My Vet Prescribed Hills Science Diet or Prescription Diet

If you’re still reading this article, it is likely that your vet has recommended or has already sold you an incredibly expensive bag of this "perscription only" food that has scientific research to "validate" its benefits. Don’t get me wrong, your vet is well intended, but the fact remains that veterinary education and practice sorely lacks in the area of quality nutrition. They would rather trust an incredibly small sample size study (usually 500 animals or so), with dogs hand selected by Hills, than 1000′s of years of evolution.

The bottom line is that dogs were not meant to eat undigested corn, brewers rice, any kind of gluten, by-products, nor any other cheaply made food filler common in today’s commercial dog foods. Notice I did not say that dogs shouldn’t eat carbohydrates or grains. Any good vet will tell you that the first thing a wild dog will eat is the stomach and other organ content from their pray, and that these contents are filled with grain and carbohydrates as well as their intrinsic proteins.

But the fact is, those items have been chewed, and at least partially digested before the wild dog eats it. Further, natural prey is not eating gluten, or any kind of corn. The cheaply made proteins and food fillers are very difficult to digest. Gluten is a horrible source of protein, and has been linked to obesity, food allergies, and other health problems in humans.

Hills Science Diet Dog Food is a Waste Of Your Money

Before I go any further, I am not a veterinarian. I am however a certified nutritionist, and have done significant research on nutrition for dogs. As the owner of two English Bulldogs, I do constant research via trial and error trying to keep my dogs skin problems in check (successfully I might add). I am writing this article because I know Hills’ products are not high quality nutrition, and are massively over priced for what you get.

Of course, I’m certain that you want proof, so, I’m going to show you right now that Hills Science Diet is almost identical to Purina One, which is available at any grocery store for a significantly more reasonable price (don’t get me wrong, I would never feed my dog grocery store dog food). Let’s take  a look:

Hills Science Diet I/D Canine Dog Food (chicken)

Purina One Chicken and Rice Formula

Ground Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice, Dried Egg Product, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Powdered Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Chicken Liver Flavor, Iodized Salt, Potassium Citrate, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract. Average Nutrient Contents Nutrient   Dry Matter1 % Protein 26.2 Fat 14.1 Carbohydrate (NFE) 50.3 Crude Fiber 2.7 Total Dietary Fiber 8.7 Soluble Fiber 1.2 Insoluble Fiber 7.5     Calcium 1.04 Phosphorus 0.79 Sodium 0.45 Potassium 0.92 Magnesium 0.095 All info copied directly from http://www.hillspet.com/hillspet/products/productDetails.hjsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524441760640

Chicken (natural source of glucosamine), brewers rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal (natural source of glucosamine), whole grain wheat, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), animal digest, calcium phosphate, salt, potassium chloride, caramel color, calcium carbonate, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, copper sulfate, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, garlic oil, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), sodium selenite.   Crude Protein (MIN) 26.0% Phosphorus (P) (MIN) 0.8% Crude Fat (MIN) 16.0% Selenium (Se) (MIN) 0.30 mg/kg Crude Fiber (MAX) 3.0% Vitamin A (MIN) 13,000 IU/kg Moisture (MAX) 12.0% Vitamin E (MIN) 100 IU/kg Linoleic Acid (MIN) 1.4% Glucosamine (MIN)* 400 ppm Calcium (Ca) (MIN) 1.0%       All info copied directly from http://www.purinaone.com/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=3EB3A790-120E-4311-A61E-09A232AF7926

 As you can see, the ingredients lists are not identical, but they are very close. In fact, the primary (first listed and thus most abundant) ingredient in Purina One is Chicken (not chicken by product or even chicken meal which is perfectly acceptable), making it a better protein source than Hills. The nutrient ratios are almost identical, as well as the balance of calcium and phosphorous. Sadly, hills makes up its protein content with inferior ingredients as well explore below.

