Helping the Hips

Upon our arrival back from a week-long vacation, I happened upon a new comment posted in reference to my blog entry "Popping and Hips" that I could not let go unanswered...

"I have two labs- Maggie, a yellow lab a year and a half, and bruster-our chocolate lab, just 9 months who seems perfectly healthy, but from a early age Maggie has had trouble running, and even sitting. when she walks it sounds like her hips are breaking because of a terrible loud popping noise! Is there anything that I can do for her?" Signed: ~Anonymous

Both of the Lab Brats have popping of their bones when they stay in one position too long. Ironically enough Cheyenne, the one without the hip dysplasia, pops more often and louder than her sister. Cheyenne has been cleared of all bone, joint and hip problems but she still tends to get stiff and has joints that pop. So, we have Dakota and Cheyenne on the same regiment to help alleviate any discomfort their may feel.

1) Both Labs get a daily supplement of Cosequin DS. Three chewable tablets once a day as they are adult dogs and are at high risk for hip dysplasia and joint problems. (Dakota was diagnosed under 2 years old with hip dysplasia)

2) When the Labrador Retrievers get stiff, we give them Metacam to help alleviate any discomfort. This is most for Dakota when she is stiff but can be given to Cheyenne when needed. Check with your veterinarian though as dogs on Metacam will need to have yearly liver enzyme scans.

3) A high quality dog food is crucial! Forget the stuff on your local grocery store shelves as it is full of fillers! You want something that is packed full of nutrients and even made special for large breed dogs. Our family uses Eagle Pack Holistic Select Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal Formula and have done exceptionally well on this food. We highly recommend for any dog but especially for those who have food allergies.

4) Exercise your dog! When Dakota was diagnosed with hip dysplasia our vet told us that the most important thing is to keep muscle on her legs. His recommendation was to exercise her as much as she could handle and nothing more. Exercise is best on even but soft ground to help decrease the shock on the joints. Not only are will you have a healthier pup but a happier one as well!

5) The most important thing is to have regular appointments with your vet to keep tabs on the joints and get an early diagnosis of any joint or hip problems. Labrador Retrievers should has a full hip x-ray and exam at the age of 2 years old. If the pup is experiencing problems before that age, get the pup to the vet to be checked properly. Don't assume the worst nor the best!

I hope this helps this anonymous blog comment poster as well as other dog lovers and owners. We have been through a lot with hips and joints in Labrador Retrievers and I am always more than willing to answer any questions on the topic. So, feel free to post them and the Lab Brats will help me answer them as quickly as possible.

Labrador Smiles!