Hip Dysplasia exercise ideas

[KrisK]

Hi all,

 

My 1 yr old BC female, Cricket had a femoral head ostomy at the end of April. She is a high strung, busy BC (I know, most of them are! but my male Jazz is a bit more laid back, emphasis on bit more

Anyway, we have restricted her exercise as required so the surgury could heal. We are now looking for muscle strengthening exercises. We currently run her through the fields, which are rolling hills,and let her chase balls up and down the hills. She is capable of jumping up on the couch. She is very wiry, (30lbs max) and rather 'bony'. Her other hip may at some time require surgery as well but I would like to avoid that if at all possible. So, if anyone has some good exercises that they have tried...I'd appreciate it.

 

Thanks!

[juliepoudrier]

Swimming is the best exercise possible for a dog with hip problems. You can build plenty of muscle to help hold the joint in place without the impact of running, jumping, etc. My HD dog had a hip dislocated by trauma and was brought back up to open trial level largely through swim therapy.

 

Long walks are even better than runs, and going up and down hills at a slower pace (so the dog is having to work muscles and not just going on momentum) are also good.

 

J.

[Rave]

Ditto what Julie said. I consulted my notes from a rehab seminar and for CHD, slow uphill walks and swimming are recommended.

 

I've also used a weight in rehabing Sierra's leg (not a hip problem, but another injury caused her to atrophy muscle in one leg), but that's only recommend under the guidance of a vet or rehab specialist. If you have one in the area, you might ask them about it. Sierra's rehab vet gets them here: www.canineicer.com

 

-Laura

[Shoofly]

One thing we did with a shepherd mix that had the FHO was to get a 2 foot swimming pool and walk her around in it. I'd put her on leash and i'd walk on the outside while she walked inside, both directions. Low impact, very controlled, water resistance. And cheap.

[honey]

HI, new here on the board, we are owned by Bc named Bailey, he is six years old. And his daughter Haley, bc chow mix, who is four years old. I posted note about using Rimadyl, Bailey was diagnosed nearly three weeks ago with HD, in the middle stages. FHO may have to be done later on. Question is How big of swimming pool should we get?????? The Bf, Ted thinks kiddie pool would be not quit big enough for him. I dont want to buy the wrong size, it would be much easier for us, then taking him to river or creek. Typicaly BC, he is more interested what every bird, bug, person, dog, etc., is doing.

Thank you

Sheila

[Shoofly]

HI there -

 

My oldest (first) BC is named Bailey. Good name!

 

I had something i got at Walmart, it was about oh, 10-12 feet across i guess (maybe 8?) and 2 feet deep. It wasn't one of those hard plastic kiddie pools, i don't think they're that deep. It was a fold down pool, the sides were semi-rigid and the floor was a plastic sheet. To empty it, you just pushed in on the side and let the water run out. It's been ages ago but it was really pretty cheap.

[Joan]

Originally posted by honey:

The Bf, Ted thinks kiddie pool would be not quit big enough for him. I dont want to buy the wrong size, it would be much easier for us, then taking him to river or creek.

Hi. My BC had therapy on an underwater treadmill. Believe me, Robin's suggestion will be much less expensive! :eek: The vet always filled the tank to Rip's knee level. Rip has back *and* hip problems, and this was an effective water level for him. So you might aim for knee level for Bailey. However, I think *any* level would be helpful.

 

The therapy cost a bundle, but I probably got an extra year of competition out of Rip. Now, at almost 14, he is finally losing significant amounts of mobility. I think Robin's idea is a good one.

 

Best of luck to you and Bailey!