On their website, Hills claims that the I/D formula has the following key health benefits:

Science Diet I/D Key Benefits Table

Prescription Diet® i/d® is formulated with the following benefits:
• Highly digestible protein and fat to help repair tissues and assimilate nutrients faster
• Mixed fiber source to help maintain gastrointestinal health
• Optimal balance of nutrients to help replenish the body and help encourage recovery
• Added antioxidants to control cell oxidation and promote a healthy immune system

The protein in the food comes from dried egg, chicken by-product, and corn gluten. The only high quality protein source in this food is dried egg, which is the 3rd ingredient on the list. The primary ingredients in this food are corn, and Brewers rice, which is the small milled fragments of rice kernels that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. This process removes many of the nutrients contained in whole ground rice and brown rice. Quite simply, the primary ingredients in this food are FILLER!

Regulations for dog food don’t require the source of vitamins to be listed. However, the mineral sources are listed on food bags, so I assume there is some regulation there. The mineral sources in Hills are also of very low quality (except the iron from ferrous sulfate). Zinc for instance should come in the form of zinc picolinate or zinc gluconate. Zinc oxide, the form in the Hills formula is an inorganic compound used to make things such as batteries, Desitin, and sun block.

Large Breed Dogs have different nutritional requirements that their smaller brethren. Typically more endomorphic, they require easier to digest “single source” protein. High-protein, low-carbohydrate and grain-free ORIJEN 6 FISH replicates the same rich balance of meats, fruits, vegetables and grasses that dogs would encounter in a wilderness setting, but with single-source protein from fish and single-source carbohydrate from potato.

Large Breed Dogs (and dogs in general) have a relatively short gastrointestinal system, which has evolved to metabolize proteins. Unfortunately, their systems lack the enzymes required to efficiently digest carbohydrates such as grains and sugars. Their bodies are extremely well suited to utilizing animal proteins as an energy source, as well as for building healthy muscles, organs, skin, and coats.

Different from other grain-free diets, ORIJEN moderates total calories to better match the lifestyle and energy needs of today’s domestic dog.

According to Orijen, “[Orijen 6 Fresh Fish provides] calories in a biologically appropriate form (more calories from protein, fewer calories from carbohydrate and moderate calories from fat) ORIJEN naturally controls body weight.

Orijen 6 Fresh Fish Description

8 sources of human-grade fish ingredients harvested from Canada’s clean northern lakes and pacific seas provide the the protein, and essential fatty acids that dogs cannot produce themselves (including DHA and EPA) and are so important to nutritionally support the development of cell membranes, immune systems and a vibrant skin and hair coat.

ORIJEN 6 FISH is nutritionally diverse and biologically complete with amino and fatty acids balanced to optimally nourish your dog.

Orijen 6 Fresh Fish Ingredients

ORIJEN 6 FRESH FISH with SEA VEGETABLES is a Biologically Appropriate Real-food Kibble (BARK) diet and is formulated with a biologically correct (70/30/0) ingredient ratio of 70% fish, 30% fruit and vegetables and 0% grain. All ingredients are slow-cooked at low temperature (90c) to retain their natural goodness and flavor.

Proteins:
8 of the first 10 ingredients are high quality fish protein sources sources. Salmon clearly is the number 1 ingredient in terms of weight as the first ingredient is fresh salmon, and the second is salmon meal. The rest of the fish is white fish, the easiest to digest and highest bioavailability protein anywhere.

Fats:
Salmon oin, herring oil, whitefish, trout, walleye, cod, herring, and sunflower oil make up the fatty acid profile. This should provide a well balanced ratio of omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9 fatty acides

Carbohydrates:
The primary carbohydrates, russet and sweet potatoes, are excellent sources of easy to digest carbohydrates.

The vegetable profile of alfalfa, dried sea vegetables, leeks, combined with psyillium provide essential vitamins and minerals without adding too many calories. The also provide your dog with plenty of fiber to keep their systems moving.

Added Minerals:
Iron, zinc, manganese, and copper have been added to the formula to help balance the mineral profile. Active dogs tend to be zinc and magnesium deficient. I would like to have seen magnesium added to the profile, but the overall mineral profile is solid.

Probiotics
Acidophilus helps build up the “good” bacteria in the intestines, which help to properly digest food and absorb nutritents.

