Dog Suffering With Hind End Issues

[sdianems]

Hello all CC'ers...I wanted to come on board and ask if anyone else has experienced the same problems I am with my Tasha. I know that hip issues are common with certain breeds, but that is not it.

So some background info:
Tasha: beagle mix, shelter adopted at 7-8 weeks, nearly 8 years old now.
Been showing signs of hip (hind end) stiffness, soreness, pain for roughly 2 years now, but worse in the cold months.
Had taken a course of cosequin 2 summers ago and it worked wonderfully!
Lately been struggling with stairs and climbing (car, bed). Warmer weather doesn't seem to be helping.
Not interested in long walks or playtime like usual.
Appetite decrease.


At this time:
Do have an order of cosequin (double strength) coming in the mail this week. Very hopeful about this!
Considering buying a special bed that supports joints for Tasha.
Also considering signing her up for hydrotherapy sessions at Vet (new service).

Questions for you:
Has anyone tried hydrotherapy? What were your experiences with it?
Has anyone bought/used one of those special types of beds?
Any other supplement thoughts?

I am really at a loss here; feels like I am dealing with an old injury since she is not of a breed prone to hip displasia, nor is she a "senior".

Sigh...
Any and all thoughts/comments/suggestions welcome.

Tasha and I thank you in advance for your consideration!
:)

[jesvet]

physical therapy is very helpful. It's particularly helpful in conjunction with acupuncture. A lot of orthopedic pain isn't necessarily hip problems but issues with the muscles and soft tissue that xrays can't always catch.

Cosequin has a new pill called Dasuquin that is supposed to be even more helpful.

If she is still stiff, don't be afraid to try Rimadyl or some other NSAIDs.

[sdianems]

jesvet thanks for the suggestions, especially for acupuncture! I forgot about that, and remember it was so effective with the horses I used to work with!
NSAIDS for animals...crazy! I know her stomach though and would be concerned about an upset tummy with those.
And perhaps I will look into Dasuquin for when the Cosequin is done.

Thanks!

[jesvet]

It was horses that really started the acupuncture trend in vet medicine. All the "good ole boy" horse vets really couldn't argue with the results...and there you go. It is incredibly helpful for orthopedic issues.

[ysolde]

Not sure where you are, but one of my neighbors is a house call vet who specializes in accupuncture.

Hope your puppy feels better soon!

[sdianems]

ysolde Thanks for the house-call info! Unfortunately, we are in New England....fortunately, one of the best vet hospitals is in my "neighborhood" (#3 in the state) so I just have to get in to see the vet who specializes in physical therapy.

jesvet So funny about the horsey anectodes! I know what you mean, though, people have always looked at me funny when I tell them that acupuncture really worked on those very large animals! And I loved watching them get massage treatments, too :)

[greenbunny]

Not a dog owner, but I've heard good things about this type of product from owners of cats with mobility problems:

Pet Studio Ramp Step (http://www.petedge.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=6542&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=408&iSubCat=1636&iSubSubCat=0&iProductID=6542)

[sdianems]

Thanks greenbunny, I have also thought about one of those; if nothing else, it will definately help as all my animals get older!