07/03/2025
Here's Part 2 of Toby's Joint Health Journey!
A lot has already been shared by far more qualified people than us on how to manage joint issues in pets, especially when it comes to therapy, exercise, and supplements! But we thought we'd share the main lesson we learned, going on this journey with Toby.
Knowing that Golden Retrievers are prone to joint problems, we consulted our vet at the time when we first got Toby as a puppy. He bluntly told us that there's no point doing anything. He said, "I can already tell you he's got a problem. But what do you want to do? You got the runt." Toby's trainer also told us (with no actual evidence!) that Toby didn't need any medical help and that all retrievers are 'like that'. We ignored these pieces of 'advice' and signed Toby up for swimming lessons and looked into joint supplements. However things took a turn for the worse when Toby stopped being able to stand or walk for long when he turned 4.
Thankfully the new vet we were seeing at the time was far more helpful. He did an x-ray, revealing double hip dysplasia, and bone spurs growing on the left hip. This medical report enabled us to seek a professional hydrotherapist's advice and treatment. We really can't thank Anna from enough for everything she did for Toby. Although never very robust, Toby's strength and mobility stayed intact throughout the rest of his life. Something we're forever thankful for.
Our point is this: early intervention makes a world of difference for our super seniors. It doesn't matter what age they are at, or what the problem is. It's important to know exactly what you're dealing with, and to seek the help of committed, competent and sincere professionals. We learned the hard way that not everyone, even qualified professionals, in the pet industry has the best interests of your pets at heart. That responsibility falls on you alone.
So always trust your gut. Never stop learning and advocating for your super seniors!