Sgt., my West German Shepard was diagnosed last year with the worst case of hip displasia the vet said he has ever seen and wasn't sure how the dog even walks. Sgt. is the lowest on the totem poll and is a big baby when it comes to pain so if he's in pain I know about it and he doesn't fuss most of the time. Vet just can't believe what he sees though, that dog has not bone to go into the hip socket, not sure how he does it but he does. Of course I stopped both dogs from playing by themselves when we found out that Sgt. hips were bad and of course rough play with Max(other GSD) isn't helpful. So they get play time suppervised since then.
Sgt and max were on an extended boarding stay and like last year we knew sgt.'s hips would get bad during the stay because he likes to jump(not even sure how he does that but he does). The kennel are trusted by us and have watched the dogs for several years now. They are former shepard breeders as well and know the breed. I got a call Monday to tell me that from one day to the next sgt was deteriorating, he woldn't eat or drink(he isn't a big drinker to begin with). His elbow was swollen and his hips of course were weak. The woman was up all night with him watching over him and hand feeding him water.
She started him on antibiotics and another med I have for him short term for the pain but I can't remember what it's called.
I called the vet and they suggested ice cubes instead of water and if I couldn't get him to do that to bring him in and they would let me put a drip in him and stay with him. He loved the ice cubes, I mean loved them. Being home I could keep him confined to one place. His elbow was still swollen which they said to ice it and not allow him to move it. So I carried him place to place, gave him ice cubes, hand fed him and did what any owner would for their baby. Vet said give it a few days and we'll see about the elbow.
The elbow is doing better, it did have some adema but that is clearing up. We think due to his hips, he landed on his elbow and hurt it. He is due to go to vet for an xray. I needed to get him hydrated first and it has worked well so far. He is using the leg that the elbow was hurt but I don't want him to so am still picking him up. His back legs are doing better as well.
I think he likes it when I pick him up. Hubby says I have to see the look on his face when I do it, the dogs face is priceless.
Sgt. isn't one of those huge german shep's, my dogs are thin so therefore aren't 120 lbs like I see most american shepard breeds. I'm grateful for that because I wouldn't be able to lift him.
Just thought I'd update here, have a great day.
Sending hugs to you and your family and Sgt... I am so sorry to hear this...you are all in my prayers.
