Bummer.

Well there is no rush to make a decision, and I would caution against any sudden ones.

Think it over for a few days.

If your insurance covers a referral to a specialist you have to weigh up the costs and if they are going to give you any more help than the current vet.

Hydrotherapy may or may not be indicated in your dog's case and even if it is there are differing types for differing issues eg swimming or the water treadmill.

You then have to determine whether there is a suitably qualified therapist in your area, one who is NARCH registered and of course a vet referral.

There are many supplements on the market for arthritis some are veterinary licensed products, some which are POM and some which are available OTC.

Again, you need to work out the most effective ones in terms of both costs and help to the dog.

As for the replacement solution, again you will need to look at costs and how you can play the insurance to your best advantage.

None of these things means your dog is going to be a cripple, in fact many dogs with rubbish hips have active, long lives.

I know it seems all doom and gloom to you now, but it may not be as bad as you think.

Rubster ((hugs))

((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))) from all of us here too I have no advice, only YOU can decide when you've spoken in depth with the vet and hopefully that specialist, they are there to guide you and educate you into what is best for Khal in the long run. Absolutely gutted to be reading this news Bev, so, so sorry I really am.xxxxxxxxxxx

Thanks Jem, feeling like rubbish at the mo xx

The route I take depends on so many different factors, I just want whats best for him in the grand scheme of things, whatever that maybe. Thanks Zarah x

Thankyou Elaine xx

Will be having a good chat to vet tonight, then I'll call insurance company & see for sure what Khal will be covered for treatment wise then sleep on it. I know there are so many options open to us, am just hoping that the insurance will give us the opportunity to try treatments...it should do. Thanks SB x

Thankyou Kerry xx

Thanks Mrs B, i wrote so much down when the vet called me earlier & I look at it now & cant make head nor tail of it Head is all over the place, Im looking forward to talking to vet tonight, it may start making a bit of sense by then. I guess I just didnt expect to be going through it again so soon after losing my NI in May from it.
Poor boy had to be given more painkillers before they could get him off floor of cage this morning, he had huge problems getting up to go for Xrays. Just want him home now & all cosied up on settee with me, where he belongs xxx

I am truly sorry. Do not make any rash decisions yet. Reading your post it doesn't sound like you will.

You are in shock even though you were sort of expecting bad news weren't you ?

(((Hugs))) we are all here while you try to get your head around things and although we cannot make the ultimate decision for you we can listen and give our feedback if its any good thats wonderful if it just helps you put a different perspective on things and helps you make a decision thats right for you and Khai thats good too.

{{{{{{hugs}}}}} mahousive ones xxx


........u have alot to digest,but a quick note imo hip replacement should be a last option,as it leaves u nowhere to go after,hydrotherapy as long as directed by a physio and is a reputable establishment is invaluable in the management,as are nutricuticles such as stride and muscle dog (and others)

also...he will be sorer today/tomorrow from the manipulation for the pics

i feel for u,even tho u seem to be destined to be together u also seem destined to have a dog with hd in your life(makes me even more angry with the wolf-alike il breed cos i want to brigade )

if i can help in anyway.......

Thankyou Lynn. I was told to expect bad news, didnt make it any easier hearing it though Im kind of thinking along the lines of am pleased he is here with me at least I can hopefully decide whats going to be more beneficial for him in the long run so hes comfortable. Theyve changed him from metacam to previcox as the metacam was not doing any good, he was still very uncomfortable even on max dose.

Been thinking I simply can't afford to go down the joint diet food route as its £70 a bag a month, it wouldnt be covered by insurance.i'm not sure what the difference is between that & joint supplements anyways.

Ive already checked out hydrotherapists & theres one called meadow farm not too far from here , aswell as a few others.

Am trying to get my sensible head on, and do a bit of research. Any suggestions or anything really is welcomed

http://www.trmpet.com/english-produc...de-plus-liquid

http://www.trmpet.com/english-produc...cle-dog-liquid

Hugs for the Lollop. Tell him I love him very much.

I'm so sorry to hear this.

((huge Hugs)) for you and him.

See what the specialist says...