Author Topic: Possible hip dysplasia???  (Read 3129 times)

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Offline Leo0106

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Possible hip dysplasia???
« on: November 08, 2017, 06:44:13 PM »
Hi all, I popped Leo to the vets today as he has been holding up his right front paw on occasion at present. I'm completely hypervigilant when it comes to the possibility of him being injured so assumed there was no problem.. HOWEVER... when I was there, the vet checked all his legs and when he extended his right rear leg Leo REALLY told him off.. He's overexcited and mouthy anyway but this was a clear growl as if he was in pain.
The vet suggested it may be hip dysplasia and suggested that I have let him run up and down stairs too much when he was young. I quickly corrected him, telling him that Leo has never had access to stairs until 2 weeks ago when I took the stair gate off. He's put Leo on anti inflammatories for a week and then has asked to see him again.
My questions are:
Is hip dysplasia only caused by running up and down stairs whilst young?? If so it can't be dysplasia as he never climbed stairs!
What are the implications for his short term/long term health if it is dysplasia?
Should he be showing pain?


If anyone's got any info on this I would greatly appreciate it, the vets, although lovely, don't really give much explanation!

Offline bizzylizzy

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2017, 07:21:29 PM »
Hmmmmm🤔 My instinct would be to get a second opinion. I don‘t know enough about HD to offer advice, my first dog, a German Shepherd, had HD, it  was hereditary and gradually got worse as he got older but although he started to have trouble walking eventually, he didn‘t display any signs of pain such as you have described. A definite diagnosis, as far as I am aware, would be done with xray and the way you‘ve described it, I get the feeling the vet‘s not that sure, which is maybe why he‘s been unable to give you clear information. Maybe give the anti inflamatories a chance to work, incase its just a strained muscle but I wouldn‘t worry yourself too much about HD at this stage, at least until its been positively diagnosed.
Hope Leo‘s feeling better soon!  :bigarmhug:

Offline Rhodri0311

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #2 on: November 08, 2017, 07:37:01 PM »
Rhodri has a mild case of hip dysplasia which was diagnosed when he was about 17 months - he's now just turned two. We noticed he had an occasional limp in his back left leg so took him to the vet - he had X-rays under anaesthetic and was put on a course of tablets but the limp remained. He was referred to a specialist vet and had further X-rays. The hip dysplasia is only mild and should not cause him any issues at this stage but the vet could not determine why he still has the limp. He's not stiff at all and runs around like an idiot not showing any signs of pain so the vet advised just to keep an eye on him. We give him joint supplements daily and he's a happy little chap.

Sorry not much help but just wanted to let you know our experience. I would definitely get some X-rays done so you know exactly what you're dealing with.


Offline Leo0106

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2017, 08:16:08 PM »
Thanks both,
Yes I did get the impression that the vet didn't know what to suggest and that dysplasia was the 'go to' diagnosis.. I'm not really sure anything is wrong.. I have always had my worries about him but as a first time puppy mummy I assume that's normal. No-one has ever suggested he walks or runs funny other than me, and our trainer is very good at picking up these things and sees Leo on a regular occurrence and never has mentioned anything.
I may push for a set of xrays to calm my nerves and rule out anything however but im sure i am just worrying over nothing.

I called my mum in a panic and he suggested maybe it being a bit of muscle strain due to the fact he's never been allowed to use the stairs regularly and within the last 2 weeks he has used them since I have taken the gate off??? Not sure what you guys think about that

Offline Mudmagnets

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2017, 09:31:59 PM »
You could give him the tablets and not allow him the stairs for a couple of weeks or so, see if it calms down and then go for xrays option if it appears to be persistant?
Remembering Smudge 23/11/2006 - 3/8/2013, and Branston 30/8/14 - 28/10/22 both now at the Bridge.

Offline hoover

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2017, 11:19:16 AM »
It would be unusual to be hip dysplasia but not out of the question.  But you've not had any concerns about his back legs - only his front right, so I don't really see any cause for concern if you're not noticing unusual movement when walking or running (the 'bunny hop' run can be a sign.)  It could be that Leo is just not a fan of body handling in general and chose that moment to say he was uncomfortable with what was happening.  Ollie would certainly have done that when younger...tolerated a bit at the vets and then decided 'no, I've had enough of this' and indicated he wasn't happy with continued handling.

Offline bizzylizzy

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #6 on: November 09, 2017, 01:33:10 PM »
Coincidentally, my vet said the same thing this morning -we were there about something else but as Humphrey also does the little bunny hop occasionally, I thought I‘d mention it. He said it was an indication of HD but only an xray could confirm. Humphrey doesn‘t seem bothered by it so its probably only a mild form anyway and so I‘ve decided to leave be for the time being.

