Jocelyn has developed hip dysplasia, which is a developmental joint disease that has caused an abnormality in both of the hip joints. The stress on the joints will lead to degenerative changes. It is caused by a variety of factors including breed, size and nutrition.

Nutrition plays a huge role, especially in large breed dogs because of their genetic propensity for rapid growth.  High energy intake directly accelerates growth rate by supplying excessive nutrients.  High calcium levels in large breed dogs is also detrimental because it can cause premature mineralization of the bone.  In order to avoid these conditions, large breed dogs can be fed a special canine large breed growth diet that is formulated for low calcium and low energy.  You have been feeding an adult large breed maintenance diet that exceeds Joceyln's energy needs and calcium requirements.  To confound the problem, Jocelyn has been getting her food free choice and receiving too many calories. 

In order to stop the progression of the disease, I recommend performing a triple pelvic osteotomy.  This is a surgery appropriate for Jocelyn's age and condition. Use of Rimadyl alone has not been working well for her. The surgery involves cutting out several pieces of bone and reattaching them using a plate in such a 
way that minimizes the stress on the joints.  Complications may involve nerve damage, a change in gait, or rejection of the plate or screws.  However, complications of this procedure are rare.  Only one side at a time can be done.  I will do the right side first, her more painful side.  When that heals, I can assess whether or not to do the same procedure on the left side.

At home, it is important to restrict Jocelyn's activity to leash walks while she is healing.  She should be able to resume moderate activity levels within six weeks. Good activities are swimming and walks on softer surfaces. However, she may develop arthritic conditions later on in life that would restrict her activity.   Keep the surgery site clean and keep her from licking it.  I will need to see her back here in two weeks to take out the sutures.  In six weeks, I will take more radiographs to assess healing of the bones. I also need to keep her on a daily dose of Rimadyl until then.  After she has healed, you can give her the Rimadyl on more painful days only.

In order to alleviate the nutritional problems, I suggest putting her on a large breed puppy growth diet until she is a year old then switching to the adult diet.  You need to feed her twice a day based on her weight and you need to discontinue feeding her free choice.  Weight management is important in her case.  Obesity will only make things worse for her.  Appropriate feeding and exercise will maintain an ideal body weight and improve her quality of life.