Hip dysplasia in German Shepherd?

He needs to go to the vet to confirm that it is HD before you do anything else that could end up doing more harm than good. The only way you can be sure it is HD is to have X-rays done. For all you know, it could be some sort of injury in his legs or spine.

If it is HD, the vet will be able to figure out how severe it is and therefore what types of medications he should be on. If he's really in that much pain, the vet may put him on Rimadyl (although I wouldn't recommend that as a long-term solution). Besides medication, he'll need a specific diet and exercise plan to keep him from becoming overweight.

My GSD has had hip dysplasia since she was 6 months old. My first vet (who I stopped going to) told me to put her down, she would never have a normal life, etc. I of course didn't, but I also didn't really know what to do. So she was never on any sort of medication for it, although she should have been. She is 11 years old now and can barely walk. I've tried various prescription meds from the vet, but none have worked. The vet did tell me about Adequan, which is a "miracle" for dogs with HD and arthritis, but it's VERY expensive and I just can't afford it. If you can though, I would recommend asking your vet about it.

Good luck!

Hip dysplasia is a genetic joint disease caused by over breeding and inbreeding in large dogs. The younger the dog, the sooner she will have to be put down. The pain is severe. Some suggestions as already stated are: Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM - about 1000 mg daily. Confirm with vet. Fish Oil capsules - again about 1000 mg daily. Aspirin - one baby aspirin as needed Be aware that your dog is in severe pain. The above products will only help to manage the disease. Because it is genetic, it cannot be stopped by these means, only treated. Please consider how you would feel if your hips hurt with every step you took, and then you might want to rethink the pain killers and anti-inflammatories and steroid shots. For future reference, make sure the next large dog, of whatever breed, is certified to be free of this genetic disease and that you have a money back guarantee. Of course, this doesn't help in replacing a lost friend and companion.

Get to a vet if you haven't yet for starters. There are a lot of ways to treat HD these days. There are painkillers that are relatively cheap (our Rottweiler had joint problems during the last year she was alive, and the medication we got for her worked great) and if you have the money the dog can have a surgery. I don't know that much about it personally, or if it's too late at this point, but apparently it has helped a lot of dogs.

Some claim raw food helps as well, but I would try that combined with medication and after a whole lot of research on your part.

Start adding glucosamine to the diet. Go to a feed store, NOT a pet store, in your area, and buy the large jug of LIQUID glucosamine. Concentration is a lot stronger, and it is a lot cheaper. Start adding that to his diet every day, and you should see some improvement.

As for now, if he is in a lot of pain, you really need to get into the vet for xrays. It may or may not be hip dysplasia, but the only ways to treat it are both surgical and medical ways that only your vet can provide.

First of all, you need to have an x-ray to confirm that it's HD. Our Bulldog was diagnosed with severe HD at just 6 months old. She was also 3 years old when it really started to affect her. Since then, she has been on Rimadyl twice daily, every day, along with a Glucosamine/MSM supplement. This combo has been working wonderfully for her for over 4 years now. (She was 7 this past February)

Hip displasia is common in GSD's Unfortunately it is a hereditary problem with the breed. Your vet should be able to give you a course of treatment for your dog since he can examine it in person, and determine exactly what treatment would be best based on the progression of the disease. Sorry for your dog, and for the problems this causes. Please take as good a care as you can because of the pain involved.

Papaw

The best advice I can give you is to get your dog to a vet for x-rays of those hips, get a professional diagnosis. The vet will prescribe pain medication for your dog.

Cut out ALL processed foods and feed a raw diet with plenty of cartilage for natural glucosamine.

Make sure your dog is at its ideal weight and do not encourage jumping etc when exercising.

I would talk to your vet but unfortinitly when dogs are purebred they get complications like that and other problems, so i would say the best thing to do is take your dog to the vet and talk to your vet about treatment or if as a last resourt putting your dog down as i said as a last resort i know how its like to have to put a dog down you love very much, I am 17 and we had to put our 17 year old dog

the dog needs to be seen by vet to see how bad the hips are there are meds that help if it is not to severe and limit the jumping and running around as much as possible i know glucosamine supplements also helps joint health

good luck