Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy is one of those illnesses you hope to never have to experience. In 1997, I went through it with my baby girl, LULU. She was 5 months at diagnosis, and it took 4 months for her to recover. She did recover fully with no permanent side effects - except a floppy ear and her dislike of cameras as her ordeal was videotaped. Below is her video diary that shows what a dog with H.O.D. looks like.
WARNING: some people will find this video hard to watch as Lulu went through a stage where she could not walk at all. Keep in mind that she FULLY recovered into a beautiful, healthy adult who lived a full and rich life for 7 years. Sadly, I lost her in 2005 to kidney failure - but H.O.D. would not take a lasting effect on her...
I am not a veterinarian and have only been through one case of H.O.D. It is my hope with this video to educate people on how to recognize symptoms and get treatment immediately.
Lulu was treated Homeopathically. There are successful treatments for H.O.D. with traditional veterinary medicine as well. Not all vets will treat H.O.D. the same but the goal should be pain management and a nutrition plan appropriate to the pup. In most cases, it is no longer necessary to put a dog to sleep. Even dogs who don't fully recover can lead a happy, full life (see BELLE's page).
So should your pup be diagnosed with H.O.D., do as much research as possible to see what is the most successful and up-to-date treatment and therapy available.
