Client Instructions: In managing hip dysplasia, it is important to wait until the animal is at least eleven months old before pursuing surgical intervention. At this point, JocelynÕs growth will be more complete and the condition could be markedly improved. Therefore, we should pursue a conservative approach to managing this disease until Jocelyn is old enough for more aggressive therapy. The plan should include careful diet and nutritional planning, adequate analgesia to keep Jocelyn comfortable, and restricted activity to minimize further damage to her joints. In JocelynÕs case, it will be important to modify her diet in order to maintain lean muscle mass. This is vital because extra weight will add to the stress placed upon the hip joints. Large breed dogs, such as Rottweilers, tend to grow quickly and put on weight before the long bones have had a chance to fully calcify. Therefore, Jocelyn should be kept on a restricted diet and fed measured amounts twice daily. She should be fed a high quality diet that is especially formulated for large breed dogs. The next step to managing JocelynÕs condition is providing adequate analgesia. It is possible that the Rimadyl is an adequate drug for her but needs to be given consistently for several weeks for full effect. Other anti-inflammatory drugs such as Etogesic could also be considered. If anti-inflammatory drugs alone are not enough, Jocelyn could also be put on nutraceutical preparations such as Glycoflex or Cosequin to help improve joint health. The owners should stay in relatively close contact with the veterinarian over the next few months to ensure that JocelynÕs pain management is effective and working. JocelynÕs activity should also be monitored. The owners should not allow her to undergo strenuous exercise or engage in rough play. However, the owners should encourage light exercise such as swimming or leash walking to maintain JocelynÕs overall physical fitness. Once Jocelyn reaches eleven months of age, her status should be reevaluated. A routine physical exam should be repeated to evaluate her overall health. Also, radiographs and a thorough orthopedic exam under sedation should be repeated to determine further treatment necessary. Depending on the results of these exams surgical possibilities can be explained.