Hi everyone,
I'm hoping for help making a decision about an adoption I have pending. First, I've had 2 previous labs. Lost my girl (of 12+years) last year. I'm ready to bring canine love back in my life.
I've signed the papers for "Tina" a 1+yr old black lab mix, 40pounds. We've met, I'm in love. She's super sweet and gentle. Was scheduled to bring her home in 2 days but her foster mom called yesterday with this news:
She noticed a little blood from Tina's vulva area (Tina had a litter of pups on December 24th, and was spayed between that time and now) - so she brought her to the vet.
Vet wasn't too worried, but xrayed Tina to make sure nothing was left in her from operation (like a piece of gauze...). They didn't find anything so she's on antibiotics for a week and will see vet again. Meanwhile -- the xray showed that her left hip joint is not completely together. (Sorry I do not have the medical terms, I haven't spoke with the vet yet... but maybe you'll have some questions for me to ask when I do!). Tina has no limits in her movements, range of motion. She not in pain. I'm being told that she will likely need a hip replacement down the road.
My questions for those of you with related experience:
Is it possible to avoid hip replacement with lifestyle choices? She's around 1.5yr old -- if we begin now with joint-support diet and exercise -- can this save her from having a future surgery?
And, I live on the 2nd floor of the house we own (we rent out the downstairs) so Tina would be walking up&down the stairs a few (2-4) times a day to go outside.
Will this help keep her strong or will this aggravate the joint. (keeping in mind she's young and small... not a senior dog that needs to avoid stairs)
I need to make this decision -- so your feedback, along with more info from vets -- is very appreciative!
Thank you!
-Shera
I'm hoping for help making a decision about an adoption I have pending. First, I've had 2 previous labs. Lost my girl (of 12+years) last year. I'm ready to bring canine love back in my life.
I've signed the papers for "Tina" a 1+yr old black lab mix, 40pounds. We've met, I'm in love. She's super sweet and gentle. Was scheduled to bring her home in 2 days but her foster mom called yesterday with this news:
She noticed a little blood from Tina's vulva area (Tina had a litter of pups on December 24th, and was spayed between that time and now) - so she brought her to the vet.
Vet wasn't too worried, but xrayed Tina to make sure nothing was left in her from operation (like a piece of gauze...). They didn't find anything so she's on antibiotics for a week and will see vet again. Meanwhile -- the xray showed that her left hip joint is not completely together. (Sorry I do not have the medical terms, I haven't spoke with the vet yet... but maybe you'll have some questions for me to ask when I do!). Tina has no limits in her movements, range of motion. She not in pain. I'm being told that she will likely need a hip replacement down the road.
My questions for those of you with related experience:
Is it possible to avoid hip replacement with lifestyle choices? She's around 1.5yr old -- if we begin now with joint-support diet and exercise -- can this save her from having a future surgery?
And, I live on the 2nd floor of the house we own (we rent out the downstairs) so Tina would be walking up&down the stairs a few (2-4) times a day to go outside.
Will this help keep her strong or will this aggravate the joint. (keeping in mind she's young and small... not a senior dog that needs to avoid stairs)
I need to make this decision -- so your feedback, along with more info from vets -- is very appreciative!
Thank you!
-Shera