Norm - Hips, hocks, and hydrotherapy

Eleven days ago Norm had his consultation with an orthopaedic specialist at the Ontario Veterinary College, Small Animal Hospital in Guelph. They said that Norm’s popping hocks are caused by his hip dysplasia. He has modified his gait to compensate for his hip pain – instead of extending his hips, he is hyperextending his hocks. I asked if there is a possibility he might not need surgery. They said it’s not a question of “if he will need surgery”, the question is “when will he need surgery”… needless to say I was hoping for a different outcome. OVC recommended we discontinue use of the brace and start Norm on a physiotherapy and hydrotherapy regime.

Norm’s physiotherapist (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinarian) reiterated much of what OVC had to say, explaining that the brace may do more harm than good. Our therapy goal is to postpone the Total Hip Replacement surgery until Norm has finished growing. He is scheduled for physio/hydrotherapy twice per week for the first three weeks, then once per week after that.

Here is a video of Norm’s adventure in the underwater treadmill.

haha poor Norm! has your vet recommended glucosamine supplements to help out at all? especially later on it might be a good way to help prevent arthritis from setting in early

AHHHHHH !!!!! bless him hope all goes well he is such an adorable lad.
Tony,Bud&Bhindi

Bless him,
He dosen't seem to mind at all.

Angie x

hows norm getting on?

im sure he looks as stunning as ever!!!

we need a norm fix!!!

cheri xxx

ourfairview wrote:

hows norm getting on?

im sure he looks as stunning as ever!!!

we need a norm fix!!!

cheri xxx

Hi Cheri,

Thanks for asking about Norm. He is doing fabulously! Prior to physiotherapy Norm avoided standing on his hind legs, he struggled to get up from a sit or laying position, refused to jump into the minivan, and was dependent on pain meds. I am thrilled to say he has made a LOT of progress. He now jumps into the van on his own, he has been off pain meds for a month now, he stands up on his hind legs daily, and on Monday he leapt up from a sphinx-like position to meet his therapist (who he adores). If we can keep Norm at this level of fitness than he won't require hip replacement surgery. That said, he continues to hyperextend his hocks, but the movement is less severe and doesn't cause him any discomfort. I am so proud of my boy.

I will post some photos of him in the picture gallery.

Hi shell

hows norms legs/movement doing now?

we need a norm video!!!!!

cheri xxx

Hi Cheri,

Norm is doing great. He's much stronger and more active. He is sitting straight and lying down / getting up with ease. Unfortunately his hocks continue to hyperextend (wobble) and they likely always will. The ortho specialist explained that Norm's hyperextension is his way of modifiying his gait to compensate for the hip dysplasia. She said it doesn't cause him any pain and that he'll likely always walk this way, even if/when he gets a total hip replacement. I tried to get some video of him today, but the silly guy wouldn't walk away from me... he's such a momma's boy.

Hi Shel,
glad to hear that Norm is going from strength to strength and I'm not at all surprised that the hydro has helped tremendously. Our eldest Saint, Burt, who has both knees plated also still displays the hyperextending hocks and always will, but hydro helped him alot.

Also our youngest Bernard, Gandalf, has just been hip scored at the aged of 16 months and has come back with a very low score of 11 (5:6) and I have to say that I am convinced this is largely down to the fact that he has been going to hydro every week virtually from being a young puppy (as well as restricting his exercise when he was growing, controlling his protein intake and giving him joint supplements).

Looking at the photos it appears that Norm is using a water-walker (treadmill in a tank) as opposed to a pool. I think both forms of hydro are great and can suit certain breeds better than others; would always suggest that lazy labradors who won't swim well in a pool are often better in the water-walker, but some giant breeds find the tank distressing and so prefer the freedom of the pool, but whatever works for your dog is great and just keep on doing it!

You will probably find that Norm will soon have built up enough muscle mass to support his hips and so at some stage you will swap to a maintenance programme of hydro just once a week or once a fortnight to keep him in shape.

Can't tell you again how thrilled I am for you! Good luck with everything and keep us all posted!

Ali