prescription diet

[Sammsmom]

My dog sam was diagnosed with hip dysplasia today.* The vet wants to put him on a prescription dog food for joint management.* Does anyone have any experience with this diet?* He is currently on Natural Balance

[Dani]

How badly is the HD? Is it mild? Did you get x-rays? If you didn't get x-rays, you need to. If you did, I would see an orthopedic surgen or get an second opinion.

You never treat the x-rays, you treat the symptoms. If Samm is really lame...then that is one thing...if he is acting fine, you shouldn't have to switch food. I would recommend putting him on Cosequin DS daily, appropriately exercising him and maintaining a healthy weight.

Rider has mild HD too...and my vet recommended the Cosequin for now.

I'd seek out a second opinion.

[threelabs]

There's never going to be enough 'joint medicine' in a food. First of all get a second opinion from a specialist - someone who basically reads x-rays for a living. I would buy some Glyco Flex and Cosequin and give both daily. Don't switch food - but make sure you keep him at a good weight - not too heavy. Also daily leash walking is very important to ensure that the muscles stay in tone.

Good luck.

[Trickster]

What brand of food is it?

I agree with the others --stick with the brand he is already on and supplement. A friend of mine has a Lab with HD (he is an 15-18 month old rescue) called Bruce and she feeds him a normal diet. Infact, she feeds what I feed my dogs. She gives him joint supplements, keeps him lean (he was very overweight before she got him) and exercises him carefully.

You might want to contact your local orthopedic vet for further advice.

[Canyon Labradors]

I think you must have posted this on the other board and I replied...since I don't see my comment here.

Like others have said foods with G/C just don't have enough of the supplement to make a difference. I would stick to the food you are using and add a supplement.

[midnight]

i heard through another forum that SD prescription food had a new food for dogs that has HD. this person said she seen improvement in shepherd.


midnight