Offline Leo0106

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #7 on: November 09, 2017, 05:58:10 PM »
Thanks all, yes I would be shocked if it was HD... I've never seen him complain about his hind legs before, he is not particularly tolerent of prolonged handling anything so I do wonder whether he was just getting fed up..
I'm conscious of the fact I don't want to leave him with something that could potentially do him harm in the long run but also very conscious of the fact I don't really want to put him under anaesthetic again for an x-ray if he's not showing any pain. He's already been under anaesthetic twice in his short little life and I don't believe it does them any good really.
I spoke to my trainer last night who has seen HD a lot before, we are seeing her on Saturday for a scentwork day so she will observe him for me but she's seen him since he was so little and has never raised concerns either

Offline Aimeetess

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #8 on: November 10, 2017, 04:52:20 PM »
How old is he?

Mines 5 months now and had a injured leg at 4, still on crate rest but my vets will always put them on crate rest for 5 weeks and they have to still be lame to have a x-ray. Im confused why your vet is pushing a xray when he isn't lame etc.

Offline Leo0106

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #9 on: November 11, 2017, 08:08:56 PM »
Hi aimeetess, Leo has just turned a year old,
Yes I must say, I was shocked the vet jumped straight to recommend xrays etc and I am not keen on him having them when he is not showing pain etc.
We have also been discussing this in my post in the behaviour and training section and although i don't think I can rule out all health issues at the minute I do feel any long lasting issues such as HD are a longshot. He's such a happy active lad.

Offline PennyB

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #10 on: November 13, 2017, 12:20:18 AM »
Orthopaedic work is often left to specialists anyway and the only way a vet can determine this is also with x-rays - Lady's was but then she had begun limping anyway but wasn't in pain (my vets took the x-rays then they send to a specialist who may be able to tell from x-rays or need further imaging) - in her case she was much older and had got used to it (she is quite strudy though and my vet has put her on pain meds regardless).

Am assuming you have no issues still with the intermittent limp still (which could be anything or nothing)
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Offline Leo0106

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #11 on: November 13, 2017, 07:12:14 AM »
Hi penny,
Yes no sign of limping now, just the odd aversion to having his rear right leg extended.
He definitely dosnt appear to be in any pain, I'd say the only cause for concern is that recently he plays up when it's time for a walk. He goes under the table when I get his harness out but once harness is on he's very excited to go

Offline bizzylizzy

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #12 on: November 13, 2017, 10:01:10 AM »
Hi penny,
Yes no sign of limping now, just the odd aversion to having his rear right leg extended.
He definitely dosnt appear to be in any pain, I'd say the only cause for concern is that recently he plays up when it's time for a walk. He goes under the table when I get his harness out but once harness is on he's very excited to go

Humphrey always goes and lies in his bed when I get lead, harness or collar out, its strange. However, I was watching loads of loose lead training videos last week, as you know  ;), one of them pointed out, that the first stage of being in control of the walk is by making the dog come to you to get his lead on, i.e. the walk is on your terms, so I‘ve started making him to come to me now and he has to sit while I get him ready. Nothing to do with your original question I know, but just thought it was an interesting point and took this opportunity to mention it.🙂

Offline Darwin

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #13 on: November 13, 2017, 06:21:07 PM »
I was going to suggest a hydro session as a good way of relaxing any pulled muscle. I'm a big fan of hydro as it really help Darwin post spinal op recovery

Hiding under the table is a good cocker game! But it could be his harness is rubbing or pinching, so maybe that's why he's not keen on it.  Darwin has been known to limp / stop and lift up his paw if his harness isn't right.

Offline Leo0106

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Re: Possible hip dysplasia???
« Reply #14 on: November 23, 2017, 08:07:01 PM »
Hi all. Ever so sorry for my delay in response, it's been a mad fee weeks!
Had the behaviourist in on Tuesday afternoon, she gave me some great strategies for boundaries, manners etc and trying tonreduce his aversion to touch. She also helped me learn how to give him chance to use his natural prey instincts in a productive way which dosnt mean he uses his teeth so much. All very positive. She manipulated his hips for me and he did react BUT for 2 days we've been using a boundary mat game, and for 2 days he's put his harness on far better and I've not been nipped so much! Feeling very positive. 
I went back to the vets, they still think it's hip dysplasia however I'm really not convinced and don't fancy putting him through the stress of xrays etc if he's not in pain so I've decided to see how he goes.