Management Plan Our goals for this case include fully educating our clients on every available option and then providing the best treatment option with the clientsÕ available financial resources. Based on the diagnosis of hip dysplasia, and governed by the financial constraints of the clients, this case should be managed as follows: 1. Restrict the dogÕs exercise level to leash walks for short distances, even in the back yard, and keep her off stairs. 2. Engage in non-impact exercise such as swimming. This activity will keep the hip muscles strong without causing trauma to the joints. Also, train the clients to do passive joint therapy daily. 3. Discontinue free-choice feeding and move to a portion-controlled feeding plan. This will help keep the dog at her optimal weight level, thereby reducing stress on the hip joints. Additionally, keep her on large-breed food. 4. For analgesia, administer aspirin (10-25 mg/kg BID/TID). If GI upset develops, the dog may need to discontinue the aspirin and move back to Rimadyl, which is the preferred drug due to its preferential inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme. Again, the clients must be sure to restrict the dogÕs activity because she may overexert herself once her pain is diminished. 5. Give the clients the option of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan supplementation. Inform them that while these supplements are not regulated by the FDA for safety and efficacy, they do seem to help some animals. Cosequin is expensive but an available additional treatment. Also discuss other alternative therapies (acupuncture, homeopathy) that are available. 6. Inform clients that the above actions are palliative only and will not cure the dogÕs hip dysplasia. Even with the steps above, they may notice increased degeneration of the dogÕs condition. Ultimately, a femoral or pelvic osteotomy may be necessary. While surgery in this case is ideal, our clients may be financially constrained from this option.