Orijen 6 Fresh Fish Dog Food Rating

Read how our dog food rating system works

Quality of Protein – 4+
Quality of Fats – 3+
Quality of Fruits and Vegetables – 2.0
Additional Ingredients – 1
————————————
Total – 10.0+

Orijen Dog Food Discount

We have negotiated a 10% discount off of PetFoodDirect.com already low prices, including sale prices!

Click on The Bag, and enter Coupon Code PER10PCT at checkout

Dogs are carnivores by nature. They thrive on a varied diet of meats with smaller amounts of fruits, vegetables and grasses. 

Their bodies are extremely well suited to utilizing animal proteins as an energy source, as well as for building healthy muscles, organs, skin, and coats.

Therefore, your dog should be eating more protein and fats, mixed with some fruits, vegetables, and grasses, and no grains in order to remain happy, healthy, and vibrant.

According to Orijen, "[Orijen Adult is] high in protein and low in carbohydrate. ORIJEN Adult’s grain-free formula that replicates the same rich and diverse balance of meats, fruits, vegetables and grasses that puppies and young dogs would encounter in a wilderness setting.

Orijen Adult Description

Chicken, flax, sunflower, salmon and anchovy oils provide the essential fatty acids that dogs cannot produce themselves (including DHA and EPA) and are so important to nutritionally support the development of cell membranes, immune systems and a vibrant skin and hair coat.

Bridging the gap between good nutrition and total physical well-being, ORIJEN Adult contains native botanicals that include marshmallow, burdock and chicory root, stinging nettle and milk thistle,— all of which replicate the natural canine diet and help to soothe, nourish and tone the digestive tract, strengthen the liver and control insulin levels."

Orijen Adult Ingredients

According to a research done by Orijen, dogs require a 70 / 30 balance of meat to fruits and vegetables in order to create optimal health. Made with the highest inclusions of fresh grain-fed chicken meat, wild-caught northern whitefish and fresh whole eggs, ORIJEN is bursting with the protein-packed, veterinary-inspected meats (minimum 70%) that form a Biologically Appropriate diet,—and none of the grains or carbohydrates that are inappropriate for your dog. As with all other Orijen formulas, the food is prepared in a low temperature environment in order to retain the nutritional value of the food while keep it safe!

Proteins:
Four of the first 5 ingredients are protein sources. Deboned chicken has a fair amount of water by weight which which would make it fall further down in the list, but since the next two ingredients are "meal", which means all of the water has been evaporated, there is little doubt this food reaches the 75% meat weight as advertised.

Fats:
Eggs, salmon, anchovy, and sunflower oil provide a very well balanced fatty acid profile. This is good for your dogs brain, joints, skin, hair, and for maintaining proper body weight.

Carbohydrates:
The primary carbohydrate, sweet potato, is an excellent source of easy to digest carbohydrates.

The vegetable profile of alfalfa, brown kep, carrots, and spinach provide essential vitamins and minerals without adding too many calories. Glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to help form healthy joints.

Added Minerals:
Iron, zinc, manganese, and copper have been added to the formula to help balance the mineral profile. Active dogs tend to be zinc and magnesium deficient. I would like to have seen magnesium added to the profile, but the overall mineral profile is solid.

Probiotics
Acidophilus helps build up the "good" bacteria in the intestines, which help to properly digest food and absorb nutritents.

Orijen Adult Food Rating

Read how our dog food rating system works

Quality of Protein – 4
Quality of Fats – 3
Quality of Fruits and Vegetables – 2.0
Additional Ingredients – 1
————————————
Total – 10.0

Orijen Dog Food Discount

We have negotiated a 10% discount off of PetFoodDirect.com already low prices, including sale prices!

Click on the bag and enter the code PER10PCT at Checkout

The Orijen Dog Food Concept

Orijen dog food is produced by Champion Pet Foods located in Alberta Canada.

They follow a really simple yet amazingly often over looked principle in creating extremely healthy food for your dog: Creating Biologically Appropriate food.

