GSD with hip and elbow displaysia needs help ASAP!!

[FurryFrenz]

Hi All,
I am new to this site and was actually on here researching wheelchairs for dogs. We have a 6 yr old German Shepherd named Stoli. He was diagnosed with Hip Displaysia when he was 6 months old. Then with Elbow Displaysia in both elbows when he was a year. We had the surgery done for his hip when he was about 2yrs. He has since had a limp but was able to walk fine. Then as the years passed he was no longer able to go up stairs or run. Now about 3 weeks ago he has been refusing to walk at all. My husband is laid off and has been able to be home with him everyday. He carries him outside to go potty and we bring food and water to his bed. He is the sweetest pet you could ever have and we just want to be able to help him. My husband is going to start school on Jan. 12th which will mean that he will be unable to be home with Stoli all day. Stoli is too big for me to pick up and carry around and we are worried that our only alternative is to have him put down. We are worried sick about this and want to make sure that all other options have been exhausted before making this horrible decision. One other thing we have noticed him doing, when my husband stands him up, if he tries to walk his feet will flip over onto the tops, I believe it's called knuckling. Could this be from the displaysia or something more? Any advice would be very appreciated. Do you think a wheelchair would help in a situation like his? I look forward to any response.

Thank you!!
Crystal

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

I don't have any spinal experience, but there are many here who do. What does doc say about the knuckling? He is definately in pain, I would say. I would get the doc to make a diagnosis before suggesting a quad cart of any sort, as in spinal injuries, you can assist with antiinflammatories and bed rest.
Others with exp. will weigh in shortly, but in the meantime, WELCOME!

[critters]

Knuckling sounds like a spinal problem, maybe arthritis. I'm with them--see if you can get some meds, then he'll feel better. A quad (4-wheeled) cart would be the way to go for a pupper with bad hips and elbows.

[CarolC]

For your immediate problem of your husband going back to work on Jan 12, I recommend getting your dog male wraps. That way if he has to pee during the day when you cannot help him outside, the pad will absorb it.

http://handicappedpets.biz/wiki/index.p ... male_wraps

http://handicappedpets.biz/wiki/index.p ... a_down_dog

It sounds like you also need a harness. Possibly you could help him to his feet if he had a harness. Are his elbows good enough that he could stand up if you had a rear harness to help boost his rear? They sell affordable harnesses on this website, or there is a more expensive type you can see at http://www.hartmanharness.com. It is also possible to make a harness homemade. If you click this link, the last message has a list of homemade harnesses.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=11926&p=63182#p63182

Here is some information on how to turn your dog to the other side. If he can't turn himself over on his bed then you'll want to turn him every few hours to avoid sores, and be sure he doesn't lie on wrinkles.

http://www.mzjf.com/turn-dog.htm