Important health question for my great dane...please atleast read and answer if you have anything?

Question

Ok. So my almost 2 year old female great dane meridell was diagnosed with hip dysplasia around her first birthday

We are considering the types of surgery we could do. Total hip replacement is not an option

My aunt (who is a vet) suggested another kind of surgery. And I can't remember what it is- and I cannot get a hold of her.

Meridells hip dysplasia has gotten worse. She went to scratch her ear...but couldn't reach it bc of her hip

So I am looking in to surgery.

If you could please give me the surgery options, pros and cons, summarize it and tell me how long dogs can live after the surgery. About how much it might cost and if you need to do both hips or not

Or any other advice is great.

I appreciate any advice a lot

Thank you all!

And if you can star this question that would be awesome.

P.s.-any other information regarding this issue or just making things easier for her like tips would also be great!

Answer 1

Danes can live well past 9 years old if they have good breeding, good food, and a good healthy environment.   I know several who have hit 12-13 yrs old.  Although if she's got such bad hips at only 2, maybe you're looking at the shorter end of the spectrum.  Or it could be a fluke.  How long did her parents/ grandparents live?

Go see an Ortho vet who is familiar with danes.  If total hip replacement isn't an option, whay are you asking about surgery???

For total titanium hip replacement, you're looking at about $5-6k, and they only have to do one side.  The dogs learn to compensate, and get around fine after that.  If they do the other kind of hip surgery, both sides need done, and it's about the same cost.

She should already be on a high quality glucosamine product, and Rimadyl (or something similar).  Both these will help her get around until you get her hips fixed.

Good luck.

Answer 2

below is a website that has steps on a natural remedy and/or treatment for that. I don't have personal experience with it but read the testimonials.

Answer 3

You could also try feeding her the highest quality diet.

Along with glucosamine and chondroitin

www.rawfed.com/myths

www.rawmeatybones.com

www.rawlearning.com

www.bigdogsporch.com

There is a person on this giant dog forum that just went through a hip replacement. It may not hurt to talk just to know what you may be going through in the next few years. Email me if you need the name, dont really want to post it where everyone else can see.

Larger dogs typically it is 5000 and up. It may just be cheaper in the long run to do the hip replacement.  

Answer 4

To ease her pain for the time being give her glucosamine tablets.  They will ease the hip pain and are used in humans and horses as a joint/bone strengthening supplement.  Also, try and get her a memory foam or somewhat supportive bed to lie on when she is in the house.  This will ease the pain.  Do not let her jump, and when you take her on walks make sure she is not running or pulling...this will strain her hips.

As far as surgery goes, make sure this is what you really think would be the best option.  Surgery on animals has grown increasingly expensive. Great Danes only live to be about 9 years old.  I know you love your dog and I am a dog lover as well, but think of what is best for her.  A mediocre life with some relief from pain after thousands of dollars are spent and no guarantees, or uthenasia. I am not saying to uthenize her, I am just saying to think about what is best for her and your family in the long run.

Surgeries can consist, as you said from full hip replacements to joint/bone replacements.  Both of these are successful for most dogs, although they are expensive, and sometimes dogs do not make it through surgery, or their health declines after surgery.

If you can afford it and feel that your dog is a good candidate for surgery, and if your vet agrees that she will live a happy, healthy, long life I would definitely go for the surgery.

Answer 5

I would take her in for a consult with an orthopedic surgeon.  They will be able view x-rays and better explain the different options to you.

Good luck