Newfie with hip dysplasia - how to build up his muscles?

Question

I have a 6 month old newfie who has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia in both hips. he has such a time walking and the vet keeps telling me he needs to build his muscle.. besides walking him (which looks so painful for him) is there anything else I can do for him.

Answer 1

Call his breeder and let him know the issue.  Usually a dog must be at least 2 years old before X-rays can even detect hip dysplasia.  A diagnosis of a 6 month old puppy indicates a severe case.  Your pup's parents probably should not have been bred.  Even if the breeder can't do anything for you, maybe he will consider NOT breeding those two again.

Answer 2

Shark Cartilage is the one I was told to give my German Sheppard to prevent hip dysplasia...

Check the resources below and Discuss everything with the vet first to find proper dosages, etc.

Good luck!!!

Answer 3

Newfies love swimming, and it has no impacts on joints. If you have a pool, great, if not, look into taking him to a lake, or somewhere that is dog friendly. Good luck.

Answer 4

What a nightmare!  I am assuming this dog did not come from a reputable breeder.  Poor guy!!  

If this was my dog I would be bringing him to aqua-therapy three times a week (and being a Newf he will love every second) and I would be supplementing him with Chondrin/Glucosamine.  Depending on the severity of his discomfort would depend if I would get him on a NSAID.

At 6 months if his bilateral HD is this severe he needs surgery.  Period.  I would start networking with different BOARD CERTIFIED orthopedists and I would schedule his surgery.  

Where did you buy him from?  I would be livid if I were you!  The surgery is not going to be cheap.  You are looking at thousands!

Answer 5

You can join two Yahoo groups I've found give excellent support for dogs with problems that might need surgical intervention.  Orthodogs is for dogs who will have surgery, but you can ask these questions there.  Conservative Management is for dogs you are trying to avoid doing surgery on.  Please join them both, esp. CM

Ask them if a Walkabout would help you.  It's made to allow you to assist the dog in walking.  I got one for my pyr when he had ACL surgery, but I suspect it might be recommended to get to help your newfie.  Please ask that question at one of the groups below.  Good Luck!  I know it's scary for you right now -!-

Answer 6

the best exercise and painless is water therapy and swimming which would really make any newfy so very happy.

Walking isn't suggested as it can wear the joints even more.