Simply stated, biologically appropriate means feeding your dog food that nature intended them, and in fact evolved them to eat. This means Orijen uses fresh, whole, and healthy ingredients. Ingredients free from protein byproudcts, cheap grains that your dog was never intended to eat, and other questionable additives.

As a nutritionist, this concept falls right in line with what I teach my clients. Humans are not designed to eat processed foods, hygrogentated oils, and high fructose corn syrup. The results of eating this non-biologically appropriate foods are evident by looking at the American public. Unfortunately for dogs, they don’t get to choose the food they eat, so it’s up to us to feed them appropriately.

How Orijen Dog Food Benefits Your Dogs Health

Over many thousands of years, dog have evolved eating primarily a carnivorous diet. Orijen has done extensive research on the proper ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrate appropriate for dogs. By designing their foods with 70% meat, 30% fruits and vegetables, and 0% grains, they have created a product that matches your dogs dietary needs.

Orijen is relatively expensive dog food; probably 2 or 3 times more expensive that you are used to paying if you are using a nation brand from your grocery store. However, the money you’ll save in veterinary bills, and the emotional stress you’ll avoid by having a healthier, happier, more active dog is well worth it.

The Orijen Dog Food Product Line

There are currently 5 different varieties of Orijen dog food:

• Puppy
• Puppy - Large Breed
• Adult
• 6 Fresh Fish
• Senior

Choosing the appropriate Orijen dog food for your dog is fairly simple. Here is a simple chart:

Orijen Dog Food Product Details

We have written reviews of each of the different Orijen dog food formulas in which we analyze the ingredients as well as the recommended serving sizes.

Click on the food bag to learn more about each formula.

Orijen Puppy

Orijen Puppy Large Breed

Orijen Adult

Orijen 6 Fresh Fish

Orijen Senior

Contacting Champion Petfoods LTD

If you would like to contact the manufacturer directly, Champion Petfoods is very responsive to questions about its’ Orijen Dog Food line. Here’s the number:

Champion Petfoods LTD.
9503-90 Avenue,
Morinville, Alberta
Canada, T8R 1K7
t. 780 939 6888
w. http://www.championpetfoods.com

Puppies are carnivores by nature. Due to their extremely fast metabolism and high levels of energy. they thrive on a varied diet of meats with smaller amounts of fruits, vegetables and grasses.

Their bodies are extremely well suited to utilizing animal proteins as an energy source, as well as for building healthy muscles, organs, skin, and coats.

Therefore, your puppy needs less fruits, vegetables, and grasses in order to develop properly.

According to Orijen, “[Orijen Puppy is] high in protein and low in carbohydrate. ORIJEN PUPPY has a grain-free formula that replicates the same rich and diverse balance of meats, fruits, vegetables and grasses that puppies and young dogs would encounter in a wilderness setting.

Orijen Puppy Ingredients

Since puppies require more protein than adult dogs, Orijen has increased the ratio of meat to fruits and vegetables from 70 / 30 to 75 / 25. As with all other Orijen forumlas, there are 0 grains.  The food is low temperature cooked at 90c/195F to preserve their natural goodness.

Proteins:

Four of the first 5 ingredients are protein sources. Deboned chicken has a fair amount of water by weight which which would make it fall further down in the list, but since the next two ingredients are “meal”, which means all of the water has been evaporated, there is little doubt this food reaches the 75% meat weight as advertised.

Fats:
Eggs, salmon, anchovy, and sunflower oil provide a very well balanced fatty acid profile. This is good for your dogs brain, joints, skin, hair, and for maintaining proper body weight.

Carbohydrates:
The primary carbohydrate, sweet potato, is an excellent source of easy to digest carbohydrates.

The vegetable profile of alfalfa, brown kep, carrots, and spinach provide essential vitamins and minerals without adding too many calories. Glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to help form healthy joints.

Added Minerals:
Iron, zinc, manganese, and copper have been added to the formula to help balance the mineral profile. Active dogs tend to be zinc and magnesium deficient. I would like to have seen magnesium added to the profile, but the overall mineral profile is solid.

