Ask The Doc: OCD

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Thank you for responding....my Chip is limping only after exercise. I can only take him on a 1mile walk before he begins to hold up his left leg (the hock on this leg). My vet said there were no guarantees that surgery will fix anything. He is only a couple of pounds over weight and I have him on a "light" food. I am also giving him Glucosimine w/chondroitin to assist in healing the joints. Your response sounds very positive. My fear is that I would have to put him down rather than watch him be lame for the rest of his life. My children love him to pieces. We'll just hope for the best and try to keep him healthy and happy. Thanks again.

Dr DeMichael: My understanding is that CHIP becomes lame after walking for a mile or so. Can I assume that he has had radiographs taken and that an accurate diagnosis has been reached? If so, I would suggest the following:

1. Reduce exercise.....don't walk him to the point of lameness for the next several months.
2. Continue glucosamine supplementation. You can even feed him Eukanuba Large Breed Adult formula which has glucosamine added right to the food.
3. Evaluate the possibility of surgical repair. Depending on the degree of loose cartilage, it sometimes is "easy" to clean the affected areas of the bone and allow for quicker healing. If you pursue this option, I would recommend an orthopedic specialist. Get a referral from your vet to a "board certified" orthopedicist.
4. Again, you'll need to restrict CHIP'S exercise if you decide to go the non-surgical route. Consider that rest will help the affected areas mend and remodel. Exercise will only re-aggravate the situation and delay the natural healing process.

Hopefully your fear of having to euthanize him is just that....fear. Without knowing the dog, I would suggest that he has a very good chance of continuing on as a normal playmate and companion for the family once he has had a chance to heal a bit.