people in your position recomend.

Alternatively Id ask your vets specifically about the suppliments that Bracken would benifit from in his food. If he cant answer your questions then it might be worth asking for a referal to a neutionialist or even a HD specialist. If you explain that it isnt a  reflection on him its just that you want to clear in your mind that your doing everything you can for him.

Brackens got a long life ahead of him and its important you understand the opions. So if you dont get anywhere with your vet Id consider moving practices. But then I like vet that answer all my questions. Treatment is only a small portion of the service Id personally want my vet to provide. Advise and information are just as important

Good luck

 

[cockerlover1]

Last year i lost my bitch she had HD, my vet (boss) said she was a bad case and had no socket at all this was when she was one year old and she died at 17.5 years ( old age). I didn't have her on any medication other than matacalm from about 15 when she started to slow down. I only ever went on short walks with her a few times of day she did play off the lead and other than run funny you would never know she had HD if she over did it she got half of a paracetamol but she was very good and just went to sleep and rested she knew her limits.

Diet wise she was on nothing different from my other dog she did however get tuna every few days in her dinner and i did have a go with the glucosamine and chondroitin tablets for about a year however i never saw a difference in her ( but clients swear by it ) just dont over do it and listen to you dog.

[Sheryl]

Would you consider feeding raw?  Kali is on kibble and I always have to keep an eye on her weight.  Lyla is on raw food (Natural Instinct) and she is built like a racing snake!

[Marialh]

Thanks for the replies 

Sarah - asking the hydrotherapist is a great idea and why I didn't think of it, I don't know... that's why we have COL, I suppose 

I appreciate the reassurances and the great ideas. Tuna/Sardines are already a part of Bracken's diet, but I think I shall put them in more regularly and see how he goes. I'm not sure there's a nutrionalist locally, but that's another thing to investigate along with supplements (thank you cockerlover1, I couldn't remember their names!)

You guys are great 

[JeffandAnnie]

I can't see why she would need a special diet, as long as she has the necessary supplements  As for supplements, Tesco own brand G&C tablets were given the all clear by our vet!

[HeatherandBenjy]

Archie is now six and was diagnosed with chronic HD when he came into NESSR's care aged 4. He has had major surgery and is on medication but my vet has never suggested changing his food. He has the same as our others.

I always understood that the most important thing was to not let him get overweight, thereby avoiding any additional stress on his joints. Hope this helps