Dog Community

please help me ease my dogs suffering

Posted : 11/21/2009 2:03:29 PM

I have a Cane Corso who is suffering from Hip Dysplasia leading to him have restricted exercise , he is on pain meds

Does anyone have any tips on dealing with a high drive dog who can't exercise much but needs mental stimulation

Any advice in general as to how to improve his life would be great

Video of the poor sod http://www.vimeo.com/7643935

calliecritturs

Posted : 11/22/2009 1:44:15 AM

There are others here far more experienced with HD than me -- they can tell you about the surgeries, etc. My first suggestion would be acupuncture. It can help with pain as well as helping keep the muscles working.

I would probably also be feeding a diet using veggies instead of grain but without a huge high protein level. You don't want abundant energy -- you can get good nutrition from veggies. A food that is ultra high protein is like giving him rocket fuel with no where to burn it off.

stardog85

Posted : 11/22/2009 2:35:44 PM

A dog that can't do much physically can really benefit from mental stimulation in the form of training (clicker training especially; try teaching stationary tricks, body awareness skills, etc.), food dispensing toys (the Busy Buddy line is excellent, the Tricky Treat ball or Buster Cube, stuffed Kongs, Treatsticks, Nina Otennson (sp?) puzzles, etc.), maybe even some physical therapy like underwater treadmill work.

Has he seen a surgeon to discuss options other than pure pain management?

Bruister

Posted : 12/3/2009 12:58:41 AM

Wondering how old he is, what he weighs and what pain medication he is on?

denise m

Posted : 12/3/2009 12:10:40 PM

The OP seems to be MIA but I managed to find the breeders web page. Here is the breeders comments regarding hips.

Interview with Nino

I do not profess to be an expert on the Cane Corso or any dog for that matter. However, I have owned dogs for over 25years and the Cane Corso for 11 years. I have spoken to many breeders and enthusiasts during that time both from the traditional viewpoint and the modern about caring for dogs.

Hips

Good hips are not just about genetics, but the breeding does help. Exercise and diet also play a large role in hip development. I sometimes find that too much emphasis is placed on a dogs hips. You have to remember to look at the whole picture.