Why do Dogs Limp Years After Hip Surgery?
Dear Dr. Barchas,
My six-year-old Labrador had hip surgery
when he was two and on some days he has a hard time
getting up or just may be having a bad day pain
wise. Of the OTC pain remedies can you recommend
the best one? Do they really do any good?
David
Gilbert, Az.
There are a few reasons why two-year-old dogs undergo hip surgery. Developmental problems such as hip dysplasia sometimes require surgery at two years. Trauma to the hip may lead to broken bones in or near the joint. Dislocation of the hip may occur when dogs are injured, and may require corrective surgery.
All of the problems that can lead to hip surgery have one thing in common. In many cases they also lead to arthritis in the affected joint.
Arthritis of the hips can lead to limping, difficulty rising, and reluctance to walk, run or play. I suspect that your dog has a hard time getting up because of arthritis in his hip.
There are several treatments for canine arthritis. The simplest, and most effective, do no require medications. I recommend that you keep your pet thin, provide regular mild or moderate exercise, and perform basic physical therapy to maintain flexibility and strengthen the muscles in his legs. Talk to your vet for tips on physical therapy.
Dietary supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids may help ease the symptoms and progression of arthritis. These sorts of supplements are available over the counter.
Aspirin is the only canine arthritis medicine that is available over the counter. It belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). Although aspirin is very helpful for some dogs, you should be aware that all NSAIDs, including aspirin, can cause serious side effects. Prescription NSAIDs may be safer and more effective. Do not administer aspirin to your dog without first talking to your vet.
Finally, before you resort to medications, I recommend that you talk to your vet about advanced non-drug treatments for your dog. Such treatments include professional physical therapy (available through special facilities), extracorporeal shockwave therapy, therapeutic laser treatments and stem cell therapies. Your dog may not yet be a candidate for such cutting-edge protocols, but it never hurts to ask.
For more information on arthritis in dogs, check out my website:
http://drbarchas.com/canine_arthritis
You have questions. 
VET STEM by Dr. Jim Antuñano
Stem cell regenerative treatment is a successful new procedure for the treatment of arthritis in the hip, knee and elbow joints of dogs. Stem cells for this procedure are ardent stem cells derived from the patients own body fat and shouldn’t be confused
with embryonic stem cell use.
Stem cell treatments are performed by highly trained veterinary surgeons. They must endure an extensive Vet Stem training course for certification.
After processing, the stem cells have the potential to develop into many different cell types in the body depending on where they are used. They promote tissue regeneration and alter the progression of disease. The patients that can benefit
most are those patients that have been on steroids, non-steroidal anti inflammatory agents, pain medications, acupuncture, and adequan injections in order to relieve joint disease pain.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED?
Dr. Antuñano surgically removes a small amount of fat cells which are placed in ice packs, and shipped overnight to the Vet Stem lab in California. The stem cells are derived from the fat cells through processing and then returned to the hospital overnight ready to inject into the affected area. Vet Stem stores the unused cells for future uses in the same pet.
Dr. Antuñano of the Animal Medical Diagnostic Center has performed a number of these procedures with amazing results. In the x-rays taken a few weeks after performing
the procedure you can see the positive changes in the joint. Within 30 to 45 days the dogs are walking and jumping as if they were two years old again.
CASE STUDY LUCY
Lucy is a 9 year old golden retriever who suffered from hip dysplasia. In July, her own stem cells were injected into her hip. The Lowry family was so pleased with her improvement in just a few weeks they decided to have a second procedure done.
Years ago, Dr. Antuñano performed a cranial cruciate ligament repair on Lucy’s knee. After injecting stem cells into the knee joint, Lucy now runs into the clinic and jumps up on the counter. Her owners haven’t reported any problems.
Dr. Antuñano believes that vet stem is the procedure of the future. The increase in mobility and decrease in pain resulting from regeneration of the joint tissue is quite convincing. The potential benefits of stem cell therapy toward improving animal
welfare are limitless.
[...] Why do Dogs Limp Years After Hip Surgery? Dietary supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids may help ease the symptoms and progression of arthritis. [...]