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Spring-Summer 2002

A bi-yearly publication of the Central Illinois German Shepherd Dog Rescue
Spring-Summer 2002

Contents: Dr. Welle's Wisdom From a Caretaker: Jonah Volunteer Needs Why Volunteer and How? Sabrina's Story Goals Accomplishments Greatest Stories Pictures...pictures...pictures Webside Chat

Dr. Welle's Wisdom:

CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA

Canine Hip Dysplasia is a condition caused by a congenital instability or loose fit of the hip joints. As the condition progresses, osteoarthritis or "degenerative joint disease" of the hips occurs, leading to intermittent lameness, stiffness and pain. Hip dysplasia has a hereditary basis which is why it is more prevalent in certain breeds. The inheritance is influenced by multiple genes interacting with environmental factors, such as rapid weight gain as a puppy.

The clinical signs of hip dysplasia are lameness, reluctance to rise or jump, shifting of weight to the front legs, loss of muscling over the rear limbs, and pain when the hips are manipulated. Not all dogs with hip dysplasia visible on x-rays show clinical signs. Dogs may show clinical signs at any age or stage of development of the disease. Many dogs are painful at 6 to 8 months but recover as they mature. Some dogs with very dramatic changes on x-rays do not show any lameness or pain until later in life. As the arthritis progresses over time, dogs may show clinical signs similar to people with arthritis such as lameness after unaccustomed exercise, stiffness after prolonged confinement, and worsening with cold weather. Sedentary behavior can exacerbate the condition by contributing to the further muscle atrophy and increasing weight.

Recommended treatments for hip dysplasia vary with the age of the dog, condition of the hips, and severity of clinical signs. Treatment protocols involve surgical options, anti-inflammatory medications, weight-management, nutritional supplements, and physical therapy. Immature dogs (less than one year) with loose fitting hips, but no arthritic changes may be candidates for a Triple Pelvic Osteotomy or TPO. This procedure involves cutting the pelvic bone in three places and rotating it to stabilize the hip joint and in many cases prevents osteoarthritis. Immature dogs with osteoarthritis present have advanced disease and are treated medically as needed.

Mature dogs with hip dysplasia who are not showing clinical signs do not need surgical treatment. These dogs need to maintain an ideal body weight. The ribs should be easy to feel, and the dog should have an obvious waistline. In obese dogs, weight loss alone may alleviate clinical signs. Mature dogs with hip dysplasia may benefit from nutritional supplements for improving joint health. These products include glucosamine, condroitin, often along with magnesium and Vitamin C. Supplements available from veterinarians (such as Cosequin) are dosed and flavored for dogs. It is very important to encourage regular non-traumatic exercise to develop good muscle mass supporting the hips. Controlled leash walking and swimming are good choices.

Mature dogs with occasional lameness can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin (preferably enteric-coated products such as Ascriptin) or prescription NSAIDS (such as Rimadyl). A veterinarian should be consulted regarding dosing, possible side effects, and any drug interactions. These should always be given on a full stomach and discontinued if there are any gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite). After the lameness subsides, slowly increasing the exercise program should be attempted; if lameness recurs, exercise is decreased and the medications are administered again.

When medical therapy does not provide pain relief and reasonable function, the dog is a candidate for one of two surgical procedures to reconstruct the hip joint. The femoral head and neck osteotomy (FHO) involves removing the femoral portion of the hip joint. The joint heals with fibrous tissue and in many cases allows a more pain free existence. The total hip replacement involves replacing the hip joint with a metal and polyethylene prosthesis. This procedure results in the most normal limb function in large dogs. The procedure is expensive because of the implants and the technical requirements of the surgery. It also is subject to complications such as infection at the implant sight, and requires intense follow-up care.

Dr. Welle is a Veterinarian at All Creature's Animal Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. She is one of the wonderful doctors at this animal hospital that looks after our Shepherds. Please visit their new website at http://www.allcreaturesah.com.

From a Caretaker: Jonah

Definition of Caretaker:
One who takes a dog home, from the Central Illinois German Shepherd Dog Rescue, and treats it as his or her own. A caretaker may take care of the dog until it is adopted or the until the caretaker feels that he or she can no longer care for the rescue dog.

Jonah	Morning Star & her puppies

Background on Jonah:
Jonah has been at the rescue since he was born. His mother, Morning Star, gave birth to Jonah and his siblings on Christmas in 1999. His mother appeared to be full German Shepherd Dog, but after the little black puppies were born, it was apparent that the father had been a black lab. Jonah's siblings and his mom all found homes. However, due to the fact that Jonah had always been the shy type, hanging out away from the group, he did not catch the attention of possible adopters. Fortunately, what made him undesirable to adopters as a puppy, makes him a great dog as an adult. He is a sweet, quiet boy that can entertain himself and enjoys just being with his people.

From the Caretaker:
Originally Jonah's caretaker took Jonah to keep his dog company. After having Jonah for only a week, he was amazed that Jonah was still unadopted after two years at the rescue.

Jonah's caretaker tells us, "If I were in the position to have more than one dog permanently, I would say that Jonah may very well be the dog I would be looking for. Jonah's personality is gentle, sweet, and he thinks he's a big lapdog. He loves going for walks and riding in the car. He also loves to chew on bones! Despite having lived at the rescue his whole life, he will give you notice that he needs to go outside. He loves running around playing, but spends equal time rolled up in a ball sleeping at your feet (or on the couch next to you, if you let him). He comes when you call him and will sit when you tell him to. What more could someone ask for?"

UPDATE: Jonah was adopted on March 16, 2002.

• Dependable people willing to spend a few hours, once a month at Petsmart, finding adopters for our dogs
• People willing to go into nursing homes to meet the residents with our dogs
• A Grant writer
• Follow-up specialists: make phone calls to those who have already adopted from the rescue
• Obedience buddies to take our dogs to obedience class (no class fees apply to Obedience Buddies)
• Grooming helpers: brush and bathe the rescue dogs

Why Volunteer and How?

• It helps the dogs.
• It helps the people that help the dogs.
• Looks darn good on your resume and...
• It helps the dogs.
  

E-mail us at and let us know when you would be able to volunteer your time. Feel free to e-mail us if you have any questions about volunteering. A few hours every week or even once a month can make all the difference in the world to one of our dogs.