Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD)

[GR8DAME]

 :'(Strider, my 4 1/2 month old irish wolfhound/great dane mix woke up this morning moving like a 90 year old man. he couldn't seem to get his back end working right. I thought he was sore from growing pains or that my older dane got a little rambuncious playing last night and the pup is sore. He ate breakfast as usual, but headed for the couch right away for a nap. When he hadn't moved by noon, I knew this is WRONG. We took him to the vet. Xrays indicated HOD. They put him on Rimadyl for a month, and will rexray him then. But if there isn't a dramatic improvement, they are talking euthenasia. None of my dane books give such a dire prognosis, but here we are. PLEASE, if anyone out there has experience-good or bad- with this disease/disorder PLEASE reply. If I have to lose this pup it will tear me up.
Stella

[connolly]

Oh I am so sorry to hear this. Don't give up hope. After I read your post I went on line to see what this awful thing is. according to http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0018.htm you can start adjusting his diet in an attempt to combat this. I'm sure you know all this, I just found it to be such an unusual thing, the bones grow to fast basically? I will be thinking of your pup with good wishes. Please let us know how it is going. Best connolly

[GR8DAME]

Thanks, Connolly. At this point that is the most comprehensive website anyone has found. The rimadyl has been an improvement. Although Strider is not his usual zooming around-in your face self he has at least gotten off of the couch and is gingerly moving around on his own. There is so much conflicting information out there, and at least that website gave the pros and cons of most of them. I'm in the process of changing his food, but it will be slow going as he is very picky. I was in an absolute panic when I posted, because of the vet's prognosis. I can understand preparing someone for the possibility, but to paint the bleakest possible picture with no possibility of another outcome...I was devastated.
Stella

[connolly]

I know exactly how you feel. My St. suffered a cruciate tear (blew out her knee) this winter in all the snow.  We had to take her to a specialist 100 miles away to have surgery. When I was asking this Dr. about it over the phone his attitude was well it will cost at least $3,000 and she will probably blow out the other one. I was so upset!!! He just made me feel like he didn't care and I might just as well put her down.  I called a local vet who has known this Dr. for 20 years and asked if this guy was always such a jerk. He assured me it must have been his off day he was excellent at his job so we went ahead and after 2 months of keeping her confined she is doing great. I'm so glad we went ahead, Sassy is only 2 and my baby. But that vet had me crazy!!! Maybe they just forget sometimes they are dealing with members of the family. Though you wouldn't think so. I am now interested in HOD and will pass on any info I hear. All my wishes are with you so let us know. Best connolly

[jabear]

Glad to hear that the pain meds are working and helping him move a little better. Your vet sounded like a jerk! We were told our Bear had severe dysplasia when he was a baby and that we should have him fneutered immediately and prepare for a life of debilitating movements, etc. After crying and feeling like we were awful parents, we talked to others, our breeder, and got 2 more opinions. After growing up more, changing his diet, taking of daily vitamins Bear is now perfect. Now dysplasia at all. Funny huh? I know that the diagnosis isn't the same, but the senitment is- search and find a good vet who will work with you and not make you feel bad for something you can somewhat control. Talk to your breeder too. It's surprising how reassuring they can be when you need them!

[EsqCaucasians]

>>we talked to others, our breeder, and got 2 more opinions. After growing up more, changing his diet, taking of daily vitamins Bear is now perfect. <<

Glad to hear you were able to find this solution!  Been hearing too many vet doomsday stories recently! 

Good luck to everyone.

Regards,

Stacey Kubyn
Esquire Caucasians
http://www.esquirecaucasians.com
440-286-2374

[GR8DAME]

Jabear,
Unfortunetly, there is no breeder to consult. Strider's irish wolfhound Mom and 10 puppies were abandoned next to a highway in some woods. Two of the puppies had already died of exposure and the mother ended up in Intensive care when she was found. Strider was scheduled for euthinasia the night we traveled four hours to adopt him . Like the poor little guy didn't have a rough enough start. He already dodged that bullet (euthenasia) for crying out loud. The rimadyl continues to keep him fairly comfortable, although it only effects the symptoms, not the underlying cause. I had a hard time getting him to eat this morning.
Stella

[GR8DAME]

Just recieved a call from the vet. Because the symptoms for HOD were not all present,(no fever, swelling, heat in the joints) and the changes in the long bones were so mild that they decided to send the xrays to a radiologist that specializes in growth disorders. Upon his recommendation they have reversed their diagnosis of HOD. They now say that it was an unusually strong growth spurt, and are no longer recommending euthinasia. All of the research and information that so many kind people have sent to me,  has helped me make several decisions. First he will come off of the rimadyl as soon as possible, and I am going to try MSM which is an animal nutrient anti inflamitory for stiff joints that has been around and in use for about 20 years, and also glucosemine, and try to cut the protien down in his diet to 21-24%. I will also be seeking another vet.
Thank you all for your support and well wishes, and I appreciate everyone that sent information and prayers.
Stella

[jabear]

Stella,
I am so happy to hear that it was a misdiagnosis. Eventhough our bad experience wasn't that bad, I can relate to how emotional it must have been for you. Now that it is over though and you are going to be putting Strider on anti-inflamatories I thought I would suggest something that has worked wonders for us and many other big dog owners. Consequin DS is a dog version of glucosomine/chondroiton. It, along with Ester-C have stopped Bear from limping and going slow sometimes. He takes this regularly and we rarely ever have to resort to giving him Remadyl. Good Luck!