Elbow Dysplasia help - Page 4

Ok, here's something to ponder.  I had surgery for Carpal Tunnel in right wrist (lack of lubrication) 25 years ago then developed Bursitis in right shoulder 18 years ago - had the injections.  Both problems continued to bother me until a chiroprator found a problem in my neck from whiplash.  After a few adjustments, I noticed the wrist and shoulder no longer disfunctional. 

Point is:  I have seen an advertisement in the Pet Pages for animal chiropractic - could it be possible that due to the physical activity of these dogs that they get spinal misalignments which cause misfiring in nerves that tell the fluids in joints, etc to refill or not.

My doctor told me he could not keep the tendon from swelling but could only make room for it with the surgery.  I have not had problems since I have my neck adjusted periodically now.

"I have heard some people suggest that as a puppy if the dog lays flat on the floor with its rear legs flattened out that the hips will be good.  I notice in our pups that they do this but have seen other dogs (like our chow) who won't - an old wives tale?"

** I agree with this. I always teach the roll-over with legs out as soon as I bring a pup home.

A friend of mine bought a puppy from a decent breeder only to have Mojo diagnosed as dysplastic well before he was a year old. Her vet said his hip sockets were GONE, although he showed minimal discomfort and pain playing around the yard. My friend knows a bit about holoistic suppliments, so she immediately started him on 3-4x regular dose of glucosamine and chondroiten(I believe it was a regular 1500mg dose, and a year later, took him back to have him checked. The vet said he didn't know what she'd done to help grow his sockets, but whatever she was doing, to continue it because it was helping him. He lived to a decent old age before someone stole him from her yard(he was a big sweetie). Maybe a higher dosage of those suppliments might help your situation as well as chewable baby aspirin for the discomfort, but don't use too much for a long period of time to keep down possibility of stomach issues & ulcers. Too strong of pain meds will make for a lethargic and sleepy dog. Then in the meanwhile, consider a 2nd vet opinion on your darling's condition and then make a command decision from both opinions. Some vets are out to make a $$ and don't really want exactly what's in the best interest of the dog(like considering less expensive potential solutions for clients first before jumping straight to the most invasive treatment). And trust your gut-sleep on things. If you feel peace, trust it. If something troubles you and keeps you up all night long tossing, then consider and trust your gut. Good luck with helping out your beloved companion.