I posted before a question about having my dog put down because of big problems with hip dysplasia. The dog is a lab weighing about 80 pounds. He weight has been kept under control for the last few years to lighten the load. I am going to take her to the vet as soon as I work up the nerve. I'm afraid of the bad news that I will probably get.

The problem is the hips are getting so bad that the dog falls often and has difficulty getting back up. She is still able to climb stairs, but barely. She quit greeting anyone at the door because of probable pain and difficulty standing. The last time I took her to the vet he said to give her Ibuprophen. That isn't working any more. She seems to be declining as far as the hips go, but her mind is very alert. She has no other health problems.

Has anyone has any successful treatment for an older (she is 11) dog with this type of problem? I'm afraid my only option is to have her put down. I just can't bring myself to do it just yet.

Hip dysplasia (abnormal hip development) is widespread among dogs, especially large breeds. It seldom shows while the dogs are young. As they age, they become stiffer, as a result of a superimposed arthritis in the joint, and may have difficulty in rising, jumping or walking any distance, as you described. In most cases, it is actually possible to remove the malformed hip joint, but various techniques are used to relieve the pain of hip dysphasia and these depend on the surgeon's preference. If your surgeon doesn't have any other options for you but putting down your dog, try another surgeon.
But remember not to let your dog suffer if there really is no hope of a better life!

I second silver85. At least get a 2nd opinion. And consider all options for pain management.

Other options to pursue besides surgery:

Acupuncture?
We had a 14yo sheepdog mix who was more spry her 14th year than her 13yr b/c she responded so well to acupuncture (she had arthritis in the elbow). Within minutes of the treatment she seemed more pain-free and was able to get in and out of the car with more ease.... and trip up and down 14 stair steps.

Implanted gold beads?
This is a procedure more commonly practiced in Europe than the states and I don't know much about it other than gold beads are literally implanted in the hips and somehow it helps movement.

Adequan injections
Currently our 11.5yo Airedale (80 pounds) gets these injections weekly for his poor hips. He was bodyslammed by my Airedale from h*ll (52 pounds and 3yo) and had to have both knees repaired surgically. Even so, a retired teaching surgeon thought he might have rheumatoid arthritis and recommended steroids (prednisone). I would only use steroids as a last resort as it messes with the immune system. The Adequan injections plus the supplement Glycoflex have helped our 11.5yo Airedale regain a good quality of life (he can walk a s-l-o-w 2 miles).

Glucosamine chondroitin
Another supplement to investigate as it helps build up the cartiledge and tissue between the bones.

Carprofen (Rimadyl)
Before putting down your lab, you might consider using this NSAID. I would have your Lab's liver values checked every 6 weeks or so b/c one of the side effects is liver irritation. It does have almost "miraculous" powers in terms of blocking pain. Just use it carefully and wisely. I've read that Europeans use only half the dose prescribed by a vet, so after you've had your Lab on it for a week or so, you might play with the dosage (cut it down by 1/4) and see what your dog's tolerance is before it stops being effective.

All good wishes.

Airedale (I am not a veterinarian, just well read due to problems with my own dawgs)

Hi. My Lab has hip dysplasia. My vet gave me Piroxicam 10 mg. It helps her a lot. We give it to her every other day. She is 1 1/2 years old, though. He did say that surgery was an option, but, it was very expensive and often kind of backfired. My vet is a very good vet. He has never steered me wrong.
That is the only suggestion I can give. Your Lab is 11 years old...He has lived long. Most vets aren't going to recommend surgery at an age like that, because...they might not come out of it.
Do get a second an opinion, or a third...I'm not saying not to. Not at all. I have had to put a dog to sleep before, and it was so painful. There was nothing that could be done for him, though.
My thoughts are with you, and I hope you find a better alternative. I must say, though..if your baby can't walk too well, then...he's awfully depressed. I know you don't want to let him go. I wouldn't want to either. You'll know when it's the right time.
My thoughts are with you. I hope I was as sincere and thoughtful as I tried to be in this message.

-Trinity