Just one more thing for us to worry about....

[Napathedoodle]

We took Napa to the Vets for a consultation about his diet and his hips. She was absolutely wonderful!!!! She gave us wonderful advice about what we were doing with him (feeding raw) and also took a look at his hips. She also x-rayed his hips (on our request since he'd had issues in the past and we finally had money to pay for the x-rays). We seriously thought that nothing would happen. We spent the money for the x-rays for nothing. That's not the case..... Napa was diagnosed with HD!!!!!!

We're still in shock. I'm still in shock. Now, it'll be a race to see which sets of legs hurts him first. Luckily he's still got full range of motion, and is in no pain. He was playing on ice this winter in RI and would slip and slide around.... and no pain afterwards (at least that he showed). He's still very puppy like, but I'm a pessimist (or a realist) and I'm worried about how long I'll have a happy bouncy puppy. He's my best friend, and will be my companion through Grad school.

The doctors that I've been to have all said that they don't believe the front legs could affect his back legs. So, these are two separate issues. But, luckily, they both require the same meds! So that's helpful....

[tuffystar]

We have had a couple of dogs have that and it did not start to show for quite sometime. Medicines helped them and they all were happy and lived about 13 years! I know you are worried I would be too but hold on to good thoughts and we will keep you in our prayers. Good luck.

[blueteal]

Ahhhhhhhhhhh Napa
You have been through so much........
What is the next step for him now?

[cissy k]

Sorry to hear it! But keep up your spirits cause it may never get really bad. Some dogs have mild cases and live full, productive lives!!

Poor Napa!!! I am sorry to hear that he has HD. My friend's dog has a Chow with arthritis and she is giving him Nupro Joint Support supplements. I think thier website is http://www.nuprodogsupplements.com Maya and Sadie get the regular Nupro supplements.

[Calimom]

I'm sorry to hear the news, but hope that it doesn't affect him for a very long time and then not too badly. Hugs!

[gene]

Kristen, so sorry to hear about the HD. I hope it doesn't affect him for years.....if ever!

Pupple hugs going out your way!

[anny51]

Kristen - so sorry to hear about Napa's diagnosis, what a bolt from the blue! Hopefully when you are over the initial shock you can work out how to tackle it...there'll certainly be loads of support and advice from the forum. Keeping you both in our thoughts

[Jac]

Oh, no...I am so sorry, Kristen. You have been through so much with dear Napa...and he has been through a lot too.
But, keep in mind that he is getting the best of care with you...I hope that he will not feel pain...but I know that if he does, you will help him through it. He is so lucky to have you. (You have told your breeder, right?)

[MerNor]

Oh no! Poor Napa (and you)! We'll all be hoping ardently that it doesn't start affecting him any time soon and not too badly when it does. The good thing about finding out now is that you can treat and supplement ahead of time and hopefully minimize the severity.

[Napathedoodle]

Thanks everyone for the well wishes!

Sorry, today was the first day of classes so I was busy getting ready for that!

So, here's an answer to everyone's various questions:

Napa's on preventative joint health supplements, which he's already been prescribed for his front legs, but that we're now being extra cautious with because they're now for both legs. Since he's in no pain, I think we just need to be aware and TRY to stop him from jumping, but most of you saw the table incident! So, that's definitely easier said then done! But we're trying!

I am very thankful that we know now, rather than later so we have the option to prevent!

Lastly, I did get into contact with my breeder. We had already corresponded before I posted this- wouldn't have been right to do the other way around! So everything is fine on that front!

[cocoandjane]

Kristen, I am so sorry to hear about Napa!!
I hope that he never really has any major symptoms with the HD.
I do know that they can live a long, long life and not have too much trouble
with it. You may be a realist, but do the prevention stuff ( Zukes has a treat for Hips you might look for and give one or two a day....) something with hydrolaunic acid would be good, too.
I will look around and see what I can learn about dosage for dogs.

[tykesmom]

(((((Kristen))))) - so sorry to hear about this after all you and Napa have already been through! Hopefully having found this at a young age will give the preventative meds and supplements a chance to keep him pain free forever! Napa is so lucky to have gotten a mommy who cares so much about him - someone else might not have been willing to go through all you have for him.