Management plan

Pain Management
	Early management of pain with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as 
Carprofen, or Etodolac.   Asprin can be used on days when the pain seems more severe.  
This should continue for approximately two weeks until a recheck examination is 
performed. 
	
Nutritional Management
	Present feeding of the dog needs to be changed.  Rather than feeding free choice 
food, feedings should be given in amounts of 1250 Kcal per day of large breed puppy 
food.   The diet can be supplemented with polysulafated glycosaminoglycans such as 
Cosequin, or Glycoflex.  Another option for supplements includes antioxidents such as 
vitamin C and vitamin E.


Exercise management
	Moderate exercise should be encouraged.  Swimming especially provides low 
impact exercise which would be beneficial in this case.  Running up and down the stairs 
or jumping from great heights should be discouraged.

Therapy
	Several options may be presented to the client.  Physical therapy can be 
performed by the owner by applying heat followed by range of motion exercises several 
times a day.  Acupuncture is an alternative option for pain management.  Furthermore 
Adequan can be used in order to restore joint fluid.  This is given as an injection either in 
the joint or in the muscle.

If pain continues to progress, and the dogÕs condition deteriorates, hip replacement 
surgery, or femoral head excision can be presented as an option.