Probiotics
Acidophilus helps build up the “good” bacteria in the intestines, which help to properly digest food and absorb nutritents.

Orijen Puppy Food Rating

Read how our dog food rating system works

Quality of Protein – 4
Quality of Fats – 3
Quality of Fruits and Vegetables – 2.0
Additional Ingredients – 1
————————————
Total – 10.0

Orijen Dog Food Discount

We have negotiated a 10% discount off of PetFoodDirect.com already low prices, including sale prices!

Click on the bag, then enter the code per10pct at checkout

Puppies	large breed puppies

Trying to find a healthy food for your dog used to be a test of faith. Fortunately, government standards and the internet have made it so that you can make an informed choice much easier.

There are several things to consider when choosing a food for your dog:

• Age Of Your dog
• Size Of Your Dog
• Activity Level Of Your Dog
• Current Weight Of Your Dog
• Any Allergies Your Dog May Have

Dog Food Comparison – Labels Tricks

Ingredients

By law (as created by AAFCO – The Association of American Feed Control Officials), all ingredients must be listed in order by weight from greatest to least. This means that if beef is the first ingredient, beef must be the most prevelant ingredient in the food.

Unfortunately, there are several tricks that many food manufacturers use to manipulate the perceived quality of their food. The good news is that we are aware of these tricks, and take them into consideration when rating our products.

Dog Food Comparison – Our Rating System

We use a 10 point rating sytem. A dog’s diet should consist mostly of quality proteins and fats, whic make up 7 of the 10 points. Balanced nutrition and fiber shoud come from fruits and vegetables which make up 2 points. Additives such as vitamins, minerals, supplements, and probiotics make up the final point.

Positive Points
Quality of protein – Up to 4 points
Quality and balance of fats – Up to 3 points
Quality of fruits and vegetables – Up to 2 points 
Additional Microbiotics and Probiotics – Up to 1 point
———————————————————————–
Total – 10 Points

Negative Pints
Presence of "bad" grains – Up to -2 points
Presence of Byproducts – Up to -3 points
 

Dog Food Comparison

•  Adult Formula Dog Food Comparison

Each of the following foods are high end, high quality foods. Depending on your dogs particular dietary constraints (fish, beef, lamb, poultry), either of these foods would be appropriate and very good for your dog.

The clear winner is the Orijen Adult formula. All of the proteins, fats, and veggies / fruits come from wild or organic sources. There are absolutely NO GRAINS or fillers in the food. Russet Potato is used to hold the food together, providing a low allergen, vitamin rich carbohydrate to provide your dog with energy.

Click on the bag of food to review it’s label information, and receive an instant 10% discount!

Solid Gold Wolf King

Quality of Protein – 3.5
Quality of Fats – 3
Quality of Fruits and Vegetables – 1.5
Additional Ingredients – .5
————————————
Total – 8.5

Nutro Ultra

Quality of Protein – 2.5
Quality of Fats – 1.5
Quality of Fruits and Vegetables – 1.0
Additional Ingredients – .5
————————————
Total – 5.5

Winner – Orijen Adult

Read Our Review
Quality of Protein – 4
Quality of Fats – 3
Quality of Fruits and Vegetables – 2.0
Additional Ingredients – 1
————————————
Total – 10.0

Canidae for All Life Stages
 

Quality of Protein – 3
Qality of Fats – 2.5
 Quality of Fruits and Vegetables – 1.0
Additional Ingredients – 1
————————————
Total – 7.5

Dog Knee Injuries Overview

Due to the anatomy and biomechanics of a dogs knee, they are prone to specific types of knee injuries.

The two most common dog knee injuries are:

1. Cruciate ligament ruptures
2. Tears of the medial meniscus

Basic Anatomy of a Dogs Knee

Actually, the joint which most people call a knee is called the stifle on a dog. However, since most of us identify it as a knee, I will continue to call it out as such.

The knee is a joint that connects the femur (the upper leg bone), to the tibia (the lower leg bone).

There is a "cushion" between the two bones made of relatively soft cartilage called the meniscus.

The knee is stabilized laterally (side to side), and horizontally by  several ligaments.

