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Exercise suggestions for dysplastic Aussie?

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Bella &- Cougar

1193109		 
 
Barked: Tue Oct 2, '12 8:40pm PST 
A few months ago I adopted a six year old Aussie who wasn't able to be taken on a move with his original owner. He is a ranch dog turned city dog now! I used to take him on runs with me, and because of it, I found out he has rather serious hip dysplasia. So, that no longer happens. I have a pool, but he refuses to get in. I have access to ponds and the lake, but he only will go out as far as he can touch. He isn't interested in fetching in water or on land. I no longer throw balls for him on land, though. It's also going to be cold soon so outdoor swimming doesn't seem to be an option. There are no indoor pools for dogs in my area. We are currently in training to become a therapy dog, but that's only once per week. He isn't highly energetic at all, but he LOVES to go and I want so badly to do more with him. We go on daily walks, but once around the block and his strides are extremely close,though he doesnt act like he hurts... He just moves slower. Do any of you have suggestions for daily exercise for him with his bad hips? I would love to get him into agility, but have concerns about that causing him pain or further injury to his hips. Thoughts? Thanks so much!
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Cohen CD RE- ADC FDCh-S- CGN HIC

The Monster		 
 
Barked: Thu Oct 4, '12 10:42am PST 
Peanut/ball exercises sound like they'd work. I would recommend you speak with a canine rehabber in your area to get some pointers. I could imagine them setting you up with a Fit Paws peanut and showing you some exercises with the goal of keeping muscle on his back end. In dysplastic dogs it's the muscle which is your last line of defence, so you'll want to do your best to maintain it. Tricks like beg -> standing on 2 back legs may help, but I would recommend consulting a pro prior to trying anything.
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Dali

Cow Dog School- Flunk Out		 
 
Barked: Fri Oct 12, '12 7:20pm PST 
My Aussie was just currently diagnosed with moderate dysplasia, and I noticed it since I am in school to be a vet tech. I have taken many steps to research all I can, along with talking to my very helpful vet, on how to help my almost 2yr old female not be in so much pain. Hip/Joint supplements and moderate excercising helps. I take my girl on 20 minute walks 2x a day. I would do a lot of research based upon how severe the condition is. My vet told me the more toned and in shape the back legs are the better.
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Bella &- Cougar

1193109		 
 
Barked: Sat Oct 13, '12 8:22am PST 
Thanks for the responses! I haven't asked my vet what exercise she suggests, but we do go on walks twice a day, typically off leash, and he runs and plays and doesn't act as if he's in pain. I just see his strides change.
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Mihkoa CGC,- TDInc, CL1,- CL2, C

Puppy Mill- Product. Pet- Shop Survivor. 		 
 
Barked: Mon Jan 7, '13 9:26am PST 
Hi there. I have some seriously BAD hips. My mom found out when I was 8 months old. I had an FHO on one hip and it has helped me a ton. My Mom gives me Adequan shots and that REALLY helps! I live for agility. It is the only thing that keeps my muscles strong. Now that Im older I only jump 8". It keeps my spirits up and me strong. When I dont keep up with agility I get very sore and stiff actually. When I was in recovery from my surgery I did underwater treadmill and saw a rehab specialist. She worked me with the electro stim and the cold laser really helped me heal by bringing new blood into the area. Anything that is sore is really helped by that increased blood flow. Loved that thing. Anyway... keeping active and the weight off are some of the best things for bad hips. The FHO was good for me, they wanted to do a total hip on both but I didnt have enough bone left to do so. The vet cant believe I walk much less compete in agility. Anyway, an FHO might not be right for everyone though. It was hard for mom to see me in so much pain at the time, but now it was well worth it. Stay active. Don't slow down or it will hurt more. Trust me!
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Bella &- Cougar

1193109		 
 
Barked: Fri Jan 11, '13 11:53am PST 
I'm happy you suggested agility! I think he would love that, but wasn't sure if it would cause more problems!
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Mihkoa CGC,- TDInc, CL1,- CL2, C

Puppy Mill- Product. Pet- Shop Survivor. 		 
 
Barked: Wed Feb 27, '13 8:10am PST 
The thing with hips is to keep those muscles as strong as possible. Agility did degrade her hips, no doubt. The bone rubbing on bone improperly will wear down the bone. But the FHO has been great and her muscles need the strength more than ever before to keep her mobile & happy. We are still competing & loving agility though!
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