[Lesley]

My friend has a young dog with hip displacement. He is currently on cortisone and unable to exercise much so is a little heavier than he should be. She is doing her best with diet, but I wondered…Is there any oil that would help with this in any way? For the excess weight or for the pain after he stops the cortisone?

[Mateja]

Hey, how old is the pup? Is he neutered and if at what age?

I know one pup that was diagnosed with very bed dysplasia but the problem was they took the x-ray too soon as she was still growing. They did canine guided fitness to strenghten the hips. But her hips ended up being evaluated as B. She lives a normal life, just no agility and so..

[Lesley]

He is already 4 years old. The previous owner was taking him on long walks before he was a year old. I did wonder if that might have had an effect.

The vet said it can only be managed and cortisone occasionally seems to be a necessary part of that management.

[Lesley]

Yes, he is neutered, I don’t know when but early I think.

[Mateja]

The way we learn here about offering aromatics would require more information about this dog to get the whole picture so prob. would be best if you could write a bit more other behavioral, physical symptomes.

I remember that we leaned that early neutering can affect hormones and bones so that would be one point when considering aromatics.

[Nayana]

Hi Lesley, excess weight is a matter of what’s fed. But if there is a tendency to easily put on weight and an element of food obsessive then grapefruit is generally selected. There are many essential oils that can help with pain, and herbs, which one is best will depend in other parts of the history. You can check my book. You can also consider something for topical application. Acupuncture/pressure is very helpful in reducing chronic pain. And in any case of dysplasia appropriate excercise to build supporting muscles is key. Swimming is good.

[Lesley]

Hi Nayana and Mateja

Thank you both for your replies. I now have the problem closer to home, sadly. My lovely 3 year old, Sofi, has just been diagnosed with hip dysplasia and a damaged hock (a pulled tendon and crunchy, loose joint). The vet has given me pain meds for her, plus glucosamine with chrondoitin and msm. He says she should have an operation on the hock, where they will add a layer of nylon to protect the bone head and stop the pain.

So…maybe I should have a one to one with you about this, Nayana? If you can help me avoid surgery I would be thrilled. Or maybe she needs the hock one but we can work towards not needing artificial hips?

Thanks