Anatomical Causes of Dog Knee Injuries

As I said before, the most common dog knee injury is a rupture of one of the cruciate ligaments. The reason dogs are prone to this type of injury, particularly large dogs, and dogs who are over weight, is to great of a tibial slope.

If you have no idea what a tibial slope is, I have written an article about TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), the most effective surgery used to repair cruciate ligaments tears and prevent future knee problems. To summarize, the upper part of the of the tibia know as the plateau is surgically cut, rotated, and then held in place by a steel plate, reducing the tibial slope.

Cruciate ligament tears lead to tears in the the meniscus (the cushion) 40 – 50% of the time.

Did You Like This Article?

TPLO Surgery, or Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy is procedure typically done to repair a repture of the cranial cruciate ligament in a dogs knee.

Unforunately for dogs, their knees are designed in such a way that there is constant stress on the cruciate ligament, which is the ligament which holds the joint between the femur (the upper leg), and the tibia (the lower leg) together.

As you can see in the image on the far left, the angle between the femur (the bone on top), and the tibial slope (the slighty curved top portion of the bottom bone) is not perpendicular to the tibia.

During activity the femur actually slides backwards down the the tibial slope, forcing the tibia forward, placing contact stress on the cruciate ligament.

The risk of cruciate ligament tear increases if your dog is overweight, has an excessively steep tibial slope, or during intense exercise such as jumping.

TPLO surgery relieves the tension on the cruciate ligament by chaning the angle between the femure and the tibial slope to an angle of approximately 2 to 14 degrees. This slight angle prevents the femur from sliding back on the tibial slope, reducing stress on the cruciate ligament.

When is TPLO Surgery Necessary?

Cruciate ligament ruptures typically in older, large breed, and overweight dogs, and any damage to the ligament or meniscus requires surgery. The severity of symptoms depends on several factors:

• If the meniscus is torn. Meniscal tears are very painful; if your dog tears his / her meniscus, it is likely the leg will be completely lame. In other words, your dog will hold the leg up and will not place any weight on the leg. If your dog has a high pain threshold (such as bulldogs), it is possible they will still be weight bearing. If you hear a persisten audible clicking noise comming from the knee, it is very likely your dog has torn their meniscus
• The severity of the cruciate ligament damage
• Your dogs overall weight and health

Signs of lameness can very from acute discomfort and disuse of the leg to intermittent signs of discomfort. If your dog occasionally holds their leg off of the ground and appears to be "searching" for the floor with his foot, this is a sign of ligament damage.

Definitive diagnosis of ligament and meniscus damage can only be done by physical evaluation by a qualified TPLO surgeon. The knee joint will be manipulated and tested for stability.

Upon diagnosis, your surgeon will schedule an appointment to take X-rays while your dog is under sedation. These xrays will be used to measure your dogs tibial slope and for planing the surgical repair.

What Is Done During TPLO Surgery?

TPLO surgery is generall a very techincal yet relatively fast surgery, lasting from 45 to 90 minutes

During TPLO surgery, the surgeon will

• Remove and repair the torn pieces of the curciate ligament
• Remove any torn peices of meniscal cartilage (fix the meniscus). Every attempt to save as much of the meniscus is made.
• Cut a curved portion in the top of the tibia, including the tibial plateau. This is the osteotomy portion of the surgey
• Based on measurments taken from xrays, the surgeon will rotate the tibial plateau, leveling the tibial slope.
• A stainless steel plate will be screwed into the tibial plateau and the base of the tibia to hold the osteotomy in place while the bone heals

A tear in the cruciate ligament typically results in some degree of lameness in the leg.  Early identification and application of TPLO Surgery can reduce the chance of arthritis, cartilage damage such as meniscal tears (the meniscus is the cartilage padding between the bottom end of the femur and the top end of the tibia).

How Much Does TPLO Surgery Cost

The cost of TPLO surgery can very to a large degree depending on the breed of your dog and the quality and experience of your surgeon. A highly qualified TPLO specialist generally charges around $2500 dollars.

You may find other doctors who will perform the surgery for as little as $1500. However, if you can afford it, using a TPLO specialist is recommended, as this will give your dog the best chance of having normal knee function, and reduces the possibility of really bad arhtritis.

Does Pet Insurance Cover TPLO Surgery

As long as there is no pre-existing condition, pet insurance should cover a portion of your dogs TPLO surgery.

I have direct experience with VPI pet insurance and TPLO surgery. My English Bulldog had TPLO surgery on his right leg, and VPI covered a little over 50% of the $3000 bill.

Did You Like This Article?

Labs typically do not have a great deal of skin problems, but are susceptible to hair loss (alopecia). Here is a list of common issues that cause hair loss in Labradors.

Common Labrador Retriever Skin Problems

• Flea Allergy Dermatitis
  I cover flea related issues and treatment my article "Dog Hair Loss (Allopecia) – Reasons Why Dogs Lose Hair and How To Treat Dog Hair Loss"
• Lick granuloma
  Lick Granuloma is a terrible skin problem caused by the constant licking of a sore by your dog. I thought about writing an entire article on this, but there is an article over on The Pet Center that is very complete.
• Hypothyroid related Alopecia
  Better known as Hypothyroidism, symptoms include hair loss, mainly of each flank (the sides between the front and rear leg), dry skin, weight gain, and lethargy. Your vet can test for thyroid problems using simple blood tests, and treatment includes the use of thyroid hormone replacement. The good news is that treatment is very effective, and improvements in health and behavior tend to show up quickly.
• Hot Spots and Dandruff
  There can be many causes for hot spots and dandruff. I typically recommend that people try a good fish oil supplement and a yeast treatment before taking their dog to the vet.

Non-Skin Problem Related Labrador Retriever Health Issues

• Canine Hip Dysplasia
  Hip dysplasia is a skeletal problem in which the head of the femur doesn’t mesh well with the pelvic socket. It is possible for a dog to have hip dysplasia and not show symptoms. However, once the symptoms appear they are very dramatic. The pain causes lameness in one or both of the rear legs. Chronic arthritis typically develops as this disease progresses.
• Cataracts 
  Dogs can get cataracts just like humans, and this is more common in labs. Fortunately, they can be surgically removed with little side effects.
• Elbow Dysplasia
  Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is caused by development problems in the joint. It typically leads to arthritis and sometimes to OCD (see below). There are surgical treatments available for elbow dysplasia, but I recommend you see a specialist in this area rather than your regular vet.
• Gastric Torsion
  Caused by a twisting of the stomach, gastric torsion traps the stomach contents and gases causing a rapid swelling of the abdomen. This results in extreme pain and eventual death if left untreated. If your dog displays extreme pain in the stomach area, this is a 911 emergency. You must take your dog to a 24 hour emergency veterinary clinic for treatment immediately.
• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
  OCD is a degenerative condition occurring in the bone which underlies the cartilage layer of joints. OCD onset is most common when large breed dogs go through a large growth spurt, and typically occurs in the shoulder, ankle, or elbow joints. If your puppy has just gone through a growth spurt and appears to be limping for no good reason, it is possibly caused by OCD. Your veterinarian can recommend the best treatment, but rest and proper nutrition can help.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  As the name implies, this is a progressive deteriorating of the retina, leading to night blindness, and eventually complete blindness. Your vet can identify PRA via electroretinogram (ERG), or by using a retinoscopic exam

Dog First Aid

You never know when an emergency may occur, and knowing a bit of first aid and having a first aid kit ready for your dog might just save their life. Here’s a guide I wrote about dog first aid.

More Information

Since there are literally hundreds, if not thousands of reasons why your labrador may experience hair loss, it is well beyond the scope of this article to cover each and every one. I will cover some of the most common reasons here, but if you do not find what you are looking for, please take a moment to sign up for our dog health news letter. I cover many more causes of hair loss, as well as many other health issues your dog may have.

My goal is to teach you when you need to take your dog to the vet, and when you don’t. Of course, I’ll be recommending some products (read – advertising), but I promise to provide you with valuable information such as you will read in this article.